On this episode of In Conversation, I spoke with James Smith and Ryan Needham of the exciting new post-punk quartet out of Leeds, Yard Act.
I had spoken with Smith and Needham for a “Best of What’s Next” feature in Paste Magazine just before the release of their debut album The Overload. Ever since, it has been a thrill to see their album gain critical notoriety and success the more they tour. It’s easy to see why the album has exploded, as Smith’s hilarious and vivid wordplay pairs perfectly with the band’s muscular and slinky instrumentals.
I ran into Smith after a show at Johnny Brenda’s here in Philadelphia and we talked about their tour of the States that brought them to SXSW and Coachella. The next day they were planning on making their U.S. television debut on the Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon.
The band is already a huge draw in the UK, but I wanted to catch up with them on this podcast to see how it had been touring the states for the first time. In this chat, Smith and Needham also alluded to a secret collaboration with an extremely famous musician. As it turns out, that musician was none-other than Elton John. The band teamed up with the legendary songwriter for a recently released rendition of Overload closer “100% Endurance” with John on piano and vocals.
Yard Act have a full plate of touring throughout the rest of 2022 with a run of shows in the U.S. this Fall.