Yard Act Announces third Album, Collaborating with Justin Meldal-Johnsen
Leeds-based Post-punk quartet Yard Act has entered Nave Studio to begin work on their highly anticipated third album, partnering with celebrated producer Justin Meldal-johnsen. The announcement was made via the band’s Instagram account this week, fueling excitement among fans eager to hear new material from the group.
New Album and Production Team
Following the success of their second record, ‘where’s My Utopia?’, released in March 2024, Yard Act has shifted its focus to creating its next musical endeavor. The band described the project as possibly “the greatest third album any band has ever recorded,” signaling a bold ambition for their upcoming release. This time, they are collaborating with Justin Meldal-Johnsen, a prominent figure in music production.
Meldal-Johnsen brings a wealth of experience to the project,having previously served as musical director for Beck from 1996 to 2016,and as a touring musician for Nine Inch Nails. His recent work includes production credits on albums by M83, Wolf Alice, Deafheaven, and St. Vincent, demonstrating a diverse and acclaimed portfolio. Previously,Yard Act co-produced ‘Where’s My utopia?’ with Remi Kabaka Jr., known for his work with Gorillaz.
Touring and Musical Influences
Before diving fully into the album, Yard Act is set to embark on a tour as the opening act for The Hives, starting in Oslo on October 17th. The tour will extend across the UK and Europe, with performances scheduled in Cardiff, Glasgow, Manchester, and London in late November. This opportunity will allow Yard Act to connect with audiences while simultaneously developing their new sound.
The band playfully hinted at the sonic direction of their upcoming album, referencing the vintage t-shirts worn by members during a BBC Radio 6 Music ‘T-Shirt Day’ event. The group quipped that the new album would find a “sweet spot” between the sonic landscapes of Napalm Death and Bill Nelson, suggesting a blend of intensity and melodic sensibilities.
| artist | Notable Credits |
|---|---|
| Justin meldal-Johnsen | Producer for M83,Wolf Alice,St. Vincent; Musical Director for Beck. |
| Remi Kabaka Jr. | Drummer/Producer for Gorillaz. |
Did You Know? The music production industry saw a 7.8% growth in revenue in 2023, highlighting the increasing demand for high-quality music creation, according to a report by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Pro Tip: Supporting artists on tour is a great way to experience their music live and contribute to the music industry’s ecosystem.
The Evolving Landscape of Music Production
The role of the producer in contemporary music is constantly evolving, with artists increasingly looking for collaborators who can bring a unique sonic perspective.The trend toward collaboration between established and emerging artists underscores the importance of creative synergy. Justin Meldal-Johnsen’s involvement with Yard Act exemplifies this trend, pairing a seasoned producer with a rising band to potentially produce a groundbreaking album. The industry has seen a rise in producers moving between different genres, bringing a cross-pollination of sounds that has led to innovative music.
Frequently Asked questions About Yard Act’s New Album
- What is Yard Act working on? Yard Act is currently recording their third studio album at Nave Studio in Leeds.
- Who is producing Yard Act’s new album? Justin Meldal-Johnsen, a producer known for his work with Beck, Nine Inch Nails, and St.Vincent, is producing the album.
- When will Yard act’s new album be released? A release date has not yet been announced.
- Will Yard Act be touring soon? Yes, Yard Act will be joining The Hives on their UK and European tour starting in October 2024.
- What is ‘Where’s My Utopia?’ about? ‘Where’s My Utopia?’ explores themes of modern British life, using samples and references to cultural phenomena.
What are your expectations for Yard Act’s new album, given the caliber of the producer involved? Will you be attending any of their shows on The Hives’ tour?
How might Justin Meldal-Johnsen’s production style influence the overall clarity and impact of the songs?
yard Act Collaborates on Third Album with Beck and Nine Inch Nails Bassist Justin Meldal-Johnsen
The Creative Partnership: Yard Act & Justin Meldal-johnsen
Yorkshire post-punk outfit Yard Act are gearing up for their third studio album, and this time they’re bringing in some serious firepower. The band has announced a collaboration with renowned bassist Justin Meldal-Johnsen, known for his work with Beck, nine Inch Nails, and M83. This partnership signals a possibly exciting evolution for Yard Act’s signature sound, blending their lyrical prowess with Meldal-Johnsen’s established production expertise. The news has already generated critically important buzz within the choice music scene, with fans eagerly anticipating the direction of the new material.
Justin Meldal-Johnsen: A Production Pedigree
Justin Meldal-Johnsen isn’t just a bassist; he’s a highly sought-after producer and multi-instrumentalist. His discography reads like a who’s who of alternative and indie rock.
* Beck: Meldal-Johnsen has been a long-time collaborator with Beck, contributing significantly to albums like Hyperspace and Origin.
* Nine Inch Nails: His work with Trent Reznor and Nine Inch Nails showcases his ability to navigate darker, more experimental soundscapes.
* M83: Meldal-Johnsen’s contributions to M83’s atmospheric sound demonstrate his versatility.
* Other Notable Credits: Paramore, Metric, and St. Vincent are just a few other artists who have benefited from his musical input.
This extensive experience suggests Meldal-Johnsen can offer Yard Act a refined sonic palette while respecting their established identity. Expect a nuanced and textured sound on the upcoming album.
What to Expect from Yard Act’s third Album
While details remain scarce, the collaboration hints at a potential broadening of Yard Act’s musical horizons. Their previous albums, The Overload (2022) and where’s My Polygraph? (2024), were critically acclaimed for their sharp social commentary and angular post-punk energy. Meldal-Johnsen’s involvement could introduce:
* Enhanced Basslines: Meldal-Johnsen’s signature bass playing is known for its melodic complexity and rhythmic drive.
* Textural Depth: Expect more layered arrangements and a richer sonic landscape.
* Refined Production: Meldal-Johnsen’s production skills could elevate the overall clarity and impact of the songs.
* Potential for Experimentation: Given his work with artists like Beck and Nine Inch nails, there’s a possibility of exploring more experimental sonic territories.
Yard Act’s evolution: From Post-Punk to Potential Crossover
Yard Act burst onto the scene with a distinctive voice, blending spoken-word vocals with driving post-punk instrumentation.Their lyrics, frequently enough tackling themes of modern alienation and societal anxieties, resonated with a wide audience.This collaboration with Meldal-Johnsen could be a strategic move to broaden their appeal without compromising their artistic integrity.
* Expanding the Fanbase: Meldal-Johnsen’s association with established artists could attract new listeners.
* Critical Acclaim: A polished and innovative album could garner further critical recognition.
* festival potential: A more dynamic sound could translate well to live performances and festival slots.
Meldal-Johnsen’s Approach to Collaboration
Meldal-Johnsen is known for his collaborative approach to music production. He doesn’t impose his style but rather works with artists to enhance their vision. This suggests he’ll likely focus on amplifying Yard Act’s strengths rather than fundamentally altering their sound. Interviews with artists he’s worked with consistently highlight his ability to listen, understand, and contribute creatively without overshadowing the original artist’s voice. This is a crucial element for a band like Yard Act,who have a very defined aesthetic.
Release Date and Further Information
As of September 22, 2025, a release date for Yard Act’s third album has not been announced. However, the band has confirmed that recording is underway. Fans can stay updated through Yard Act’s official website and social media channels for further announcements regarding the album’s title, tracklist, and release date. Keep an eye on music news outlets like NME, Pitchfork, and consequence of Sound for ongoing coverage of this exciting collaboration.
