Scottish band Yabba have been causing a lot of talk after their live sets last year. The quintet released their debut single ‘Get by’ last month so Backseat Mafia caught up with the band to find out all about them and what the future holds.
Give us a potted history of the band
The current outfit that make up YABBA have only been going since February 2022. Two of the founding members Josh (vocals) and Max (Drums) have been working together for at least 7 years. Throughout that time the band ran under a different name and had alternate members throughout. All of us currently reside in Dumfries and Galloway as this is where the majority of the band are from. We write, practice, and work in Dumfries. Currently we are mixing our debut EP and working on new material to showcase next year. We got our first recognition after our support on Enola Gay’s UK tour in March 2022. We were picked up by ATC Live and Nice Swan Records – whom we are releasing our EP under.
Who inspired you to start making music
Our inspiration is basically any form of what we call “Big Music”.
And the one or maybe two records that inspired you artistically
Bands like Primus are different and aren’t constricted to any type-form and really show you how writing for yourself and letting go makes the best music. Records like “Something” from the Butthole Surfers is a good example of the separate instrumentations falling apart and then coming together again for the big chorus. Which is also the way we work.
If you’re trying to explain whom you sound like to someone that’s never heard you, what do you say
To describe the band to someone who’s never heard us – we usually use the term “Big Music”. But one phrase that seems to follow us around is also “Sleaze-Disco”.
Tell us about your new single
‘Get By’ is our debut single – it’s the best example of how the combination of each band member works together. Like most of the tracks the idea will come from a riff and then everyone is left to fill in the blanks and Josh uses the energy of the song to inspire lyrics if he hasn’t already got some. We try and go as big as we can with each song, so big fuzz pedals, thick bass and big beats allows Elias to usually shriek and wail on his guitar along side Josh. The track was released on the 13th of October by Nice Swan Records and mixed by our drummer, Max, and then mastered by Stef Lopazz.
Where can we get hold of it
It can be found on all major streaming platforms.
Tell us how you write
We are a live band – all the writing, mixing, practice always comes together on stage. We know what we need from a show, and how we like to convey YABBA to the masses. A red light and a good sound technician is all we need. We like to see people move and we put all of our energy into performing our set as hard as we can. Once it’s done were all usually drenched in sweat. People usually come up to us after the show and we welcome that – despite how we might come across on stage. In fact our brothers, Enola Gay said: “They’re all really lovely folk but on stage they’re absolute bastards (in the best way possible)”
Tell us about your live show What would be your dream gig
It would have to be the ‘big one’ – SXSW – with bands like Enola Gay and DROEM.
What can we expect from you in the near future
As for future plans we have our EP release early next year, along with a few headline shows in Newcastle/Manchester/Glasgow. We aim to have some new tracks ready for then as well. Later we have Do Nothing in Huddersfield in May, and then Right to Roam Festival in Bolton in July.
Tell us your favourite records that’s rocking your headphones/tour bus/stereo
The Comet is Coming – Death to the Planet
Salt- Enola Gay
Those Damned Blue-Collar Tweekers- Primus
Culprate – जलाना
Find out more via the band’s Facebook
Check out the band’s track ‘Get By’, below
YABBA Live Dates
2023
23rd Feb – Bobiks, Newcastle
24th Feb – Castle Hotel, Manchester
25th Feb – Broadcast, Glasgow
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