Yard Act on Andy Burnham, capitalism, and the power of art as community: "Nigel Farage is a dark entity that must be struck out at all costs"

In the midst of London's sweltering heatwave, James Smith, the frontman of Yard Act, sits in a rare patch of shade, his eyes gleaming with a mix of exhaustion and excitement. "It's been a big week!" he exclaims, rattling off a list of accomplishments that includes visiting the Royal Academy to see his paintings, an interview with NME, and a therapy session the next day. This juggling act serves as a poignant reminder of the band's recent trajectory, as they approach the release of their third album, "You're Gonna Need A Little Music," a career-defining effort that delves into the complexities of art, ambition, and the societal ills plaguing modern Britain.

For Smith and his bandmates, Ryan Needham, Sam Shipstone, and Jay Russell, the past few years have been a whirlwind of creative and commercial success. Their debut album, "The Overload," earned a Mercury Prize nomination, catapulting them to prominence within the UK music scene. However, this sudden ascent has taken its toll on the band, particularly Smith, who now finds himself grappling with the "hangover after a very wild ride." As they navigate the treacherous waters of rampant capitalism and institutional corruption, Yard Act is searching for a way to maintain their artistic integrity while staying true to their values.

Against the backdrop of a climate disaster-stricken Britain, Yard Act's music serves as a beacon of hope and a reminder of the transformative power of art. Their latest single, "New Beginnings," opens with a swaggering, Beck-like energy, proclaiming that "something's gotta change." The song's message of optimism and renewal resonates deeply in the midst of Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister and the subsequent power vacuum. Smith wryly observes, "Maybe Andy Burnham will use 'New Beginnings' on his campaign trail like D:Ream and 'Things Can Only Get Better.'"

As Yard Act embarks on this new chapter in their career, they are not only pushing the boundaries of their music but also leveraging their platform to address the pressing issues of our time. Smith's own artistic endeavors, including his paintings showcased at the RA Summer Exhibition, have become an integral part of his creative expression. By sharing his work on Instagram as @mrmuckybrushes, he is tapping into the democratizing potential of social media, allowing his art to reach a broader audience and fostering a sense of community around his creative endeavors.

In a world that often prioritizes profit over people, Yard Act's music and art serve as a powerful counter-narrative, evidence of the human spirit's capacity for resilience and creativity. As Smith reflects on the band's journey, he acknowledges the importance of finding balance between artistic expression and the harsh realities of the world around them. With "You're Gonna Need A Little Music," Yard Act is poised to deliver a sonic and visual experience that not only showcases their growth as musicians but also highlights the transformative power of art to inspire, provoke, and heal.

As Yard Act continues to navigate the complex landscape of modern Britain, their music and art serve as a reminder that, even in the darkest of times, there is always hope for a better tomorrow. As Smith wryly notes, "It's all coming together as we planned..", evidence of the enduring power of creativity and the human spirit's capacity for resistance in the face of adversity.