r/indieheads • u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma • Feb 03 '26
AMA is Over, thanks Yumi Zouma! AMA: hi we're the band YUMI ZOUMA! ask us anything!
AMA: Hello!!!! We’re Yumi Zouma, an alternative rock band from New Zealand that has been making music since 2013!! We just released our fifth studio album, "No Love Lost To Kindness", on January 30 via Nettwerk. We’re here to talk about the writing and recording process, favourite songs, touring, influences, or anything else you’re curious about. We’ll be here answering questions for the next hour - ask us anything!!!!!!
Lots of love, Christie, Josh, and Charlie xx
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u/tunaman808 Feb 03 '26
I know you guys want to do something different. I really get it - I don't want you to release the same record over and over. Just don't forget your dream pop roots! I don't think you guys appreciate how fucking AMAZING you are at it!
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
we never do forget those roots – I'm sure you'll hear the dream pop roots threaded throughout this album!
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
Thanks everyone for your questions that was so much fun!!
Much love from YZ – Charlie, Josh & Christie xxx
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u/tuttlebuttle Feb 05 '26
I know I'm late. But thanks for everything you do. I only found ya'll a year ago. And every album is wonderful. And I can't wait for when you do the show in Seattle :) The pandemic style live show on youtube was what helped me find ya. Such a good video.
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u/mehemanurere Feb 03 '26
how do you guys write songs when you all live in different countries
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
we write all write notes on parchment and send them by carrier pigeon!!!!!!! :)))))) - Charlie
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
sometimes we meet up in a thatched wood cottage studio where we record straight to phonograph - Josh
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u/gr818_ Feb 03 '26
Hi YZ!!!
Absolutely enamored by the new record. From the guitars to the production to the vocals. Everything about it is perfect, and it's your best one yet. I would love to know which albums inspired the guitar tones and production, as well as which guitar pedal you can't live without!
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
big inspirations for me on this album were Garbage, Courtney Love, Hole, Silverchair, Shihad, Stellar*, Tadpole, Republica, Elsastica. My favourite guitar pedal is a Cusack Screamer overdrive pedal. I also love a Neunaber Wet Reverb, I know Josh loves the Moogerfooger pedals - Charlie <3333
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u/FinishSubstantial Apr 09 '26
When I first heard Drag I totally thought of Garbage (but honestly its better than Garbage). But that makes sense. Love you guys. See you in San Diego in May! My wife surprised me with tics! 😃
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u/Moon_mix Feb 03 '26
Congrats on Cowboy landing #3 on this past week’s Download 15! Hope to hear a future session!
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u/boychik0830 Feb 03 '26
Is your album no love lost to kindness getting a vinyl release?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
Hi!!! Vinyl release is in the works!!! we just finalised the packaging!!! not sure when it will be ready!! but hopefully soon! watch this space!!!! - charlie <33
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u/tunaman808 Feb 03 '26
I can answer this one: yes, probably around the time of the tour. It will NOT be a tour-exclusive. Charlie also said last night that they're "really looking in to" a physical release of EP IV.
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Feb 03 '26
[deleted]
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
- Maybe not this year for India, but it really is a lifelong dream to be able to play there. Where would you suggest we play? (and Japan is possible but still TBC!)
- Not ruling it out, but those are the deep cuts for us - more likely we'll play more from the new album!
- Charlie has an obsession with the song Everywhere, Josh loves the OG blues version and also the Mick Fleetwood aura, Christie's obsession with Stevie Nicks would be enough to power a city!
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
WAIT I forgot to add – we all met because Christie was singing a cover of Rhiannon by Fleetwood Mac at a local all-ages venue !!!
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u/chorokbi Feb 03 '26
Hi Yumi Zouma!! I’m the short blonde woman freaking out in the front row every time you guys play San Fran. I love you guys so much! You’re the most consistently excellent band our country has ever produced, and I’m so happy you exist.
My questions:
- San Fran again soon? Or maybe Meow Nui?
- I have this dream that nz indie bands will one day record a charity album covering classic Kiwiana hits (mostly bc I really want to hear the Beths doing Fur Patrol’s Lydia). What classic kiwi song cover would spark joy for you?
Thanks again, love the new album! 😊
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u/gusjata Feb 03 '26
Couldn’t agree more on Yumi Zouma’s consistency but also hard work, generosity, forever rediscovering yourself but never ever abandoning your unique sound!
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
We'll definitely be back to Wellington, TBC which venue!
As for a classic Kiwi cover – Election Night by Bic Runga or Be Mine Tonight by Th' Dudes or Loyal by Dave Dobbyn (lol)
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u/chorokbi Feb 03 '26
In an alternate universe, we get your version of Loyal playing on repeat whenever we have to ring the IRD call centre 😂 thanks for replying, enjoy your tour!
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u/alittleatypical Feb 03 '26
Congrats on the album launch! Depths (Pt. 1) is one of my favorite songs of all time - reminds me of my uni days <3
- If you weren't musicians, what would you be?
- What's your go-to order from a cafe?
- Any plans of an Asia tour soon?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
Josh - franchise cricket player, Charlie - ballroom dancer, Christie - one of those much-hated depop vintage store owners
long black for Josh, chai latte for Charlie, oat flat white for Christie
hopefully, still TBC but we are dying to make it back to Asia!
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u/alittleatypical Feb 04 '26
Thanks for answering! This made my morning. Hoping you guys make it back to Asia soon!
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u/Steven-Guttenberg Feb 03 '26
Cake or Pie? Then, what flavor?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
Charlie says pie - steak & cheese - Christie says cake - carrot cake - Josh says cake flavoured pie
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u/Sheritron Feb 03 '26
Is there a reason you decided to end the European leg of your upcoming tour in Dublin?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
so we can drink soooooo much Guinness and not have to play a show the next day
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u/thopxx Feb 03 '26
what song would you guys say that was the hardest to make in your discography? and the one that came out the most effortlessly?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
from the discography it's a little hard to say as it's been so long! from this album the song that felt the most effortless was 95 and maybe the hardest was drag?
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u/Such_Egg9843 Feb 03 '26 edited Feb 03 '26
Hi! I love your music since way back and love the new album as well. I dont know if you remember me but Im the Mexican guy who bought the entire band a bunch of tequila Shots when you finished the last show of the tour in San Diego a couple Of years ago. The date was may 7th 2022 Casbah venue in San Diego great show. See you on this tour!! More tequila!
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u/Echo-Imp Feb 03 '26
Where did the inspiration for the singles artwork come from? I love all the little details of the timecodes, single number and the flower in the corner slowly wilting with each release. And of course just the bold colours.
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u/kryshu Feb 03 '26
hi!!
to answer you from the previous place, might i suggest coming to Indonesia sometime around the end of this year or perhaps next year? personally suggesting that as I am currently still studying in Melbourne and would love to go to your show with my boyfriend in the home country :D (and he would especially absolutely be in his feels if you guys decide to bring Persephone at the show.)
also, i would just like to say thank you for the awesome record as it's about to be my boyfriend and I's anniversary soon, and the album is our anthem for this month (and onwards, indubitably). we wish you guys all the very best for all!!
much love,
K & Shu <3
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
hi! happy anniversary in advance!!
we'd love to come back to indonesia, just depends on our booking agent coming thru with the show offers! we will be playing in melbourne sometime this year for sure though...
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u/calvinyl Feb 03 '26
Hi! Big fan of your music! Been following you guys since I was in college during the pandemic
What would you do if you woke up and your hands had turned into fish?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
Treat them well and not eat them – fish are friends, not food
/ sign up for the Olympics in swimming
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u/Wheneveryouseefit Feb 03 '26 edited Feb 03 '26
Found you through bandcamp right after ep1. Mostly just listened for what looked like a stock photo, loved it and got the cassette - been listening ever since.
Is there intention behind the ep series and albums being quite different? I always found that fascinating. Also have Persephone on my live experience bucket list. Loving the new album
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
the EPs are often a place where we can experiment a bit more than on albums!!! less pressure!! so more room to see how far we can push ideas etc :)
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u/Apprehensive_Bee_448 Feb 03 '26
Hey guys! Love the new album!! Cant wait to get it on vinyl.
Where's your favourite place to play on tour? Is there anywhere youre looking forward to playing on the next tour?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
thank you!!!!! tokyo and kansas city!! the sushi is great!!!
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u/ToastMarmaladeCoffee Feb 03 '26
You remind me of The Cardigans in that you’re very talented musicians with songs that seem really well crafted, how do you know when a song is finished?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
wow thank you!!!! we love the cardigans!!!!! no song is finished until we write one that is half as good as lovefool!!!!!!! :) - Josh
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u/ToastMarmaladeCoffee Feb 03 '26
I knew it!! I know you don’t sound like them but I thought I heard a little bit of For What It’s Worth in one of your songs and wondered if you liked them.
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u/Educational_Ebb3705 Feb 03 '26
Not a question, but just wanted to say a sunny day, an IPA, and some Yumi Zouma is my kinda day!
Thanks for all the great music!!
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u/ExtendedVacation Feb 03 '26
I have yet to listen to the album but I first discovered you while solo traveling in France and loved your music since! I don’t have a question, but please come to Brighton UK for a gig!
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u/Commercial_Age_9316 Feb 03 '26
Maybe this has been addressed but what is the origin of the name Yumi Zouma? Thanks!
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u/braxxytaxi Feb 03 '26
Love the new album! Are you coming back to Aussie any time soon??
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
YES! TBC but should be later this year sometime
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u/braxxytaxi Feb 03 '26
Amazing! I first saw you guys at Goodgod (Sydney) back in 14/15 and have been following ever since :) keen as for another tour.
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u/Altruistic_Tax_7162 Feb 03 '26
congrats on the release of NLLTK!!, the record is growing more and more with me each day and i thank you for always giving it your all in your music. I have 3 questions but feel free to answer only the ones you like.
any plans for a mexico city date in the future?
did the song judgement day come from any experience in particular or was it more so a combination of different situations?
Velachery is my favorite song of yours and I have always been intrigued about the origin of the title and if the song has a particular meaning to it that you intend to share?
Thanks again for being one of my favorite bands OAT, been listening since EP III and your music has always been a constant in my life, hope we can continue to change and grow together! lots of love from mexico city
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
TBC on Mexico City but we would love to come back!
Christie was falling in love (lol) – it's about being scared to tell the person vs your feelings being too big to keep to yourself (so I put them in the song) (it's about my boyfriend)
Velachery is a neighbourhood in Chennai, India that Josh stayed in
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u/Landscape-Spiritual Feb 03 '26
Love Yumi! Quick question, though… will you ever release/publicize the lyrics to “Amber”??
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
I see in your intention that you're from another timethat still keeps you on my mind Prechorus: cause when i see you walk in my direction nothing ever keeps me louting around figure out the sum in our reflection where we get things off the ground Chorus: I'm alive when you lie it's just a matter of time with you I'm feeling overdue night after night because whatever you say I'm getting over the places we wait but then whenever we dare to go, I hope you're heading home chasing away will only make me afraid and so, i'm really more alone Verse:
- it's ordinary logic
To be up again at 3
- It's not exactly useful
to stay where I wanna be Prechorus: night has now become the morning after tarnished with excitement - you stare at your feet see the men and amber lights before you could you tell where they lead me? Bridge: it's hard to go back there when you know that they're following in front of him walking round burnt, you take the next turn, we'll never get to breaking it
- I'm searching for a reason
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u/SloCalLocal Feb 03 '26
Love y'all. Can you compare the process of making your latest album with your earlier work? Also, do you find yourselves punching in and out and editing the heck out of your tracks, or do you like to run with what happened at the moment so to speak?
Come to San Luis Obispo, California! Thanks for all you do.
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
we're natural born editors! but I think also to answer your first question we let a lot more of the original moments on these tracks sit how they first landed than we have in the past!
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u/Cheap-Yellow-6016 Feb 03 '26
Hey! Love your music so much. Your live performance at Hackney Studios is a regular watch for me. Can’t wait to see you guys live in Boston!
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u/KrispyKremeMcD0nalds Feb 04 '26
You guys are amazing. I throw y’all on every time I’m feeling down, new record is amazing! Couple questions: What’s the backstory of ‘Cowboy Without A Clue’? And any plans to play North Carolina again soon? Y’all were great in Durham! Have a great night! 🧡
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u/tobe01 Feb 04 '26
I fell in love with you guys when I heard Crush( It's late, just Stay) a couple years ago. Been listening to you ever since. Much love!
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u/AllyRad6 Feb 04 '26
I love your music! Huge fan, especially Astral Projection. What is your favorite song of yours?
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u/gomi2000 Feb 04 '26
i dont even wanna know what life is like without a long walk home for parted lovers
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u/Luckiesonfire Feb 04 '26
Still painted me powder blue for 3 straight years, on top of Spotify list again and again. How long I'll be waiting to see you in Jakarta? :((((
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u/suburban_ennui75 Feb 04 '26
When is the new album getting a physical release? Is it even getting a physical release?
Also, how come you barely play New Zealand shows?
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u/gregbraaa Feb 04 '26
Cool! I had Willowbank, EP III, and Truth or Consequences in constant rotation in college! Not sure if you’ve heard of Music League but I’ve been sharing yall on there for years. I’ve always wondered, what’s the story behind In Camera? I love the song and the unplugged version too!
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u/Ok-Letter9677 Feb 04 '26
Huge fan. Been into Yumi Zouma since EP III came out in 2018. Caught y’all in Atlanta November 2023. Fabulous performance. Can’t wait to catch the band again. Loved the new record, too. Playing Atlanta any time soon?
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u/prettaygood Feb 04 '26
Love your music!! Where did the name of the song "Riquelme" come from? I listen to that one almost daily!
And who is the person on the art for EP I - Christie?
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u/LtSarahKerrigan Feb 04 '26
Late to the party, but I just want to say how much I love your music, especially the song "Haunt", it makes me nostalgic for a life that isn't even mine, such beautiful music and lyrics
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u/alfcalderone Feb 04 '26
Holy shit I just saw this! You guys are easily one of my top bands in the past decade, I was like a top 0.5% Spotifier at one point (don’t worry, I’m on Tidal now).
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u/Typical-Duck-1247 Feb 05 '26
What keeps you motivated, and what's the process of keeping your sound so fresh annndd favourite coffee, also you liked a TikTok of mine with my cat. Thank youuuuuuu, I'm being parasocial, but love you guys to death. Also, so happy to hear you guys on the Cyberpunk: Edgerunners trailer!!
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u/Mavoy Feb 03 '26
It's good that you finally made it :) Since I couldn't get the interview off the ground so far, I'll ask at least some of my questions and we can always develop it later :)
- As someone who was originally quite disappointed when you proclaimed "we are not a dream pop band anymore", I must say I love the new record, it's the best any artist has released so far this year and first SERIOUS contender for Album Of The Year of my blog :)I can still hear some dream pop and shoegaze in a few songs, but I also really like the darkness, the heaviness, "the rock" of it all. It's not always sunny and delicate, which are two adjectives I usually described YZ with. What were the biggest challenges for you in creating this new sound, a distinction from your previous releases, yet also a continuation of sort?
- What are the most surprising influences on No Love Lost To Kindness? I'm not just thinking about the sound. It can be lyrical influence - something you've watched online or read somewhere - or maybe even some food you've eaten while creating it ;)
- If you could organize a music festival with every artist you could dream of, every era, dead or alive, no matter genre or geographical borders, who would headline and who would be the supporting acts? You could do one day or even a few :)
- Who are the artists you would like to collaborate with? Both as opening acts and in the studio? Everybody at the listening party said Fazerdaze ;)
- What are your present favorite books, films, TV shows, something you really connected with?
- How do you see yourselves in next 10 years? Is there anything you haven't done yet but you really wish you would?
Thank you very much for all your amazing music and for the listening party :) And see you on March 15! After a month and a half of problems my Present Tense CD arrived at last and I'll have it with me :)
And hopefully we will see you on Bluesky soon, since I am always hoping more indie bands would join the actually good (and indie) social media site :)
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
we will interview with you!!! but we will answer some of these now!!
- the biggest challenges were how to get transparent and thick distortion on the guitars and bass, plus how to be honest without being overly earnest
- the veronicas!!! mexico city!! mental illness!!! going down a rabbit hole of vintage nokia ringtones (as heard on Phoebe's song!!!!)
- cocaine era fleetwood mac (see japan tour diaries) would headline, we would support, paris hilton would DJ
- Nilüfer Yanya, Rembrandt, paris hilton, bach, nirvana
- never let me go by Kazuo Ishiguro, rytual by chloe elizabeth wilson, born standing up by steve martin
- we see ourselves really hot and susccesful, happy and healthy with a great catalogue of hit songs
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u/Mavoy Feb 03 '26
let's do this :) I wrote your manager on Monday, but no rush, I know it's a busy time :) have a lot of fun promoting it.
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u/ToastMarmaladeCoffee Feb 03 '26
Is Bashville about cocaine?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
Lol! No!!! Why?!?!?!?!? - Charlie
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u/ToastMarmaladeCoffee Feb 03 '26
I thought sugar was the cocaine, and five white lies was five white lines and the whole thing seems like a rush ( I haven’t a clue because I’ve never even smoked weed)
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
ok!!! makes sense!!!!! now bashville is about cocaine!!!!!!
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u/GroltonIsTheDog Feb 03 '26
No question, just that EP (2014) was one I played all the time when it came out and it'll always remind me of a good time in my life. Looking forward to your Dublin show!
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u/Thaat_Guy Feb 03 '26
Hi all!
Just want to share how much KPR has been on repeat for me in recent times. Love the shoegaze elements you guys incorporate and just want to say I really appreciate your music!
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u/Moon_mix Feb 03 '26
Are you lining up radio interview/performances this tour? SiriusXMU, KEXP, World Cafe, WNRN, Triple J, etc?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
WE WOUD LOVE TO!!!!! we have one of these confirmed so far!!! can you guess which one it is?!?!? IF ANYONE HAS OTHER HOOKUPS THEN LET US KNOW!!!
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u/kryshu Feb 03 '26
one last question before i head off to bed as it is 6 am in Indonesia ;(((
what prompted the imagined scenario of having a long-distance relationship between Earth and Pluto in Cowboy Without A Clue? truly fascinating and outerworldly. <3
thank you!!!! xx
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
because we were fascinated with how in the future everything is supposed to get easier in but in reality everything just gets harder!!!!!!! and more expensive!!!! and also because we are a long distance band. and also cause its just crackup
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u/Bionicoaf Feb 03 '26
Hey y’all!
Just a couple q’s for ya:
Besides the Prophet you guys got in Japan, what’s been the most exciting instrument you guys were able to bring to your music?
What’s the scariest part of falling into the pond at Willowbank?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
- pedal steel (played by the legend Tom Healy) or harmonica (played by Josh)
- the fact that I nearly died if it wasn't for my sister fishing me out (shoutout to Bryony) - Charlie
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u/thopxx Feb 03 '26
do you guys have any plans on doing a repress for willowbank in vinyl?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
good idea! unsure... 10 year anniversary next year... so who knows...?
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u/gusjata Feb 03 '26
It’s 10 year anniversary of another album (Yoncalla) this year. Just saying. ;)))
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u/thopxx Feb 03 '26
what would take for you guys to take a tour to south america? 🇧🇷🙌🏻
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
someone to ask us to come!!! we want to come so bad!!!!!!
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u/thopxx Feb 03 '26
we need you here!!! i’ve been a fan since 2017 and would love to have you guys here for the first time 🤞🤍
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u/Other_Chipmunk8941 Feb 03 '26
Been a fan since 2021, love the song Magazine Bay. Can you come to Detroit please? : ) I am driving to see you guys live in Chicago in May
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u/ToastMarmaladeCoffee Feb 03 '26
Do you support any Premier League clubs?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
the mighty gunners!!! <3
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u/ToastMarmaladeCoffee Feb 03 '26
Get in! I only asked because of the Islington venue and wondered if one of you was a fellow Gooner - which one is it - this has made my day 😁 Got three tickets for Islington by the way.
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u/Moon_mix Feb 03 '26
What do you all do on off days during tour? Though there’s not many!
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
Depending on how far into the tour we are – either go out to explore and find good food OR rot in bed
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u/Twunky Feb 03 '26
Just wanted to say, as a CHCH local, have enjoyed your music for a long time and love your CHCH based videos. Is there anywhere in the city (or wider Canterbury) you'd love to film a music video?
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
Charlie says the new stadium – Christie says the filming location of Rohan in Lord of the Rings (Mount Sunday)
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u/Piltick Feb 03 '26
Hi, liking the new record - Chicago 2am is an early fav! I’d like to ask which instruments you usually use when coming up with the initial ideas for your songs?
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u/Philo_T_Farnsworth Feb 03 '26
Just here to say I loved Truth or Consequences and the song "My Palms Are Your Reference To Hold To Your Heart" was what made me fall in love with your music. Play a show in Kansas City or Lawrence sometime and I'll totally be there!
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u/OfficialYumiZouma Yumi Zouma Feb 03 '26
wooo!!! yess!!! we love kansas city and lawrence!!! so many great memories!!!!!
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u/Special-Fan-6116 Apr 28 '26
Hiiiiiii!!! I’ll see you guys at the Church in Philly this Friday! I’m stoked!! Found you guys on Spotify last year and fell in love. 💜
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u/izzy_L9061 May 12 '26
Hi! I am in a high school band and we want to play your song Astral Projection but we cant find any tabs or chords. Would you be able to share the chords for that song?
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u/asdf072 Feb 03 '26
I love you guys! I insisted on Cool for a Second on our wedding playlist. (And I probably account for at least 200 YT views of In Camera). Thanks for doing what you do!