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Yumi Zouma

{{short description|New Zealand alternative pop band}}

{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2019}}

{{Use New Zealand English|date=April 2019}}

{{Infobox musical artist

| name = Yumi Zouma

| image = YUMI-ZOUMA-LP3.jpg

| image_size =

| caption =

| alias =

| origin = Christchurch, Canterbury, New Zealand

| genre = {{hlist|Alternative pop|dream pop|electronic|indie pop}}

| years_active = 2014–present

| labels =

| website = {{url|yumizouma.com}}

| current_members = Christie Simpson
Olivia Campion
Charlie Ryder
Josh Burgess

| past_members = Sam Perry
Kim Pflaum

| label = {{hlist|Polyvinyl|Inertia Music|Cascine|Rallye}}

}}

Yumi Zouma ({{IPAc-en|ˈ|j|uː|m|i|_|ˈ|z|uː|m|ə}} {{respell|YOO|mee|_|ZOO|mə}}) are a New Zealand alternative pop band from Christchurch. The band consists of Christie Simpson (vocals, keyboards), Josh Burgess (guitar, bass guitar, vocals, keyboards), Charlie Ryder (guitar, bass guitar, keyboards), and Olivia Campion (drums). The band's name is an amalgamation of the two friends who encouraged the group to start writing together.{{cite web|url=http://mynorthwest.com/330259/interview-new-music-yumi-zouma/?|website=mynorthwest.com|title=Interview + New Music: Yumi Zouma |date=29 June 2016 |access-date=2019-03-27}}

The group's origins trace back to their history of playing concerts together in Christchurch.{{cite web|url=https://i-d.co/article/dream-a-little-dream-with-yumi-zouma/|title=dream a little dream with yumi zouma|website=i-D|access-date=2019-03-27}}{{cite web|url=https://issuu.com/ubiquitymagazine/docs/ubiquity_1/56|title=UBIQUITY (0) - Beginnings by UBIQUITY Magazine|website=Issuu|date=26 August 2015 |access-date=2019-03-27}} However, the band did not begin writing music together until multiple members moved abroad and began collaborating over email following the events of the Christchurch earthquake.{{cite web|url=https://www.npr.org/2017/08/01/540576964/yumi-zoumas-december-feels-like-home?t=1553630435904|website=npr.org|title=NPR Choice page|access-date=2019-03-27}} This early material gained attention within the musical blogosphere and encouraged American label Cascine to sign the band before they had played live or held a band practice.{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/62837475/null|title=Yumi Zouma's overnight success|website=Stuff.co.nz|date=31 October 2014 |access-date=2019-03-27}}

Between 2014 and 2015, the group released two extended plays (EP I, EP II). The band's debut album Yoncalla was released in 2016, including the singles "Keep It Close To Me" and "Barricade (Matter Of Fact)". In 2017, the band released their second album, Willowbank, and the singles "December", "Depths (Pt. I)", and "Half Hour". EP III was released in 2018, including the singles "In Camera" and "Crush (It's Late Just Stay)". In 2020, the band signed to labels Polyvinyl Record Co. and Inertia Music, and released their third album Truth or Consequences, which featured the singles "Right Track / Wrong Man", "Cool For A Second", "Southwark", "Lonely After", and "Sage".

Career

= Early career: ''EP I'' and ''EP II'' (2014–2015) =

Founded by Burgess, Ryder, and vocalist Kim Pflaum, the group began writing music using file sharing services{{cite web|last=Lamoreaux|first=Jason T.|date=March 8, 2017|title=An Interview with Yumi Zouma|url=https://somewherecold.net/2017/03/08/an-interview-with-yumi-zouma/|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170309004719/https://somewherecold.net/2017/03/08/an-interview-with-yumi-zouma/|archive-date=9 March 2017|access-date=March 27, 2019|website=Somewherecold}} when Burgess left New Zealand to work at New York-based record label Captured Tracks.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hoUw1qKH5ic|title=Captured Tracks & Flying Nun|website=YouTube|access-date=2019-03-27}}{{cite web|url=https://www.stuff.co.nz/entertainment/music/97706395/yumi-zouma-living-the-dream|title=Yumi Zouma: living the dream|website=Stuff.co.nz|date=27 October 2017 |access-date=2019-03-27}} The band's first release, EP I, debuted in early 2014, after the single A Long Walk Home For Parted Lovers appeared on several blogs before being quickly taken down.{{cite web|url=https://www.wearegoingsolo.com/tracks/yumi-zouma-a-long-walk-home-for-parted-lovers|website=wearegoingsolo.com|title=Yumi Zouma A Long Walk Home for Parted Lovers|access-date=2019-03-27}} The band were positively reviewed by Pitchfork {{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/tracks/16613-yumi-zouma-the-brae/|title="The Brae" by Yumi Zouma Review|website=Pitchfork|access-date=2019-03-27}} and profiled by The Guardian,{{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/music/2014/mar/11/yumi-zouma|title=Yumi Zouma (No 1,717) {{pipe}} Music|website=The Guardian|date=11 March 2014 |access-date=2019-03-27 |last1=Lester |first1=Paul }} leading to the group signing with Brooklyn-based record label Cascine.{{Cite web|url=https://www.reddit.com/r/indieheads/comments/buwfvu/hello_this_is_yumi_zouma_ask_us_anything/epijk3o|title=r/indieheads - Hello, this is Yumi Zouma. Ask us anything!|website=reddit|language=en|access-date=2019-06-02}} In mid-2014, the band began playing live, touring with singer Lorde,{{cite web|url=http://diymag.com/2014/09/24/yumi-zouma-to-support-lorde-on-new-zealand-homecoming-tour|title=Yumi Zouma to support Lorde on New Zealand homecoming tour {{pipe}} News|website=DIY|access-date=2019-03-27}}{{cite web|url=https://www.londoninstereo.com/yumi-zouma-interview/|title=Yumi Zouma // Interview|website=London in Stereo |access-date=2019-03-27}} and collaborating with other acts, such as Swedish band Air France.{{cite web|url=https://www.spin.com/2014/03/yumi-zoumi-air-france-it-feels-good-to-be-around-you-cover-stream/|title=Yumi Zouma Cover Air France, With Air France's Help|website=SPIN|access-date=2019-03-27}} Guitarist Sam Perry{{cite web|url=https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/news/12403/Stream-The-New-Album-Electric-Hell-From-Sam-Perry-Of-Zen-Mantra.utr|title=Stream The New Album 'Electric Hell' From Sam Perry Of Zen Mantra - Music News at Undertheradar|website=undertheradar.co.nz|access-date=2019-03-27}} and vocalist Christie Simpson joined the group in 2015,{{cite web|url=https://hiskind.com/conversation-yumi-zouma/|title=In Conversation with Yumi Zouma - Hiskind Magazine |website=hiskind.com|access-date=2019-03-27}}{{cite web|url=https://www.13thfloor.co.nz/yumi-zouma-yoncalla-album-review/|author=Veronica McLaughlin|title=Yumi Zouma – YoncallaThe 13th Floor|website=The 13th Floor|access-date=2019-03-27}} while Pflaum left and started the solo project Madeira{{cite web|url=https://nzmusician.co.nz/features/madeira-good-humour/|title=Madeira: In Good Humour?|website=NZ Musician|access-date=2019-03-27}} (later renamed Laumė).{{Cite web|url=https://laume.bandcamp.com/|title=Laumė bandcamp page|website=Laumė|access-date=2019-05-07}} The band released a second EP, EP II, in early 2015,{{cite web|url=https://consequenceofsound.net/2015/03/album-review-yumi-zouma-ep-ii/|title=Yumi Zouma – EP II {{pipe}} Album Reviews|website=Consequence of Sound|access-date=2019-03-27}} and proceeded to tour extensively throughout Europe, Asia, and North America, with the likes of Jamie xx and Lower Dens.{{cite web|url=http://austin.brooklynvegan.com/jamie-xx-lower/|website=austin.brooklynvegan.com|title=This Website Uses Cookies |access-date=2019-03-27}}

= ''Yoncalla'' (2016) =

The band quickly released their first full-length album, Yoncalla, the following year. As opposed to the long-distance writing of the band's earlier releases, Yoncalla consisted of material that had been finished during tours for EP II. The majority of the album's final material was recorded in Paris, France,{{cite web|url=https://brightestyoungthings.com/articles/byt-interviews-yumi-zouma|website=brightestyoungthings.com|title=Yumi Zouma interview|access-date=2019-03-27}} following an American tour which stopped by the city of Yoncalla, Oregon.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zp_VGWrCzDM|title=Yumi Zouma on Their Debut Album Title "Yoncalla"|website=YouTube|access-date=2019-03-27}} The band produced the album at electronic musician Philippe Zdar's Motorbass studio in Paris, enabling them to achieve a sound more akin to classic synth-pop than their previous records.{{cite web|url=https://pitchfork.com/reviews/albums/22058-yoncalla/|title=Yumi Zouma: Yoncalla Album Review|website=Pitchfork|access-date=2019-03-27}}{{cite web|url=https://www.vice.com/en/article/yumi-zouma-are-closing-the-distance-but-maintaining-the-mystery/|title=Online to Real Time: Yumi Zouma Are Closing the Distance but Maintaining the Mystery|website=Noisey|access-date=2019-03-27}}

= ''Willowbank'' (2017) =

After a year of heavy touring in support of Yoncalla, the band travelled home to record in New Zealand for the first time.{{cite web|url=https://www.thelineofbestfit.com/reviews/albums/yumi-zouma-willowbank|title=Willowbank by Yumi Zouma {{pipe}} Album Review|website=thelineofbestfit.com|access-date=2019-03-27}}{{cite web|url=https://www.13thfloor.co.nz/yumi-zouma-a-period-of-transition-interview/|title=Yumi Zouma: A Period Of Transition (Interview)The 13th Floor|website=The 13th Floor|access-date=2019-03-27}} A limited edition cover of the Oasis album (What's The Story) Morning Glory? was distributed on vinyl in early 2017,{{cite web|url=https://www.turntablekitchen.com/2017/04/sounds-delicious-yumi-zouma-morning-glory-oasis-cover/|website=turntablekitchen.com|title=Yumi Zouma Covers Oasis' (What's the Story) Morning Glory?|access-date=2019-03-27}} before the release of the band's second album, Willowbank, in October.{{cite web|url=http://diymag.com/2017/10/06/yumi-zouma-willowbank-album-review|title=Yumi Zouma - Willowbank {{pipe}} Reviews|website=DIY|access-date=2019-03-27}} The sessions for Willowbank marked the first time that the group had worked together in a professional studio, with the band initially questioning whether they should "all move into separate rooms" to recreate the remote song writing process from previous records. However, the sessions allowed for stronger collaboration and more organic instrumentation compared to earlier material, leading to jazz musician Olivia Campion joining the band as a live drummer.{{cite web|url=http://double-croche.com/post/180204790229/itw-yumizouma|title=Double-Croche — [Interview #189] Nos préférés Yumi Zouma sont de... |website=double-croche.com|access-date=2019-03-27}} Lead single Depths (Pt. I) became a success on streaming platforms,{{cite web|url=https://thespinoff.co.nz/music/19-02-2018/by-the-numbers-whats-the-most-streamed-new-zealand-music/|title=By the numbers: The New Zealand music with the most Spotify streams|website=The Spinoff|access-date=2019-03-27}} and was accompanied by a video created by illustrator Frances Haszard.{{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h9giRalLyJ4|title=Yumi Zouma - Depths (Pt. I) - Official Video|website=YouTube|access-date=2019-03-27}} Following the completion of touring for Willowbank, Perry left the band in order to concentrate on his Serbia-based musical project DOG Power.{{cite web|url=https://tinnitist.com/2018/11/28/dog-power-dog-power/|title=DOG Power {{pipe}} DOG Power|website=Tinnitist|access-date=2019-03-27}}{{cite web|url=https://www.instagram.com/p/BeHRek_D4JA/ |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/s/instagram/BeHRek_D4JA |archive-date=26 December 2021 |url-access=registration|website=instagram.com|title=Yumi Zouma on Instagram: "🎂 Happy 2️⃣8️⃣th birthday Charlie & Josh 🎈|access-date=2019-03-27}}{{cbignore}}

= ''EP III'' (2018) =

In wake of the departure of Perry, the remaining four members of the band proceeded to return to the methods of long-distance writing that had inspired their earlier material. This process led to the creation of a third EP, released in October 2018.{{cite magazine|url=https://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/pop/8476876/yumi-zouma-ep-iii|title=Yumi Zouma's 'EP III': Exclusive|magazine=Billboard|access-date=2019-03-27}} A video for lead single In Camera was released in early 2019, directed by Pavel Brenner.{{cite web|url=https://www.thefader.com/2019/03/13/yumi-zouma-in-camera-video-pavel-brenner|title=Watch Yumi Zouma's splashy video for "In Camera"|website=The FADER|access-date=2019-03-27}} A video for second single Crush (It's Late, Just Stay) was also released in 2019, directed by Robbie Barnett.{{cite web|url=http://www.undertheradarmag.com/news/yumi_zouma_share_video_for_crush_its_late_just_stay|title=Yumi Zouma Share Video for Crush (It's Late, Just Stay)|website=Under The Radar|access-date=2020-08-26}}

=''Truth or Consequences'' (2020) =

After signing to Polyvinyl and Inertia Records, Yumi Zouma released their third studio album Truth or Consequences on March 13, 2020. The album features the singles "Right Track / Wrong Man", "Cool For A Second", "Southwark", "Lonely After", and "Sage".[https://yumizouma.bandcamp.com/album/truth-or-consequences Truth or Consequences, by Yumi Zouma] {{Cite web|url=https://yumizouma.bandcamp.com/album/truth-or-consequences|title=Truth or Consequences, by Yumi Zouma|website=Yumi Zouma|access-date=2020-02-07}} Along with the album, Yumi Zouma is set to release a unique line of merchandise which includes a candle, bandana, and enamel pin.{{Cite web|url=https://www.polyvinylrecords.com/product/truth_or_consequences|title=Polyvinyl Records|website=Polyvinylrecords.com|language=en|access-date=2020-02-07}} The band announced a reimagined edition of the album named Truth or Consequences - Alternate Versions, which was released in October 2020.{{cite web |title=Listen To Yumi Zouma's 'Truth Or Consequences (Alternate Versions)' |url=https://www.undertheradar.co.nz/news/17929/Listen-To-Yumi-Zoumas-Truth-Or-Consequences-Alternate-Versions.utr |website=undertheradar.co.nz |access-date=8 February 2021}}

= Present Tense (2022) =

Release Date: Mar 18, 2022. The fourth full-length release was recorded remotely with some in-studio sessions in Los Angeles, London, Florence, New York and New Zealand due to the COVID-19 pandemic.{{Citation |title=Present Tense by Yumi Zouma |url=https://www.metacritic.com/music/present-tense/yumi-zouma |language=en |access-date=2022-04-07}}

Band members

=Current=

  • Christie Simpson – lead vocals, samplers, keyboards (2015–present)
  • Josh Burgess - vocals, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, drum programming, samplers (2014–present)
  • Charlie Ryder - guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, drum programming, samplers (2014–present)
  • Olivia Campion - drums (2017–present)

=Previous=

  • Sam Perry - vocals, guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, synthesizers, drum programming, samplers (2015–2018)
  • Kim Pflaum – vocals, guitar, samplers (2014-2015)

Musical equipment

=Live concert equipment=

=Studio recording equipment=

For studio recordings, the band use their live equipment, a Sequential Prophet 600 synthesizer, and an Apogee Electronics Duet recording interface.

Discography

=Studio albums=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
Title

!Details

scope="row"|Yoncalla

|

  • Released: 27 May 2016
  • Label: Cascine/Arch Hill
scope="row"|Willowbank

|

  • Released: 6 October 2017
  • Label: Cascine
scope="row"|Truth or Consequences

|

  • Released: 13 March 2020
  • Label: Polyvinyl/Pod/Inertia
scope="row"|Present Tense

|

  • Released: 18 March 2022
  • Label: Polyvinyl/PIAS

=Extended Plays=

class="wikitable plainrowheaders" style="text-align:center;"
Title

!Details

scope="row"|EP

|

  • Released: February 2014
  • Label: Cascine
scope="row"|EP II

|

  • Released: March 2015
  • Label: Cascine
scope="row"|EP III

|

  • Released: September 2018
  • Label: Cascine
EP IV

|

  • Released: December 2023
  • Label: Yumi Zouma

=Singles=

  • "A Long Walk Home for Parted Lovers" (2013)
  • "The Brae" (2014)
  • "It Feels Good to Be Around You" (featuring Air France) (2014)
  • "Alena" (2014)
  • "Catastrophe" (2015)
  • "Song for Zoe & Gwen" (2015)
  • "Right, Off the Bridge" (2015)
  • "Keep It Close to Me" (2016)
  • "Barricade (Matter of Fact)" (2016)
  • "Short Truth" (2016)
  • "December" (2017)
  • "Depths (Pt. I)" (2017)
  • "Persephone" (2017)
  • "Half Hour" (2017)
  • "France (Grands Boulevards)" (2018)
  • "In Camera" (2018)
  • "Crush (It's Late, Just Stay)" (2018)
  • "Bruise (2019)
  • "Right Track / Wrong Man" (2019)
  • "Cool for a Second" (2020)
  • "Lonely After" (2020)
  • "Southwark" (2020)
  • "Sage" (2020)
  • "Give it Hell" (2021)
  • "Mona Lisa" (2021)
  • "In The Eyes Of Our Love" (2022)
  • "Where The Light Used To Lay" (2022)

=Collaborations=

  • It Feels Good To Be Around You (Feat. Air France) – Air France (2014)
  • Flirt (Feat. Yumi Zouma & Madiera) – Boycrush (2015)
  • 100% (Feat. Yumi Zouma) – Boycrush (2018)

=Remixes=

  • Where Do You Go? – Claire George (2018) {{cite web|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6PVfroghwYg|title=Claire George - Where Do You Go? (Yumi Zouma Remix)|website=YouTube|access-date=2019-03-27}}
  • Up Again – Chad Valley (2018)
  • Limo Song – Jack River (2018)

=DJ Mixes=

  • Faded Arrow MIX004 (2015){{Cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/fadedarrow/artist-mix-yumi-zouma|title=Artist Mix: Yumi Zouma|website=Soundcloud.com}}
  • Dissipating Summer (2017){{Cite web|url=https://soundcloud.com/yumizouma/yumi-zouma-dissipating-summer|title=Yumi Zouma - Dissipating Summer|website=Soundcloud.com}}

References

{{Reflist}}

{{Authority control}}

Category:2014 establishments in New Zealand

Category:New Zealand indie pop groups

Category:Cascine artists

Category:Mixed-gender bands