Yumi Zouma return with new single 'Give It Hell'

Photo credit: Nick Grennon

PRAISE FOR 2020 ALBUM TRUTH OR CONSEQUENCES

“Another fine showing from the New Zealand dream pop wonders.”
Double J (Feature Album)

“Aims high and hits every ambition, all with the kind of sonic elegance we’ve come to expect from our Kiwis across the pond.”
Tone Deaf

“Brings forth the best parts of the band’s sound to create lush, hook-filled soundscapes.”
Under The Radar (8/10)

New Zealand’s beloved alternative pop band Yumi Zouma return with their first release for 2021, new single ‘Give It Hell’, out now on [PIAS] Australia. Since the release of their acclaimed 2020 record, Truth or Consequences and its subsequent Alternate Versions release, Yumi Zouma have been busy creating new music and this new track is the first taste of what’s to come.

Mixed by Ash Workman (Christine & The Queens, Metronomy) and mastered by Grammy Award-winning engineer Antoine “Chab” Chabert (Air, Daft Punk), ‘Give It Hell’ showcases an expanded sonic palette of drums, pianos, and orchestral strings. The fearless new single was inspired by the first and final stop of Yumi Zouma’s sold out Truth or Consequences US tour in March 2020, the day the World Health Organisation declared COVID-19 an official pandemic.

“Before we went on stage for the only show we would play of our sold out 2020 US tour, we held each other tight, and fighting back the tears, someone said ‘let’s give it hell tonight’. The next day, ‘Truth Or Consequences’ was released. We drove to New York, took some photos, and dispersed back to our homes in the US, UK, and New Zealand. We haven’t been in the same room since.”

On ‘Give It Hell’, Yumi Zouma continue, “To ‘give it hell’ is one of the strongest ways to stay present. Throwing yourself entirely into something, knowing it’s all you can give – it can be equal parts rewarding and humbling.

This song encapsulates us digging deep, pushing through self doubt, and being grateful for the purpose and process of making music together. Especially when it’s hard and feels futile. In the spirit of staying present, we wanted to release this song NOW, and not wait for any other moment than this one.”

The theme of isolated togetherness and distant creativity has been a throughline for the band throughout their career. Originally formed in New Zealand, the members of Yumi Zouma now come together from around the globe: New York City (Josh Burgess – guitar, vocals), London (Charlie Ryder – guitar, bass, keys), Christchurch (Christie Simpson – vocals, keys) and Wellington (Olivia Campion – drums).

Truth or Consequences was named as Feature Album at Double J and 2SER, Record of the Week at The Brag Media and further support around Australia from FBi Radio, Purple Sneakers, Pilerats and The Music Network, Spectrum (The Age). Internationally, the album garnered accolades from Consequence of Sound, Gorilla vs Bear, NPR, Earmilk, FADER, MTV, NYLON, Paste Magazine, Stereogum and Under The Radar.