History
Yumi Zouma: A New Zealand Electronic Pop Collective
Yumi Zouma is an acclaimed alternative pop band hailing from Christchurch, New Zealand. The group's current lineup features Christie Simpson on vocals and keyboards, Josh Burgess on guitar, bass, and keyboards, Charlie Ryder on guitar, bass, and keyboards, and Olivia Campion on drums. The band's name is derived from two individuals who encouraged the members to begin their collaborative songwriting journey.
From Christchurch to the Global Stage
The band's roots lie in their shared history of performing together in Christchurch. However, their formal musical collaboration began remotely, with members exchanging ideas via email after relocating abroad and in the wake of the Christchurch earthquake. This early, distance-created material garnered significant attention within the music blogosphere, leading to an offer from American label Cascine to sign the band even before they had performed live or conducted a formal band practice.
Between 2014 and 2015, Yumi Zouma released two EPs, EP I and EP II. Their debut album, Yoncalla, arrived in 2016, featuring notable singles such as "Keep It Close To Me" and "Barricade (Matter Of Fact)". The subsequent year saw the release of their second album, Willowbank, accompanied by the singles "December", "Depths (Pt. I)", and "Half Hour". In 2018, they released EP III, which included the tracks "In Camera" and "Crush (It's Late Just Stay)".
The year 2020 marked a new chapter as the band signed with Polyvinyl Record Co. and Inertia Music. They released their third studio album, Truth or Consequences, which boasted singles like "Right Track / Wrong Man", "Cool For A Second", "Southwark", "Lonely After", and "Sage".
Evolution and Creative Process
Initially formed by Burgess, Ryder, and vocalist Kim Pflaum, the group's early songwriting involved file-sharing services, particularly after Burgess moved to New York to work with the record label Captured Tracks. Their first release, EP I, emerged in early 2014, following the buzz generated by the single "A Long Walk Home For Parted Lovers". Positive reviews from publications like Pitchfork and features in The Guardian helped solidify their signing with Cascine.
Mid-2014 saw Yumi Zouma begin performing live, including a tour with Lorde and collaborations with artists like Air France. Guitarist Sam Perry and vocalist Christie Simpson joined the band in 2015. Around this time, Pflaum departed to pursue her solo project, Madeira (later renamed Laumė).
The release of EP II in early 2015 was followed by extensive touring across Europe, Asia, and North America, sharing stages with artists such as Jamie xx and Lower Dens.
Yoncalla and Willowbank: Recording in New Environments
Their first full-length album, Yoncalla, was released the following year. Unlike their earlier, remotely composed material, the songs for Yoncalla were finalized during tours for EP II. Much of the album was recorded in Paris, France, after a tour stop in Yoncalla, Oregon. The band utilized Philippe Zdar's Motorbass studio, achieving a sound that leaned more towards classic synth-pop.
Following a year of touring in support of Yoncalla, the band returned to New Zealand to record for the first time. A limited vinyl release of an Oasis cover album, (What's The Story) Morning Glory?, preceded the release of their second album, Willowbank, in October 2017. The recording sessions for Willowbank marked their first experience working together in a professional studio. While initially considering replicating their isolated songwriting methods, the sessions fostered stronger collaboration and more organic instrumentation. It was during this period that jazz musician Olivia Campion joined as their live drummer. The lead single "Depths (Pt. I)" found success on streaming platforms and was accompanied by a visualizer by illustrator Frances Haszard. After the Willowbank tour, Sam Perry departed the band to focus on his musical project, DOG Power.
Truth or Consequences and Remote Collaboration
In the wake of Perry's departure, the remaining four members reverted to their long-distance songwriting approach, which led to the creation of their third EP, released in October 2018. The lead single "In Camera" received a music video in early 2019, directed by Pavel Brenner, followed by a video for the second single "Crush (It's Late, Just Stay)", directed by Robbie Barnett.
After signing with Polyvinyl and Inertia Records, Yumi Zouma released their third studio album, Truth or Consequences, on March 13, 2020. The album featured the singles "Right Track / Wrong Man", "Cool For A Second", "Southwark", "Lonely After", and "Sage". Alongside the album, the band released a line of merchandise including a candle, bandana, and enamel pin. An alternate versions compilation, Truth or Consequences - Alternate Versions, was released in October 2020.
Their fourth full-length album, Present Tense, was released on March 18, 2022. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the album was recorded remotely, with some in-studio sessions taking place across Los Angeles, London, Florence, New York, and New Zealand.
