Leeds band Yard Act have returned with a new album that confronts self-doubt and imposter syndrome head-on. The opening track, Empty Pledges, features singer James Smith declaring he has “absolutely nothing new to say” and asking listeners if they feel like impostors too. Smith says the song reflects a reluctance to make grand statements in an era where everything must be a manifesto.
The band’s third LP, You’re Gonna Need a Little Music, marks a sonic evolution, drawing on influences from Blur to the Prodigy. Written as a full band in their own Leeds studio, it explores themes of status anxiety and existentialism. Smith even created an alter ego named Janey to represent the part of his mind that constantly pushes for more.
Bassist Ryan Needham admits that early success felt undeserved, saying the band felt like “competition winners”. He adds that many working-class artists share this feeling, and it took time to develop self-belief without arrogance. Smith agrees that a mix of self-doubt and confidence has kept the band grounded, avoiding the “megaband treadmill”.
Despite two Top 5 albums and a collaboration with Elton John, Yard Act remain concerned about financial security. Smith credits living in Leeds with keeping them connected to everyday life, unlike segregated A-list celebrities. The band’s ability to write about these struggles in a relatable way has been key to their appeal.
