New Music | Yard Act - We Make Hits

Eloise Bull

Kent and Falmouth based English student and prehistory fanatic. Lover of music old and new.

Driven by love, ambition, and post-punk, Yard Act speak on capitalism in their newest track ‘We Make Hits’, in preparation for their upcoming album

For a taste of their second upcoming album ‘Where’s My Utopia?’ – set to release on March 1 – Leeds band Yard Act have debuted their single ‘We Make Hits’ The upcoming album is a co-production between Yard Act and Gorillaz member Remi Kabaka Jr. They have also announced a UK and EU tour for spring of 2024.

Following the album’s lead single, ‘We Make Hits’ covers the “trappings of late capitalism, and the compromises we have to make to survive sometimes”, as explained by lead vocalist James Smith. The band explores elements of post-punk, indie rock, and retro hip-hop, with ‘We Make Hits’ charting the origin story of the band.

Smith goes on to say that it “started like most Yard Act songs do these days, in Ryan’s spare bedroom … at its core, for me, it’s really an ode to friendship and the unfiltered joy you feel when you’re making music with the people you hold dear in your life”.

It speaks on change as well, with lyrics like ‘We reeled off our hopes and dreams and made a list … it was to this mantra we would commit’, speaking on how they would make a change, become one of the greats, and aim to be the best, with their mantra of ‘make hits’.

The track comes with a fittingly retro and energetic music video, following the backstory of “two hapless hitmen who, upon receiving an eviction notice in their student bedsit, embark on a job search, which ultimately leads them to gainful employment as assassins for the Holy Global Enterprise”, as director James Slater explains. It is part of the “Yardiverse”; an ever-expanding cinematic universe existing within their music videos.

With a catchy beat and personal lyrics, paired with a grippingly silly music video, ‘We Make Hits’ is a bright take on the sacrifices one might make in order to survive the sweaty grip of a capitalist society.

Watch/Listen to ‘We Make Hits’ here: