It says something about Yard Act that even their victory laps come with a dash of wry self-awareness. As 2024 draws to a close, the Leeds outfit – now firmly established as one of British indie’s most compelling voices – are reflecting on a year with a few unexpected detours along the way. Like watching professional basketball with childlike wonder, or discovering the creative process of crime fiction’s finest through the magic of BBC4.
Whether holding court in Leeds’ Millennium Square or captivating Mexico City, 2024 has seen the band continuing to expand their horizons while keeping their feet firmly planted in the rich soil of their roots. It’s a delicate balance – one that’s become something of a signature for a band that’s mastered the art of growing without losing sight of what made them special in the first place.
As they share their top moments of the year (and yes, their Dork cover must have just missed the cut – we’re not bitter), what emerges is a portrait of a band in their prime, collecting experiences like rare vinyl: each one unique, carefully chosen, and worth savouring.
1. One of my favourite moments of 2024 was playing Millennium Square in Leeds this summer. After bouncing around the world the past couple of years, coming back to play a big hometown show surrounded by family and friends was a great feeling. Stellar line-up, too. – Ryan Needham
2. Another huge moment was blagging courtside tickets to watch the New York Knicks play the Timberwolves at Madison Square Garden in NYC this summer. Shippo hadn’t been to a game before, and the look of unadulterated excitement and wonder on his face has kept me happy all year. – Ryan Needham
3. One of my favourite moments of 2024 was French metal band Gojira at the opening ceremony of the Olympics. Our tour manager worked for them, and a relative drilled the drum set into the walls of Marie Antoinette’s prison. Nailed it on every level. – Sam Shjipstone
4. Tartan Noir: In The Studio with Ian Rankin on BBC4. I’ve never read any Ian Rankin novels, but I found his forthright nature about creativity and the completion of his latest book really fascinating (and now I’m listening to the audiobooks – which is proof that doing press works). – James Smith
5. 2024 was the year of our first headline show in Mexico City. We’d been before for [festival] Corona Capital, but to visit for our own show was something special. Right up there with the best gigs of the year, for sure. The crowd energy filled the room. We had a few days in the city too, so it was nice to explore, some of the best I’d eaten all year. A lot of love for Mexico. – Jay Russell
Taken from the December 2024 / January 2025 issue of Dork.
