Multi-dimensional artist and producer yeule is excited to announce their upcoming album, “softscars,” which is set to release on September 22nd via Ninja Tune. Alongside the album news, yeule also shares their second offering, “dazies,” accompanied by visuals directed by Zhang & Knight. As a bonus, the single drop includes a b-side track called “fish in the pool,” a beautiful instrumental piece featuring yeule on the piano and soft murmured vocals. This track is a cover from the Japanese film “Hana and Alice” by Shunji Iwai, which served as a significant inspiration for yeule.
“softscars” represents a new direction for yeule as they delve into softer textures and ethereal arrangements that prominently feature their captivating vocals. This project delves deeply into the exploration of their long-held emotional wounds, resulting in their most vulnerable and introspective work to date.
Pre-Order here, Tour Dates below.
By incorporating cathartic punk riffs and ethereal electronics, yeule transforms their inner musings into a cohesive narrative within “softscars.” Each song is metaphorically represented by a scar, with yeule emphasizing that these scars remain soft. They symbolize the enduring remnants of emotional trauma or physical wounds that never fully heal over time. Despite the pain being gone, the mark remains as a reminder of protection and the need for self-care. yeule draws from the belief that ancestral trauma can be passed down, creating a sense of decay and distortion that has permeated their life. Thus, the scar becomes a symbol of resilience and self-preservation.
While the subject matter of “softscars” delves into weighty and esoteric themes, there is an underlying sense of joyful catharsis that permeates the project. It was written and produced by yeule in collaboration with Kin Leonn, with additional production contributions from Mura Masa and Chris Greatti (known for their work with Yves Tumor and Willow Smith). Driving the album forward is yeule’s shape-shifting vocals, which sound more confident than ever, with their jagged edges and haunting whispers conveying the imperfect journey of healing.
In addition to the album announcement and new singles, yeule is thrilled to share their upcoming tour dates across North America and Europe for the Fall and Winter seasons. The tour includes notable venues such as Webster Hall in NY, The Fonda in Los Angeles, and the Black Cat in Washington, DC, as well as festival appearances at Boiler Room Festival, End of The Road, Portola Festival, and Levitation Festival. These tour dates follow their sold-out Glitch Princess run, and tickets can be found on their website.
“softscars” marks a new era for yeule as they fully embrace their musical project as a true reflection of their identity. In the past, yeule felt the need to separate themselves from their artist persona and suppress certain aspects to fit a mold they believed people would accept. However, by embracing the otherworldly figure that once existed only in their imagination, they have bridged the fragmented identities that were confined to different contexts and forms.
This announcement follows the release of yeule’s previous single, “sulky baby,” and their critically acclaimed 2022 album, “Glitch Princess,” which received high praise from Pitchfork, earning the coveted ‘Best New Music’ recognition. yeule is a multifaceted artist, excelling in both music and visual art. The yeule project serves as a manifestation of Ćmiel’s personal identity, acting as a portal or rift through which they communicate their art to the outside world while remaining protected within their inner shell. yeule embodies a manifesto of Ćmiel’s own identity, granting them access to multiple avatars and the freedom to change and contort at will, finding solace in embodying mutable and chameleon-like multiplicities.
Tour Dates:
7/15 – Brooklyn, NY @ Boiler Room at The Brooklyn Mirage
8/30 – Bristol, UK @ Strange Brew *
9/1 – Dorset, UK @ End of the Road Festival
9/30 – Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
10/1 – San Francisco, CA @ Portola Festival
10/3 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
10/4 – Vancouver, BC @ Celebrities
10/5 – Seattle, WA @ Neumos
10/6 – Boise, ID @ Treefort Music Hall
10/7 – Denver, CO @ Marquis
10/9 – Minneapolis, MN @ Fine Line
10/10 – Chicago, IL @ Metro
10/12 – Toronto, ON @ Axis
10/13 – Montreal, QC @ Theatre Fairmount
10/14 – Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
10/15 – New York, NY @ Webster Hall
10/18 – Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club
10/19 – Washington, D.C @ Black Cat
10/20 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
10/21 – Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade (Hell)
10/24 – Houston, TX @ White Oak Music Hall
10/25 – Dallas, TX @ Studio at The Factory
10/26 – Austin, TX @ Levitation Festival
10/28 – Mesa, AZ @ The Nile
10/29 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Fonda
12/7 – Paris, France @ Café de la Danse
12/8 – Amsterdam, The Netherlands @ Melkweg OZ
12/9 – Berlin, Germany @ Zenner
12/11 – London, UK @ HERE at Outernet
* = support from SASAMII
