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Yur Mum is a UK based multicultural rock duo formed by vocalist and bassist Anelise Kunz and drummer Fabio Couto. The duo recently released their long-anticipated first single, since becoming a two-piece in late 2019, the melancholic track Black Rainbow, taken from their forthcoming album ‘Tropical Fuzz’. We caught up with both Anelise and Fabio to get the background on the band, and what you can expect from ‘Tropical Fuzz’. Only one place to start though…
Apologies for this as I know you must be sick of people asking, but what was the thought process in calling the band after one of the best insults/banter (delete where appropriate) ever?!
A – Hahaha, well, we chose this name so there’s a price to pay! 😀 Long story short, we didn’t have a name until the week of our 1st gig. If any of you ever had a band you know that picking a name is a pain in the ass. So, during a drunk rehearsal, we started talking about stupid and funny names and Your Mum was mentioned. After a few laughs and jokes and more booze we’ve decided, that was the one. We found out afterward that was not an original name and was already taken by a retired wedding band in Australia so we’ve changed the spelling to YUR MUM because it looked better on the logo.
What are the origins of Yur Mum? How long have you been playing together? And what advantages have you noticed since stripping the band back to a duo?
A – Yur Mum was born out of a crave to play and jam old rock songs at first, after a while writing original songs was a natural progression. At the time, Fabio was playing guitar and I was singing in Plastique; Akos was a friend that used to come to our gigs. Then Fabio started to fancy playing drums, I wanted to get back to the bass, and Akos was a guitarist looking for a band. We enjoyed a few years of gigging and touring but then in 2019, Akos decided to leave. That hit us hard as we had lots of dates so we became a duo as a challenge to ourselves and because we didn’t have much time to find a replacement. Honestly, we felt it worked better than we expected. We have to be much tighter and more creative but on the other hand, it makes travelling, rehearsing and even writing music a lot easier.
How did you feel performing your first gig as a band? And how was it?!
YM – Well, it was a bit strange as we were supporting our other band Plastique. We don’t remember being too nervous but like any first gig, it was rough around the edges and it looked like statues on stage.
‘Black Rainbow’ is the new single, but I believe that it wasn’t your first choice as a single? It made sense to release it on Blue Monday though, it fits really well. What goes through your head in the run-up to releasing new music? Are you excited? Nervous? – Both?!
YM – We definitely did not consider Black Rainbow 1st single material as most of our new tracks are quite energetic and fast, but 2021 did not start as bright as we’d expected and we wanted to release something soon. Black Rainbow seemed appropriate for the moment we’re all going through. You’re spot on, we’re excited, nervous, sappy… We really don’t know what to expect but we got nothing to lose.
The video is gorgeous, it was self-made? Where did you film it?
YM – Thank you. Yep, as you can imagine not many people wanted or could get involved in productions in 2020, plus our budget was zero. So one day we simply drove to Dorset with a GoPro and shot whatever we could before sunset. We had no expectations so whatever we got would have to do.
Is ‘Black Rainbow’ indicative of what a new full-length album would sound like? And, what can you tell us about future album plans?
A – Not really, we don’t follow recipes. All songs have their own story and sound, but I guess Black Rainbow still sounds like us. The album is currently being mastered and we still want to add 2 more songs to it…We don’t have a date yet but it should be released this year. Fingers crossed.
Whenever gigs return, in terms of a similar audience: who would be the ideal act for Yur Mum to support?
YM – This is a very very broad question…Are we talking big bands, bands like us? I guess, we will have to say without dropping any names, that the ideal band for us to support should have a similar vibe and be nice people. Our Lips Can Kill Tour lineup works because all 4 bands are hard-working, fun, and eager to do an amazing show whether there’s 5 or 5000 people in the audience.
What are your first musical memories? And what was the lightbulb moment that made you go “I want to do that”?
A – There were a few, but I guess when I started taking piano lessons. Regarding a lightbulb moment….every time I have had the opportunity to perform at school. I’ve always loved the stage, even though I was/am quite shy most of the time.
F – My Middle school mates invited me to form a metal band, even though none of us could play. I remember one time a friend showed me a video of Nirvana playing live and I loved how they didn’t give a shit if they were making mistakes or sounding awful. The songs didn’t have complex parts so I thought I could probably play and write songs like that.
Personally, who has been the biggest influence on you becoming a musician?
A – Personally, I do not see myself as a musician… more of a performer. And sadly I do not think I’ve had a huge outside influence to do what I do, but once I’d been invited to join a band, and we started rehearsing and performing, that’s when I thought…I could do this forever if given the chance!
F – Yeah, I struggle to consider myself a musician. I’m self-taught, and I’ve always been inspired by DIY bands.
What was the last gig that you attended as a fan?
YM – 2019 New Year’s gig at The Unicorn Camden.
What current social issue are you particularly passionate about?
YM – We are not passionate about any of them really, as otherwise, we would be working towards supporting it more often. Now, because we’re not passionate about it, doesn’t mean I do not support or help social issues whenever we can. Just not one in particular! 🙂
What album do you have in your collection/Spotify playlist that would surprise most people?
A – So many…better keep it to myself.
F – I don’t have any of their records but I occasionally dig a bit of Kiss.
Although 2020 was a year to forget, there was some great music released; what would be your album of the year?
A – Mr.Bungle – The Raging Wrath of the Easter Bunny Demo
F – I wasn’t a big fan, but I thought the new Bring Me The Horizon album was pretty awesome. I also dug Brutus Live at Ghent and Healthy Junkies Forever On The road.
And the album you are looking forward to the most in 2021?
YM – Yur Mum – Tropical Fuzz
What new bands have you been listening to?
YM – Full Tone Generator, The Love Junkies, Viagra Boys, Mickey 9s, Amyl and the Sniffers, Black Midi, IDLES. They are not particularly new bands, but newish to us.
Who would you class as an underrated songwriter?
YM – This might sound PC but we’ve honestly met so many incredible songwriters, lyricists, poets, and performers playing in small venues and pubs. You can find so many incredibly talented artists just down the road of where you live and they’re all underrated in our opinion.
What are your plans for 2021 should COVID ever disappear?!
A – We hope our new album becomes the next pandemic. We want to tour like there’s no tomorrow and watch as many gigs as humanly possible.
How active are you on social media and where can people connect with you?
A – We are more active on Facebook, Instagram, we could use more Youtube subscribers and our website is always up to date! 🙂 www.yurmum.com – We also have a newsletter and FB private group. Take your pick.
