Indie Pop singer-songwriter, Yueku is thrilled release his new single “Marathon” that is out now along with the music video that can be viewed at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VZ1LQQulZ10.
Yueku says, “Marathon” is a high energy track about the inability to leave someone who isn’t right for you. No matter your efforts to distance yourself, they find a way to pull you back in. Though you’re capable of seeing the relationship through an objective lens, the other person inexplicably continues to cloud your judgment; the thought of running a marathon seems much easier than running away. The song has a lot of inspiration from 80’s pop, even slightly alluding to those old exercise tapes.
“Marathon” is the third single off his new EP Little Lesss Noise to be released on July 28th. The first and second singles “Paradise” and “One Sided” featuring Abby Holliday is out now as well.
In support of his new music Yueku will be hitting the road with The Wldlfe. See all tour dates below.
From the Motor City suburbs to Music City, Tennessee, Yueku’s second album of infectious up-beat indie bops is full of his signature dazzling production, toe-tapping melodies, and even a twang of country flair. Whereas Christian Koo’s first solo record, 2021’s Catch Me If You Can, was overflowing with intimate bedroom pop, this year’s LITTLE LESS NOISE feels like stepping out of your bedroom to find a joyful house party full of all your best friends and crushes.
Written and recorded in Nashville, preceding Yueku’s full time relocation to the sunshiney south, LITTLE LESS NOISE shows remarkable growth for the young songwriter. Still present are the soulful influences of nostalgic rom-coms and Frank Ocean’s earnest confessionals, now with the added oomph of a community of collaborators located in Tennessee’s vibrant scene.
While still a solo-outing, LITTLE LESS NOISE finds Koo co-creating with a bevy of beatmakers, singers, and songwriters found in the city that started it all. “Opening up the creative process to other amazing artists has been a freeing experience.” Notable among them is Nick Wheeler of the All American Rejects, who lends a hand on mindful mid-tempo MEDIAN, a hooky little meditation on the meaning of going all in.
LITTLE LESS NOISE is intentionally less cerebral, with a confident focus on having fun and not overthinking everything. “A little less noise means less background distractions–it means clarity.” Explains Christian.
Aptly named PARADISE dials into that purity perfectly with an intoxicatingly distilled danceability. As the refrain goes, “All my tears disappear/ with you it’s just like paradise.” And it sounds like paradise too, full of lush layers and dreamy, summer-ready vocals that sound like a choir of angels. “It’s a simple love song with some uncertainty about the afterlife, but the core message is that the time spent together here in the present is heaven enough for me.” Christian says.
Conversely, Yueku’s first duet, ONE SIDED feat. Abby Holliday, explores the mindless frustration of a relationship without reciprocity. Trading off leads, the male/female vocals play off the familiar anxiety singing “We’re out of control/ An all time low, And I’m scared to know just when/ The whole thing’s gonna break.” Despite the difficult subject matter, the song soars with a thumping bassline and 80’s inspired shimmering synth, complete with Yueku’s signature drum-tight production.
Similar standout track MARATHON also channels an 80’s sound with a heart-on-your-sleeve sincerity that’ll make you want to play it on a boombox held over your head. Opening the song Christian sings “Baby, can I be honest?” as if he could be anything but. Playing into the extended metaphor the rising chorus proclaims, “I could run a marathon/ but I can’t run away from you,” with an infectious hook hitting that pure pop sweet spot with a sniper’s precision–and the buoyant beat and uptempo energy are enough to make a marathon runner out of anyone with the daring to leave it all out on dance floor.
Described as “an opening act worth getting there early for” coming off a sold out tour supporting The Wldlfe, Yueku is poised to step into the spotlight. Despite the title, A LITTLE LESS NOISE is a notably more mature, polished, and playful album from a young songwriter who has already proven insight and ability beyond his years. For longtime fans, the special sauce hasn’t changed, but only evolved. Adding to Yueku’s trademark intimate popcraft, A LITTLE LESS NOISE introduces an at times bombastic swelling of fulfillment, growth, and honest-to-god optimism ready for anything from house party hang outs to road trip ragers, and all the way to sundrenched festivals full of friends, fans, and most importantly, fun!
Tour Dates
Jul 15th – Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade (Purgatory) – TIX
Jul 16th – Atlanta, GA – (The Masquerade (Purgatory) – TIX
Jul 20th – Boston, MA – Middle East Downstairs – TIX
Jul 21st – Philadelphia, PA – The Foundry – TIX
Jul 22nd – Washington, DC – Songbyrd – TIX
Jul 28th – Cleveland, OH – Beachland Tavern – TIX
Jul 29th – Columbus, OH – A&R – TIX
Aug 1st – Denver, CO – Globe Hall – TIX
Aug 3rd – Salt Lake City, UT – Kilby Court- TIX
Aug 5th – Seattle, WA – Barboza – TIX
Aug 8th – San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Stop- TIX
Aug 18th – Indianapolis, IN- HiFi- TIX
Aug 19th – Minneapolis, MN 7th St Entry- TIX
Aug 25th – Houston, TX – Bronze Peacock @ HOB – TIX
Aug 26th- Austin, TX – 3TEN – TIX