Yellowcard: Smiling at the storm

SINGAPORE — The past couple of years have been tumultuous for rock band Yellowcard.

Personnel changes and severe health issues within the band had made things difficult; but the members — Ryan Key (vocals, piano), Sean Mackin (violin), Ryan Mendez (guitar), Josh Portman (bass) and Tucker Rule (drums) — persevered to record their ninth album, Lift A Sail, and to support its release with an extensive tour. “I think the members of Yellowcard leaning on one another, sharing the same passion for music and life, has really gotten us through,” said Mackin. “We also have the best fans in the world supporting us, so it’s nice to have that kind of love while recording an album like Lift A Sail.”

For the uninitiated, Yellowcard formed around 1997 and are perhaps best known for their singles Ocean Avenue, Lights And Sounds and Light Up The Sky, not to mention the distinctive sound of Mackin’s violin (an unusual instrument for modern rock).

However, Mackin said the sonic changes on Lift A Sail were deliberate.

“We didn’t want to make the same Yellowcard record,” he said. “We wanted to push ourselves creatively (with) some modern instrumentation and some songwriting techniques we were thinking about using in our music. We have so many songs in the Yellowcard catalogue written to a faster BPM (beats per minute), I think the change of pace is nice. There are still some heavy rock gems on the album!”

Fans can see for themselves how this change will translate on stage when the pop-punk pioneers bring their tour to Singapore next month.

Q: What was different about the approach taken towards songwriting and recording Lift A Sail?

A: I think this was the first Yellowcard record where we all sat down and were looking in the same direction. We all wanted to try things we have never tried on a Yellowcard record. And that was very powerful. For example, the chord progression in Crash The Gates modulating between A minor (on the F chord) and A major. Also, in MSK we used the strings and keys as the basis for a ballad. It was so much fun to use these techniques in Yellowcard songs.

Q: What would you say were the inspirations for the songs on Lift A Sail?

A: We always use our personal life experiences, love, travel ... as inspirations for Yellowcard records. Musically, we went as far as taking from elements from cool ’90s rock bands such as Filter and Soundgarden as well as more modern bands like the Foo Fighters to Coldplay and One Republic.

Q: What were the reasons for the move from Hopeless Records to Razor & Tie and has the transition been smooth?

A: We have been very fortunate in our career to have business partners that have the best interests of Yellowcard. We just wanted to do something new and try to look for any fresh opportunities to grow the brand of Yellowcard. I think Razor & Tie gave Yellowcard the best opportunity to push forward. It has been wonderful teaming up with them.

Q: With all the changes going on, what do you hope to achieve with the new album and the supporting tour?

A: We have been so blessed with our lives. Yellowcard have taken us to six continents, countless shows and thousands of fans. It is all so amazing. The reaction to Lift A Sail has been so positive and we hope these songs will allow us to do this for years to come!

Q: Has anything changed in terms of the band’s attitude and approach to live performances?

A: No. Live performance is our favourite thing. It’s what keeps Yellowcard going. However, our preparation is very different. We take this very seriously and we want every show to be the best possible Yellowcard show. If it means going to bed early, then we do that. Show day? Stretch and warm up. We do have fun, when it’s time, but we are professional musicians and we try to act like it.

Yellowcard perform on Dec 10, 8pm, The Coliseum, Hard Rock Hotel. Tickets from S$68 to S$98 from Peatix (http://yellowcard.peatix.com/)