Yoste is the alt-pop project of Brisbane-based singer-songwriter and producer, Kurt Sines. Yoste’s latest EP, Not the Same, came out on Friday, 20th May. It’s Yoste’s fourth EP and follows 2019’s try to be okay, 2020’s A Few Brief Moments and last year’s Nothing’s Everything.
Sines has described Not the Same as a record about “growing up” but not in an “optimistic or carefree sense.” Rather, the six tracks on Not the Same focus on “self-reflection and doubt as well as confidence and exuberance.” Listen to the EP’s latest single, ‘Violet’, below.
Here, Yoste names five albums that influenced the new EP.
The National – High Violet
This is The National record that most captures my imagination. It’s a balance of raw, unpolished energy and poetic, recognisably unique lyrics. If there’s a single lesson I take most from this record, it’s to not get too caught in the weeds. It’s the soul of a song that matters most.
The 1975 – Notes on a Conditional Form
Cynicism, energy and enough glimmer to make any sunset jealous. The production pairs beauty with restraint then occasionally says, “Actually, fuck restraint, let’s go wild for a moment.” All of these attitudes permeated my thoughts while creating Never the Same.
Everything Everything – Man Alive
An older record from a lesser known but well-loved band. Some of the tightest, most creative musicians there are. ‘Tin’ in particular affects me every time I hear it. The simplicity and repetition build and build, compounding the emotion of the music rather than becoming stale. Ironic that for a band famed for their brilliant complexity, it’s their simplest songs I love best, although I do love them all.
Imogen Heap – Speak For Yourself
For me, the Queen of electronic music. Imogen Heap’s use of harmony, melancholy, the uniqueness of the melodies – it’s all good and forever relevant.
alt-J – An Awesome Wave
Alt-J’s An Awesome Wave is still my favourite album listening experience from start to finish. This is the record that marries older conventions of music with modernity, with a twist of personal flair to create something both novel and familiar. Who wouldn’t use that as a signpost when creating something?
