His second EP is on its way, Yueku has confirmed that “Little Less Noise” will be released July 28, 2023, and in promotion of this announcement, he has dropped an awesome indie-pop single, titled “One Sided” featuring Abby Holliday. This release is the follow-up to Yueku’s previous single “Paradise” and Abby Holliday’s album “I’M OK NO I’M NOT”.
Yueku, the solo project of Christian Koo, is a Detroit-born singer/songwriter who has embarked on a musical journey from the Motor City suburbs to Music City, Tennessee. He was previously the vocalist in the indie-pop band, The True Blue, and after they disbanded, he started to write solo material. With infectious upbeat indie tracks and dazzling production, Yueku’s music radiates addicting melodies and a touch of country flair. Transitioning from his previous EP, titled “Catch Me If You Can”, Yueku’s second EP ventures into a new realm, where his signature intimate bedroom pop expands into a joyful house party filled with friends and crushes. Drawing inspiration from his early exposure to boy bands and the impactful sounds of New Found Glory, Yueku’s passion for music was ignited at a young age. Songwriting serves as an outlet for him to express emotions and thoughts that may be difficult to articulate in conversation. By sharing vulnerable and relatable experiences, Yueku aims to connect with listeners on a profound level, providing solace and empowerment through his music. He’s already captivated listeners with over a million streams on Spotify alone, with “Mindreader” and “Somewhere Else” becoming his most-streamed tracks on the platform. With the desire to evoke the same emotions in others that his favourite songs and artists have stirred within him, Yueku embraces the power of vulnerability and invites listeners to join him on this captivating musical journey.
As for Abby Holliday, she is a Nashville-based singer-songwriter, who possesses a lifelong passion for crafting heartfelt melodies and introspective lyrics. With a unique blend of sad vibes and a modern pop sensibility, she delves into the depths of her emotions, exploring the complexities of her external world as a sceptic rather than a cynic. Abby Holliday’s songwriting serves as an authentic reflection of her internal journey, characterised by honesty rather than cruelty. Through her journal-like compositions, she extends an invitation to others, encouraging them to embark on their own introspective explorations. Drawing inspiration from artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Japanese House, Abby Holliday’s music captures the essence of vulnerability and emotional depth while maintaining a lighthearted approach. As a burgeoning young artist, she fearlessly tackles serious themes, intertwining them with a touch of playfulness. With each song, Abby Holliday unveils a window into her soul and she’s already made a huge impact with millions of Spotify streams to her name, as her track “Better By Now” has soared to over 1.2 million streams on the platform. It’s clear she’s someone to watch in the near future.
Written by the artists themselves, with Yueku producing the track, “One Sided” is clearly ’90s inspired from the get-go with that classic laidback pop grooves we all know and love bringing nostalgia to the listeners who grew up in that era. Beaty and rhythmic, the transcending backing track pairs well with Yueku’s vocals as he delves into lyrics fuelled by anxiety about the end of a relationship. Relatable to many, Yueku taps deeply into that feeling that many of us have experienced, touching our hearts with his vocal runs and stunning vocalise which adds to the melody. Harmonies are on point too, Yueku and Abby Holliday impress to no end, playing off each other’s vocal leads that coalesce beautifully while also implanting that anxiety feeling, transporting us to that very moment in time – one we never thought we’d get over, yet hearing it in a song soothes and helps listeners past such a difficult moment. While not everybody has been in the exact situation, Yueku and Abby Holliday manage to make you feel that moment, understand what it feels like, and connect it with another difficult but similar experience which came with a similar anxiety feeling, and still manage to help, with “One Sided” bringing that calming energy and reassuring vibe, which we all need. We simply can’t get enough of this track.
Talking about the track, Yueku said: “‘One Sided’ is about being in a relationship where you’re putting in all the effort to make it work. Yet with your efforts, you still have the disappointing realization the other person simply doesn’t care the same way you do. Abby and I had the idea of comparing it to the writing of a novel. Specifically around the idea of ‘cliffhanger’ endings or stories that make you want more even when you know there’s nothing more coming.”
Stream “One Sided” by Yueku featuring Abby Holliday on Spotify here:
“One Sided”, by Yueku featuring Abby Holliday, is available to download and stream, right now, across platforms, via Diamond City and Many Hats Distribution. Look out for Yueku’s forthcoming sophomore EP, titled “Little Less Noise”, which is expected to drop on July 28, 2023.