Yeah Yeah Yeahs Releases Isolation Performance of “Phenomena”

New York City indie rock band Yeah Yeah Yeahs have released an isolated performance of their song “Phenomena,” from the band’s 2006 album Show Your Bones, according to Pitchfork. The performance is complete with costumes, streamers, strobe lights and even a fog machine.

While other quarantine performances have featured splits of bands playing from their respective homes, this unique performance was shot entirely in the closet of vocalist Karen O, with guitarist Nick Zinner being streamed in live from his own home. Although some of the sound quality took a hit due to this format, there is no denying that the experience felt much more like a live concert experience rather than a type of music video. Furthermore, this style shows the limitless bounds of creativity that artists and bands are willing to push despite these difficult times.

Karen O recently stated that she feels like it is time for the band to make new music, in an interview with Australian radio station Double J. The band’s most recent album, Mosquito, was released back in 2013. O also recently performed one of the band’s most rarely-played songs, “Our Time,” during a livestream performance.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs are feeling the harsh effects of the coronavirus pandemic, as they were scheduled to play Shaky Knees festival in Atlanta, Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago, and Splendour In The Grass in Australia. Live music continues to be halted due to the virus.

Photo Credit: Raymond Flotat 

Drew Feinerman: I have just completed my senior at the University of Michigan majoring in international studies with an emphasis in political economics and development, with a minor in Chinese language and culture, and I have recently been accepted into the Berklee School of Music's masters of music business program. Although my academic interests include economics, political science, and history, I consider music to be my one true passion. Music is, and has always been, a driving force for the way I think and act every day of my life. I have been playing the tenor saxophone since the age of ten, and playing an instrument at a high level has allowed me to only further my understanding and appreciation for music. While I grew up listening to predominantly classic rock, I soon found myself gravitating toward jazz, hip-hop, funk, and other genres, as my learned to both play and analyze music as a listener. As a writer, I am able to apply my skills both as a musician and a listener, and look forward to the opportunity to being able to express my thoughts on various stories in the music industry.
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