Youniss Returns with New Single “Gits Worse” Featuring Petite Noir

Multi-disciplinary artist Youniss is back with “Gits Worse”, a genre-defying single that blends post-punk energy, experimental rap, and introspection. Featuring South African Noirwave pioneer Petite Noir, the track captures the whirlwind of life’s chaos while carving out moments of clarity. Ahead of his European tour supporting acts like Billy Woods and Amenra, Youniss dives into the creation of the track, his collaborative process, and how it translates to the stage.

1. “Gits Worse” feels both chaotic and cathartic — a collision of post-punk energy, experimental rap, and introspection. What emotional or creative headspace were you in when you started writing it?

Last summer I was on a train back home from Brussels. It was early evening and I was tapping my hands on the table in front of me. I felt like I had something that captured me, the rhythm was drawing me in. So when I got off the train I rushed home and set up a mic on my snare kit to play some rim shots, the ones you hear in the intro. There was something about it that really drew me in. The base of the song quickly followed, the HA-HA’s, the bassline, the rest of the drums and the first verse. About a week later I played feeërieen in Brussels where Petite Noir saw me perform. We linked up over a coffee the next day and the day after that he came through to Antwerp and we tried to work on something. I played what I was working on for him, and something in me said this sketch I made a week ago would be the one. He laid down his verse quite quickly and I finished the song in the following days. I feel like I didn’t really think much when making this song and it flowed out accordingly. This rarely happens to me as I usually brood over songs for months to years before they come to fruition, either sonically or lyrically, but this one felt different.

2. You’ve described the song as a “whirlwind” where clarity emerges from confusion. How do you personally find that moment of clarity — either in your creative process or in life itself?

I’ve always felt an immense pressure to work hard and nonstop. I've been on the verge of burnout more times than I can count but I’ve always managed to stop myself before it happens. It almost becomes a rush you’re chasing, the edge of your own health. This year I went on my longest holiday ever, three weeks, and I really learned to slow down. When I came back, I almost didn’t want to work anymore. It was weird for a workaholic to reject the chase you’re so used to. As a result, I’ve been living more balanced, still working a lot but making way more time for myself and my loved ones. I guess my moment of clarity came while walking in the mountains of a Japanese island. I’m happy I had that realization.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e293jcYVSkA

3. Petite Noir said the song is about “breaking past every wall and stereotype.” How did your collaboration come together in practice, and what did each of you bring to the track sonically or thematically?

Thematically this song for me is about growing up in an ever-changing place. It’s as much looking back at my past in a not-so-ideal environment as it is worrying about what’s coming tomorrow. I didn’t tell Petite Noir what it was about, but his point of view perfectly resonates with the undertone of the song.

4. Your work often dissolves boundaries between sound, visuals, and performance — especially after White Space and Do We Try Beyond The Edge?. How does “Gits Worse” continue that multidisciplinary evolution?

Sonically I’m always evolving; I never really want to make the same song or record. Gits Worse is just the latest step in that. There’s a very big world behind the track, but it will be a while before I’m able to completely reveal that — both sonically and visually. So be on the lookout for that, I guess.

5. You’re about to tour with acts like Billy Woods and Amenra — artists known for intensity and experimentation. How do you see “Gits Worse” translating to the stage, and what do you hope audiences take from these live shows?

I’m intrigued by the wide spectrum of artists I’ll be opening for. But you put it well — intensity and experimentation are the recurring theme between everyone I’m playing with. Gits Worse is the opening song of my set for these shows; it sets a haunting tone that just works. I’m also excited because it will be the first time in 3–4 years that I’ve played without a band. Finding a way to structure the live show while leaving room for improvisation has been a fun challenge. I just hope people are able to fully immerse themselves in the shows.