YAS - Yellow (EP) + 10 Questions

Following the summer release of her ‘PURPLE’ EP comprising the tracks ‘FOOL AROUND’ AND ‘IDEA OF YOU’, the mesmerising singer, songwriter, instrumentalist and producer YAS releases her brand new ‘YELLOW’ EP featuring the new singles ‘origami’ and ‘space’. Now she unveils the breath-taking, sci-fi themed visual for ‘space’, directed by Erik Rojas.

Forming the fourth and final instalment of her addictive and captivating COLORS EP series which kicked off with ‘RED’ and ‘BLUE’ earlier in the year, with each conveying a distinct emotion and sound, ‘YELLOW’ features another look at YAS’ impressive musical range and capabilities whilst not only exploring new sonic realms but also her familial and cultural ties.

Blending genres to a sublime effect, throughout the EP listeners can find traces of YAS’ Japanese roots through the use of her native language and family history. The multi-textured ‘origami’ is a beautiful homage to her mother and the dreams she sacrificed to bring her children to the US for a better life with the name signifying a tender back and forth between her and her mother. ‘space’ takes a dive into maturing love and reconciling the inevitable familiarity with the initial deep bouts of passion and love. YAS spearheads all the writing and production with support from long-time collaborators including Romeo (FARR), KOLE, Taylor from Earth and Shibo

Speaking on the ‘YELLOW’ EP YAS commented:“Really excited to end my year with YELLOW. I feel like I’m starting to get a better glimpse into my creative potential. ‘origami’ is a good example of reaching into an elevated realm with a more experimental aesthetic.”

YAS sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

It wasn’t that romantic. I got tiger mom’ed and was forced to play an instrument. I originally wanted to play cello but her car wasn’t big enough so I settled for violin. Hilarious how arbitrary it was. I honestly didn’t fall in love with it until 10 years in when I was performing with an orchestra in Vienna. We had played Mahler’s 9th Symphony, this highly emotional piece of music in sync with 100 people and the power was just so undeniable. And from there I wandered into the rest of the music space. 90s-2000s R&B was my first non-classical love. S/o Keyshia Cole.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I’ve been incredibly lucky to have been brought into some crazy rooms as a violinist, but the way that the workflow is set up, strings always come in at the very end like a little sprinkle on top.I would love to be able to be part of the song creation process from start to finish and see different techniques and learn. There are 3 people in particular that come to mind-James Blake, HER, SZA. They are just musical artists in every sense of the word. I’ve seen them all perform live and they just blow me away from the different analog setups James has on stage, all the instruments that HER completely shreds, and the melodic variety that SZA is capable of writing.

3. What are some of the problems you have faced making and releasing the music during the corona virus pandemic?

Music output was at an all time high, with people oversaturating each week with new music, so it’s easy for the music to get drowned in the sea of shit coming out. Some people had been sitting on music, others took the pandemic to really lock in and get to work because ultimately that was the only way to stay present and visible. People really had to make the switch to other types of short form content to keep fans engaged. I was and still am super resistant to that, I honestly hate making short form content because it always feels so forced and scripted and felt more like a business branding mechanism as opposed to having anything to do with the music. Obviously live shows weren’t an option, which for me was a huge downside. I always wanted my live to be a full experience, with musical elements that would undeniably take it to the next level. I’m so bored of going to festivals and hearing artists just do glorified karaoke with track. In my head that’s like, if it’s going to sound the exact same as the DSP version I might as well be comfortable in my fucking house listening to HQ audio as opposed to standing in a field uncomfortable with shitty audio and a huge crowd.

4. How would you describe your sound?

Accessible-wavy.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

Honestly, I think it was this Yellow EP and the video that came alongside it. I feel like I am starting to finally see what I am capable of as an artist, pushing boundaries, experimenting with form and a fresh sonic space, and creating a music video that really fits what I had in my head. It’s always a crapshoot with videos because you spend so much money on them and you never really know what it’s going to turn out like even if you have an idea in your head. This video, I finally felt like I got exactly what I pictured in my head - and ultimately it made me feel like I was starting to become a multidisciplinary artist- not just someone that makes music, because artists don’t just make music anymore.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Don’t do it….but if you must, I think upcoming artists have to ask themselves, if they’re really wanting to make it - are you willing to sacrifice all your money funding your dream as you watch others surpass you? are you willing to face a thousand rejections and continue in stride all the while trying your best to separate yourself from the music so that you can survive mentally? are you willing to be your own cheerleader even when you hit writers block? is what you get from the music enough for you? because this shit is fucking hard.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

boylife! He’s my buddy from college and he just debuted his first album, and the production choices and his lyric and melody writing are absolutely top notch and inspiring.

Nathy Peluso also is a firecracker.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Before-James Blake

How Do You Feel About Getting Married- Dijon

gelato- boylife.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I love eating. And movies. Both at the same time fire.

But on the real as I get older I’m prioritizing taking good care of myself, balancing my career with my personal life, and doing things I enjoy that make me happy outside of music. It’s not possible to be happy putting all my eggs in one cup. I try my best to travel and explore outside and take in new stimuli to keep me inspired and also take me out of my head sometimes.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

RC20 plugin, a piano to write, and my buddy Erik playing a phatty bass line.