Yaz León - It's Only Takeout Ma (EP) + 10 Questions

Led by the two well-received singles she released this summer ‘August’ and ‘Silent Mode’, and having been championed by the likes of BBC Introducing, Vogue Paris, Worldwide FM, Dummy Magazine, and British Council’s Selector Radio recently, emerging West London neo-soul singer, musician, and producer YAZ LEÓN is excited to unveil her resounding new debut EP titled It’s Only Takeout Ma, which – having been a year in the making – arrives with much anticipation on October 28, signalling Yaz León as one to watch in the UK and beyond.

Written and produced by Yaz León herself, with additional production from Ess West, and live instrumentation from Luke Bachuss, Seun Folayan, Jack Oliver, and Starkey the Messenger, the 6-track EP sees the Spanish Iraqi native exploring her familial and romantic relationships, while also having conversations with herself about these emotional ties. Sonically, she experiments with interesting production and soundscapes, weaving through and merging genres such as soul, funk, R&B, and pop music, to tell her stories, and explore topics like nostalgia, distrust, intimacy, and toxic masculinity.

Citing influences such as Childish Gambino, Erykah Badu, Paco de Lucia, George Benson, and Kendrick Lamar, Yaz León pushes her songwriting to new heights on this project, making use of multifaceted storytelling and lyrical narration to create a work of art that can truly speak to everyone – whether it’s ‘August’ where she reminisces about falling in love with a girl for the first time and comes out to her family, or ‘Spend Your Coins Here’, which pushes against fragile pride and selfishness, or the narrative ‘Dunya’ about maturing through life’s growing pains.

Yaz León 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?

My dad used to play 70s anthems around the house every Saturday to get us ready for Arabic school. We would dance about to Stevie and the Isley brothers and then Mariah. I never properly took up dance classes but- before singing, dancing to those tracks was my first love (I've got two left feet). I also used to steal my brother's ipod shuffle and hide and listen to that Coldplay X&Y album and George Benson. I think I still have it somewhere...

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

Kendrickkk !! 070 Shake! Frank Ocean! Paco de Lucia, Desta French! Tame Impala... If Stevie were down that'd be sick. (Can't tell me Stevie blind). Or a trio with Frank and Bon Iver?? Thats the dream.

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

So we're currently working on some music videos and live sessions to follow the EP which is exciting... But there's some really cool singles and collaborations for the new year! I've been wanting to work with some of these people for a while! They are genuinely going to be the next generation of iconic musicians.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I've been told I appeal to stoners... So maybe chilled? I think intimate and thought provoking is what I'm going for. Its cry/laugh lyrics mixed with soft vocals and experimental beats.

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

Having people sing my lyrics back to me. That was fucking insane.

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

Learn to produce. It helps to not feel intimidated because you understand music but also because it gives you control over the creative outcome.

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

SOMOH. Ess West. Flowerovlove. Desta French. Osquello. Humble the Great. Idman. I got a whole list.

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

RAYE's Escapism, Montell Fish's JAMIE, and I'm rinsing Mr. Morale & The Big Steppers. The production is crazy.

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

Reading and painting, dressing up my dog, cooking, and sleeping. I like gardening even though I haven't got a green thumb to save my life.

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

My guitar, coffee, and some good incense. Smoking away the bad mind.