YellowStraps - Notice (Single) + 10 Questions
Belgian artist YellowStraps has unveiled brand-new single ‘notice’, out 19th October on Haliblue Records/Universal Music France.
Pairing a smooth, downbeat production with YellowStraps reflective lyrics, ‘notice’ is a slick jam driven by emotion. The track will feature on his forthcoming album Tentacle, a project that pushes the boundaries without denying the DNA at its core.
Speaking on the record, YellowStraps comments “notice is undoubtedly the track that represents most the situation of stalemate in a relationship, the underlying theme throughout the record! it depicts that moment when you feel you’ve tried everything to save what you have but get constantly drawn back to facing yourself and your own thoughts without knowing what to do next…”
Founded in Brussels, YellowStraps has been nurturing a unique neo-soul blend that caresses the senses for nearly ten years now, proudly championed by the bubbling Belgian rap scene in which they are a part of. An evolving musician and songwriter, he has gathered success from names like VICE and Complex, and gained tastemaker support from brands like COLORS, Vans and Fred Perry.
YellowStrap 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?
Music has always taken a big part in my life! Started listening a lot of music with friends when we were kids and we were always really excited to discover new artists! It was almost like our favourite game.
2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?
Main one has always been King Krule! He really changed my vision music wise and his creativity helped my creativity in so many ways!
3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?
I have my very first album coming out end of January! Hella excited because it’s the first project I’m releasing on my own and also because I feel like the music has taken a real step! The project is a lot more hybrid than what I’ve done in the past, I’ve really tried to push the envelope in blending styles on this one.
4. How would you describe your sound?
My music has evolved but the main goal has always been to mix a lot of styles together to create my own! There’s a lot of synths, electric bass, heavy subs, groovy drums, with a lot of focus on being melodic - I’d say it’s a personal blend of King Krule, Tom Misch, Jordan Rakei, Daniel Caesar with a modern twist on production.
5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?
I would probably say the Colors Session because it was a real goal for us! We always liked Colors and being among all those global, world class artists was unbelievable for us! It also really helped bringing a lot of exposure on YellowStraps as a project… a real blessing.
6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?
Keep on trying a lot of stuff without being too rough with yourself! I would say to just let go of the pressure or analysis paralysis! Stay true to yourself and be really really patient haha.
7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?
Yeah definitely! Actually there’s a lot! But Dijon’s last album really blew my mind, Jae Luna is a sick artist based over in LA, Oliver Malcolm has a really creative approach to his music and image.
8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?
Again, Dijon’s last album called Absolutely! If i had to give another one, i would say Renaissance Boy by Galimatias.
9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?
I used to be a graphic designer before I started making music! So i keep working on that - especially for the project, I take on all of the graphic design for the most part! I’m also a real football fan, I love playing football and watching games.
10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?
Some beers if it’s a late night session haha
An extra laptop just to watch some inspiring visuals
And a room not too big to still feel like home.