Coffee Break with Yubik
Known for his well-crafted and meaningful productions, he has already made quite an impression on the dance music scene. As a proper rising artist, Yubik’s reputation is growing rapidly with notable releases on Atlant, TAU and Stil Vor Talent to name a few. We were lucky enough to catch up with him and learn more about his creative process, his favourite beer and what is yet to come.
Hey Yubik! Thanks for joining us today! What have you been up to over the past few weeks?
Hey everyone! The last few weeks I've been locked up in my studio here in Munich working on new music for you. Winter has arrived here and this is the perfect time for me to spend the long nights in my "Spaceship" before I go on tour again next year.
Today you released a a new live set. Could you tell us a little bit more about it and mention the tracks that we should keep an eye on?
I've been thinking about doing my own live set for a while now and I’ve recently had the idea to listen to the people out there. That's how my mixtape came about - cobbled together from my own productions. Many of them are already known to you and you might recognize one or two other gems. The next step to create my own live set is not an easy one for me. Quite quickly, questions come up like "Do I have enough good tracks?" or "Can I meet my own expectations for a set with my songs?" I feel a certain pressure from these questions, but I'm absolutely ready to face it.
The intro of the mix was released two months ago on Radikon featuring your own voice, which is probably the reason for this track being so unique. In a nutshell, could you tell us about the creation of ‘No Turning Back’?
For a long time, I was unsure or didn't dare to record with my own voice. As you might hear from my many past productions, I'm really into that anthem feeling (a lead that's catchy and simple), but one that conveys the mood I'm experiencing at the time. It has never felt better to combine my own voice with what I can get out of the machines. It really brings me to the forefront and highlights what I’m feeling.
Through ‘No Turning Back’, I wanted to describe the feeling of letting go and how it feels to not look back but look forward, to face your fears and take life as it comes even if it hurts sometimes To not to look around anymore - no turning back.
It’s also important to mention the last track of the mix ‘Face The Truth’ that you described as ‘not just a song’ - what do you mean by that?
This new song is not just a song for me. With this heartfelt piece I want to show you that in many life situations it is important to reflect on the essentials. To get clarity and to recognize what is happening to you, what thoughts you have and what feelings arise in you. These essences are an important realization to grow, to be grateful and to carry more peace and freedom within yourself - to face the truth and to become aware of your own self.
Back in May you had your first release on Fideles’ label Impressum with the remix of ‘Timeless Ghosts’, that we really liked. Could you tell us the story behind this remix?
"What a beautiful track!" That's what I thought when Fideles asked me if I would like to do a remix for it. At the beginning I wasn't sure what to craft out of the powerful original - and maybe you can hear this discord in my set, because there are two different versions of it. My first version was a conversion of the original into a Yubik 4/4, because I figured that's exactly what Fideles wanted me to do. After submitting it, I got great feedback from the guys that they liked my unconventional style, my distinctive drums and rhythms. After that the second version was created, detached from all expectations - just going with the flow.
Speaking about your own productions: how do you manage to create your signature sound?
I can tie this in with my last answer. I often go to the studio and try to create something specific, because I have a certain goal for it. But most of the time it goes differently. Most of the time I get excited about my productions when I just start without any specific ideas and just do what feels right at the moment.
We are also curious to know how you and Innellea became friends and what led to the iconic B2Bs that we often see on social media. Could you tell us a bit about how that came to life?
Michael and I have known each other for over 10 years now. We both grew up here in the countryside near Munich. Back then, we had a mutual friend who brought us together. The first time we met was at a Boys Noise concert here in Munich. From that moment on it was clear, we should do this more often! It was the partying, the fun, the music - a bond that connects us until now and forever. It's no secret: we are friends, and it will stay like that forever.
As an artist, what are your biggest inspirations?
That's not an easy question, clearly somewhere the inspiration comes from the curiosity around music.
But it's not just the obvious, it's everything. Everything that surrounds us.
From then until now it's been a playful journey of experiences in clubs or at festivals.
It’s been the discovery of artists that literally blew my mind and experiences in the studio, learning about technology and creativity.
I still have this little kid in me that has fun playing while making music.
A synthesizer, a program, or a combination of machines can make me so happy.
If you had to pick one, what would be your dream collaboration?
It would definitely be with Trikk.
Since you travel a lot, where was the best place that you've ever played?
Madhouse in Beirut - I’m still at a loss for words about this night. It was such a unique crowd - so much energy! This is a memory that lives forever.
As a music producer, what does your daily routine look like?
Every day is unique, but daily routines can help you focus on the things that matter.
I like to start with a glass of hot lemon, a little stretching, and then hit the cold shower. Sounds hard but has a strong impact.
I have also recently started using the Wim Hof method. For those who haven't heard of it, check it out online.
Sometimes it's not so easy to motivate yourself to do the daily routine and the upcoming work, especially as a freelancer.
This is exactly where little methods like this can help you pick yourself up and, to simply put it, feel more motivated and better about yourself.
It's hard to believe, but if you get involved, it can be a lot of fun.
A proper Germany based person must have his favourite beer. Could you tell us what’s yours?
White Beer ! In German we write it: Weißbier :)
Isotonic sparkling and simply unmistakable.
The perfect drink after a hard day's work, a beautiful hike in the mountains or just for pleasure.
And finally, the most important question, how do you like your coffee?
Cappuccino with Oat Milk … <3
interview by joão alves
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