Coffee Break with The Yard Woman

The Yard Woman is a Greek-born, Bristol-based DJ and producer at the forefront of UK Melodic Techno. 

She has made the electronic music sphere her own playground drawing inspiration from unlikely genres like Pop, Rock & World Music - resulting in surprising hybrid melodic tracks.

As a producer,  her releases have found a home on Running Clouds, Panda Lab Recs and more. Receiving plays from the likes of Massano, David Lindmer, Nora en Pure, Hot Since 82, & Ronnie Spiteri ; plus airwave support from BBC Radio 1 for 5 of her original productions.

Let’s dive into the world of an artist passionate about embodying the change and bringing more diversity to the melodic techno scene.

Hi Elena, thanks for having this little chat with us today. First of all, how are you doing and what are you up to today?

Energy’s high today, I’m planning my move to London!

Growing up between the UK and Greece, what influence would you say this lifestyle have on your creativity and music preferences?

Greek traditional and modern music has been influenced by Middle Eastern sounds and scales making it an amazing melting pot to draw inspiration from.

Living in the UK I’ve discovered genres I didn’t even know existed, like Drum and Bass and Bassline.

When were you first introduced to electronic music, and when did you decide to start producing yourself?

I was 14 and my mum started playing Gramatik & Parov Stelar tracks in the living room. Trip hop & electro swing were the first electronic music tracks I listened to ; I then started producing when I was 21.

Why “The Yard Woman”?

In the past, strong traditional Greek women, such as my great grandma, would sit in their yards at their house all day cooking, gardening & repairing things. And at night when things were cooler and the moon was out, they'd set their intentions. They'd dream about what the next generation of women would be able to experience & accomplish in a world with more Opportunities.

I feel like the modern Yard Woman where electronic music is my yard to play in & get inspired by unlikely genres like Pop, Rock, Rap & World Music - resulting in surprising hybrid melodic tracks.

What is it like to be a female DJ in an industry that is still male-dominated?

Have you ever had bad experiences?

I’ve found connecting with fellow male professionals in the scene challenging sometimes, men often form cliques which can make socializing difficult.

Shout-out to the people in our industry who are actively speaking up about this & are creating safer spaces that push women forward.

You just released the single "Nobody" on Running Clouds. Could you tell us a bit about this track and the story behind it?

The track came about as a collaboration with artist Un:said. Realizing that we’re capable of love from within ourselves is an empowering act. Many times, self-love is connected with emotions of calmness & peace. “Nobody” offers an alternative concept. In the modern fast-paced digital world coming to love yourself can be a dynamic, deep & somewhat haunting process.

Right now in electronic music, we see a mix of many different genres which can create interesting and innovative music - but a lot of the music that's currently released still sounds pretty similar to things we already heard. despite this, you managed to develop your specific sound which is quite different. Was there a particular process to achieve this?

It’s happened without me realizing it! I’m drawn to certain sounds & rhythms that speak to me. Staying true to myself and sticking to what I feel connected to has allowed to me to develop my sound.

How would you describe your style in 3 words?

Climactic, Hypnotic, Groovy

What do you mean by the phrase "Digital Beauty"?

In the modern concrete world it's become harder to observe beauty naturally. More and more people are living far from nature. I still believe beauty exists, we just have to adjust our angle, our perspective slightly.

I will be sharing pieces of Digital Beauty created artificially by combining my music with curated visuals & thought-provoking captions.

Which label do you dream to sign with, and why?

Habitat - Mind Against’s lazer sharp vision for the label makes it one of the most exciting new labels on the scene.

What can we expect from you in 2024?

I'm diving into making more tracks with deep, soulful, powerful female vocals and releasing on Simulate and Einmusika! 

What is your favorite Greek dish?

That’s a hard question…I’ll say gyros. The classic Greek version of a kebab.

Last but not least: how do you like your coffee?

Flat white with oat milk please, no sugar!

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