Coffee Break with Yet More
Hey Teymour, it's a pleasure to have you as our new guest for this Coffee Break interview. What are you up to today?
Hey! The pleasure is shared. I am currently in my studio asking myself if the construction works happening next door will ever stop… that’s what happens when your studio is in your apartment! Jokes aside, happy to chat with you.
First of all, I was wondering about your relationship with music in general, and later on your introduction to dance music. How did it all begin and at what point did you realize it was something you wanted to pursue?
I grew up listening to R&B and hip-hop. I remember trying to rap over Notorious B.I.G instrumentals when I was a kid…
One day, I got dragged to a Solomun show in Ibiza, and it was mind blowing. I could tell that there was something special happening.
I started as a digger… and a few years later COVID forced me to stay in for a few months and I used this time to try learning all the ins and outs of production. And here we are!
Despite being quite a fresh name in the melodic house scene, in just a few months you released EPs on Adriatique’s Siamese, Renaissance, our label Equanimity, but also tracks on labels such as TAU, or the infamous “Erotic Trip” on the Innervisions’ Secret Weapons compilation. How long did it take for you to manage creating your own signature sound?
I don’t like to talk about a signature sound because I find that this limits my scope. I don’t want to be thrown into a box, and always be recognised for one specific sound. I feel like a lot of artists thrive for that - I don’t.
I listen to soul, funk, hip hop, rock, disco, Arab music and so many different genres that fuel my inspiration. I think it’s important to let your creativity manifest naturally instead of forcing it.
What piece of advice could you give to rising producers who aim to achieve the same goals?
1. Never try to emulate what’s currently being released. Trends change quickly - by the time your new track is out, people will be into something else.
2. Inspiration comes in short blocks of time: when it’s flowing, do not stop.
3. Learn to work fast in order to make the best out of these inspirational moments. The best tracks are made in a few hours.
4. Listening to other genres is essential to keep your sound fresh.
5. When lacking inspiration, go clubbing. It’s the best source of inspiration to make dance music.
With new DJs arising everyday, and a more and more competitive industry, what do you think of the global dance music scene today?
I believe that every industry is the same. Where a market is thriving, competition is fierce. Electronic music is at the forefront now. There is space for anyone to make it. In my opinion, it will come down to the following: who is setting the trends?
Trendsetters will always thrive. Trend followers have an expiry date. How long will people be enjoying Afro house remixes of 1990’s and 2000’s hits?
The artists that survive the trend shifts are usually the ones setting them. I thrive to be one of those.
Best friends in the industry?
Avangart Tabldot. My Turkish brothers!
How would you describe your music in 3 words?
Fresh, powerful, heartfelt.
Which track of yours is your favorite so far and why?
Honestly… every new track of mine becomes my favorite for a while! Maybe ‘What Do Adults Say’ because it’s always so efficient on the dance floor!
After releasing your EP “Brenda Bradley” on Equanimity last year, you are back on our label very soon together with French artist Assayag, with the track “Look at my A**”. Could you tell us about this collaboration?
Assayag is a young DJ & producer from Paris. He has incredible ideas, and we reworked a few together. ‘Look At My A**’ is one of them. This will be the third collaboration with him. I believe in him, he has a strong potential and I’m happy to have been able to contribute in putting him on the map.
This Thursday we meet again in Paris for our Melodic Diggers pres. Equanimity, with you, Argia, and myself (Just Lauren). We are taking over Rex Club on the occasion. Are you excited?
I am beyond excited. It’s a dream come true to play in the most iconic Parisian venue. I’m really happy to share this moment with you!
Find the event on Resident Advisor.
What can we expect from you in the next few months?
A lot of new projects are coming along. Amongst those, I would like to discuss one in particular: Ya Boy Records.
This label was recently created by Gharam Electric, a Lebanese artist and friend. The goal is to bring contemporary Arab dance music at the forefront of the global dance music scene.
Arabic music is one of the richest & most unique genres. Yet, it still didn’t find its place in our musical environment (unlike Latino or Afro House).
As a proud Arab, I want to be involved in the process of making it widely recognised in the global dance music scene.
This starts with my remix of the label’s first song, ‘Ya Boy’. It will be out in April, and I can’t wait!
Last but not least: how do you like your coffee?
No caffeine for me… l’ll have an ‘qahwah bayda’ (white coffee made of orange blossom water for my non-Levantine friends).
Interview by Just Lauren
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