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Interviews

YAAK chats his epic new single Mind

Last month, when we first laid ears on YAAK’s new single Mind, we were immediately immersed in his sprawling electronic sounds.

So fresh off the track’s release, we caught up with the man himself to chat all about it, his collaborative experience with jas, and what the future holds.

Fresh off the release of his incredible new single Mind, we caught up with Melbourne-based producer YAAK for a chat.

HAPPY: Hey, how’s it going? What are you up to at the moment?

YAAK: It is going fantastically, thank you. I’m currently in the process of wrapping up my debut EP T I D E S (Mind is the lead single for that project). Getting close to finishing now, so I’m excited!

HAPPY: We’re loving Mind! How does it feel having the track out there in the world?

YAAK: Absolutely incredible! It’s been a long time since I’ve released anything so to have it out there in the world, and to see so many people loving it is honestly surreal. 

I’m not a parent, but I’m almost 100% certain this is exactly how it feels to bring a child into the world.

HAPPY: Could you tell us a bit about the song?

YAAK: Mind is an open letter about shedding your ignorance and learning from all those relationships that aren’t necessarily the best thing for you. Moving on can be hard but staying stagnant or regressing (personally) is even harder. 

I wanted the production to be really dynamic. Delicate enough to compliment what jas. is saying, but hard enough to be direct and to the point. 

It’s all about ebbs and flows, a theme that you’ll be seeing a lot of in T I D E S.

HAPPY: It feels like you’ve got a very strong direction with your sound. How long had you been working on music before you released this track?

YAAK: I’ve been doing music for a little while now, albeit under different monikers. I birthed the concept of YAAK close to two years ago and it took almost all that time to get a cohesive sonic direction together. For me, YAAK will always be fluid in regards to creative direction – I doubt it’ll sound the same two years from now. I just want to keep delivering the music that feels right to make.

HAPPY: jas brings so much to this track too! How did that collaboration come about?

YAAK: I’d like to preface the story I’m about to tell by saying that jas. is an otherworldly talent and the track would not be what it is without her. 

My good friend and manager, George, heard the original version of the song and was all “hey I have a cousin who would be awesome on your track”. Honestly, I wasn’t enthused about the idea – we’re both from pretty large families so you’re rolling the dice as far as blood-related talent goes. Anyway, she recorded a snippet for the song in her car whilst driving somewhere and the moment I heard it I knew she was perfect for the track. So, I invited her round to my house, threw a blanket over her head (for audio treatment lol) and the rest was history.

HAPPY: Are there particular artists you’re really digging at the moment?

YAAK: First and foremost, jas. We have some joint stuff coming soon – working with her is absolutely crazy. Everything she breathes on just turns into absolute gold. 

Also, 3K from Melbourne are one of the most exciting things in hip-hop I’ve seen recently. 

Whilst I’m working on new music I don’t tend to listen to stuff in the same universe as what I’m creating, but I’ve been listening to Tyler’s IGOR a bunch and RL Grime’s NOVA. 
I’ll be throwing together a playlist shortly so everyone can suss out what I’m vibing!

 P.S the new Katy Perry tune is an absolute bop, and I’ll fight anyone and everyone who disagrees.

HAPPY: What’s next for YAAK? Any other exciting plans in the works?

YAAK: So many exciting things it’s almost nauseating haha. 

I have the release of my second single BETTER DAYS on the 27/06/2019, as well as a release party slated for August (stay tuned)!

 On top of that, I’ve launched my own label “Hy-lo Creative Studios” with George. Jas is a part of that and we’re working on a joint project for the second half of the year (stay tuned 2.0)!

HAPPY: Cheers for the chat!

YAAK: 
The pleasure was all mine!

Mind is available now. Listen here.