Breathing and living the artistic-filled (and polluted) air of NYC daily, American singer and producer YONAH champions a personal brand of electronic pop, influenced by sultry R’n’B sensibilities. Debuting only last year, the talented youngster already managed to rack up an impressive number of streams on Spotify, and we suspect it has something to do with his ability to create glorious, exciting contemporary games. Together with a vocal tone to die for: gritty yet flexible, modulating registries and exhibiting tons of charisma.
YONAH’s latest release takes the name of ‘bad dreams’, and it is the story of turbulent nights experiencing – you guessed it – bad dreams. Who can relate? We certainly can. Furthermore, the record is also produced by the artist himself, and for a first, it is pretty darn good!
Intrigued by the project, we caught up with YONAH to find out more about his artistry and future goals… Interview below!
MESMERIZED: Hey Yonah, how is it going? some of our readers might not be familiar with your project, how would you describe yourself, in a few words?
YONAH: I’d say I’m in the midst of an explorative artistic stage and on my way towards something special.
MESMERIZED: Your current work is the result of a long journey; What first drew you to making music?
YONAH: I actually haven’t been doing music for so long! I played the piano as a kid but never got into it and quit in middle school. Once COVID hit I had a teacher in high school take me under his wing and helped me learn how to produce. It was a pretty lonely time for me and music gave me something to devout myself to. For about two and half years now it’s been a process of falling deeper in love with it every day.
MESMERIZED: If you had the opportunity to pick any artists in the world for a collaboration, who would be your first choice? (and second choice, perhaps?)
YONAH: Such a tuffy. If the question included artists who have passed I would instantly say Mac Miller, but I think I would have to go with Phoebe Bridgers or Dijon. They both inspire such different sides of myself and I have looked up to them as musical idols for a long time.
MESMERIZED: You recently released ‘bad dreams’, an intimate pop gem inspired by – literally – a bad dream. In terms of sound and songwriting, how happy are you with the track?
YONAH: Honestly I’m super proud of all of it. Like every piece of art there all always things that stick out that I as the creator know could be better, but it’s one of my first self-produced songs and that alone makes me happy and proud.
MESMERIZED: Do you feel more confident writing music alone, or within a team?
YONAH: If you had asked me this question a few weeks ago I would have said alone, but recently I’ve had the opportunity to work with some really talented people and they’ve shifted my perspective. Although mostly through FaceTime it’s been an eye-opening experience working with others and having help putting my own thoughts and emotions into flowing song phrases. It’s helped me open up about things I’d never think to put to words and given me connections I didn’t think would be.
MESMERIZED: Has NYC inspired you in any way, especially at such a young age?
YONAH: Honestly not as much as I thought it would. When COVID hit the city sort of hid itself away in my mind and the thoughts that came in the confines of my walls were my main inspiration. After High School, I took a gap year and left the country for a year. That was the time when my surroundings really inspired my art. I spent 5 months in Israel and that’s where ‘bad dreams’ was created. Coming back to the city after the year, however, has definitely been an inspiration. I think it was hard for me to appreciate my surroundings before I left, but coming back to it after all that time has let me see the city in a fresher light. There are so many things constantly going on here and that used to intimidate me. I think it still does a little but now I have the drive to push through and hopefully rise above the madness.
MESMERIZED: Artistically speaking, what challenges have the last two years presented you with?
YONAH: I think the pain of the last two years honestly has been a blessing for my art. I thrive under pressure and uncomfortable surroundings which have been the majority of the past couple of years. As much as it has been a curse to a whole lot of people I’m thankful for what it’s given me. There have absolutely been times when the focus has been a challenge or the occasional writer’s block. Overall though it’s the most creative years of my life.
MESMERIZED: What are the next steps for your project? Anything exciting on the horizon?
YONAH: I’d say the next steps are still coming to fruition. Release wise I plan on continuing to release over the next forever and have my favourite song so far coming out in the next month or two. Also more immediately I decided to go to music school in Israel which I’m beyond excited for. I’m still young and have a whole lot more to learn. I’m excited to take the time to really hone my craft and focus on mastering my craft. I plan on coming out of the year with at least one self-produced album and a whole lot more behind it. Anyways, I’m just excited for what’s to come and the more I do this the more I know I’m on the right path which feels simply incredible. Much love and thanks for listening to my blabbering!
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