Creative Conversations 021: Elevating Above The Clouds With YAAK
Words by Luke Byatt
It’s no surprise that Melbourne’s YAAK has secured himself as a favourite of Futuremag Music, since he was introduced to us by an industry friend. We looped up with the Melbourne creative to chat about his recent release ‘Above The Clouds’ (which we covered, HERE), his history with music and what’s to come for the project.
Futuremag Music: Hey YAAK, how're you doing with the Melbourne COVID lockdown?
YAAK: Yo I’m doing well! Let’s just say the years working in a bedroom studio definitely had me better equipped than most. That being said, it is a strange time, so just taking it day by day.
Futuremag Music: Before we jump into your brand new tune, could you please give us some insight to your relationship with music over the years?
YAAK: How long do we have? I was incredibly lucky growing up – my mum is the most eclectic music listener I think I’ve ever met. I don’t think there’s a moment in my childhood without a soundtrack to it. I started off in musical theatre and bands, when I was 15 a friend of mine introduced me to FL studio and I was just hooked from there. I’ve officially making music as ‘YAAK’ for the last couple of years.
Futuremag Music: Congratulations with the release of 'Above The Clouds'! The record is a bit of a departure from your regular Hip Hop leaning sonic. Could you talk us through the switch up?
YAAK: Thanks man! Honestly, electronic music is what got me into production – so I always love veering into that lane. Normally, when I work, I’ll leave space for a vocalist to come in and do their thing; for “ABTC” things were different - the sole focus was to create a piece of music that could stand alone and really give people a window into how I’m feeling at the moment.
YAAK (Provided)
Futuremag Music: What does the future hold for YAAK?
YAAK: A LOT! You’ll hear a lot of collaborative work, and a lot of solo stuff, too. I think I’ve set the expectation with my fanbase now that I can and will dabble with different genre’s. Sometimes it’s gonna slap – sometimes we’re all gonna cry. I’m all for the duality and anything in-between.
I’m working with my label-mate “Jas.” on her debut project which will showcase the emotive/pop/electronic sound of YAAK. On the other side, I’ve got a really big record with UK born, Melbourne based rapper ‘Z.Lewis’ which will bring the energy once things calm down a bit.
I’m trying to make the most of the incredibly talented artists we have growing here in Aus, and I’m not really putting a limit on where my sound can go as a result of that. So if you from the hometown and want to work, my DM’s are open.
Futuremag Music: To wrap it up, if YAAK was a cocktail, what would be in it to best describe the project?
Just for the record, I’m a Tom Collins type of guy, but that feels a little too pedestrian for YAAK.
Something strong… maybe a long island iced tea. You can go order it from 10 different places - it’s probably going to taste different every single time but you KNOW it’s going to do the job, it’s going to be in your face, and you’re going to have a good time.
YAAK (Provided)