Interview by Luke Byatt

YAAK is back with a killer track along side Z Lewis. We adore ‘10MERITS’ so much, we decided to catch up with the Melbourne based producer (read more about the single HERE). Join YAAK as he uncovers the writing and production process, looping in with Z. Lewis, and many more interesting titbits.

Futuremag Music: Hey YAAK, how're you doing? What's new in your world?

YAAK: Yo, pleasure to be having a chat! I’m doing as well as can be in these crazy times; just letting it all breathe and taking it day by day. There’s been a lot of new and exciting things happening in my world; my label Hy-Lo Creative just launched, Jas. is out in the world (we’re hard at work on her new music) and 10MERITS is finally out!

Futuremag Music: Congrats on the release of '10MERITS', it's an absolute banger! How did you loop with Z. Lewis for vocal duties?

YAAK: Thank you so much - It’s been amazing to see such a positive reception so far!

Vocals for the track posed an immediate challenge for me. I knew I wanted someone with a British accent, and I knew that bringing the type of energy that would match the production wasn’t going to be an easy feat. Luckily my manager, G, had been across the RMF guys for a while. He showed me a freestyle that Z had just released and I knew he was the guy straight away. I sent the prod to Z, and the rest was history!

Futuremag Music: Could you break down the production and writing process of '10MERITS'? How did you achieve the classic Grime aesthetic while also injecting forward thinking electronica into the record?

YAAK: It all happened quite organically to be honest! I had set myself a writing challenge over the course of a week, to blend delicate vocals with the hardest drums and bass I could manage. I think the choir automatically lends itself to the grime aesthetic, but the forward thinking electronica came into the picture just by virtue of creating with no goal in sight, and having fun. There are some versions of the production that lean into Dubstep, some that were D’n’B, and I think the final version is a really unique result that managed to blend them all!

Futuremag Music: What does the future hold of the YAAK project? Any more music slated for release this year?

YAAK: Time to get existential, huh. There’s one more YAAK release slated for the end of the year; It’s a blend of Pop and Drum and Bass that I think is a spiritual successor to ‘Above the Clouds’ in a lot of ways so I’m really excited about that!

As for the future of the YAAK project - I’m hoping we get the chance to play at some live shows soon! Otherwise, I’m working closely with Jas. on her next single and on another top-secret Hy-Lo project that will be released in 2022. I’m really focused on helping elevate other artists with my production at the moment, so expect to see more YAAK writing credits, and less singles for a little while.

Futuremag Music: To round it out, In partnership with Your Favourite Team, what is a piece of advice or something you wish you knew when starting out following a career in music?

YAAK: Sit down baby YAAK, there’s something I need to tell you. I hate to say this kiddo, but we live in a day and age where music moves rapidly... It used to be that “if your music is good enough, that’ll speak over everything else'' - whilst that’s still true - I’m not sure that applies to the same level today as it used to. You need to get outside your comfort zone; work with as many people as possible, be kind, be humble and remember: your art isn’t complete until it’s shared. So don’t hold anything back.

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