Killing the scene at the moment is none other than Melbourne techno queen Yanzo, has been making quite a name for herself this year, playing at the likes of Esoteric, Ultra, Shelter & LUFT, Yanzo is known for her hard techno sounds followed by fast basslines & melodic vocals.
She has made a few tracks throughout the year even a collab with known Australian DJ Will Sparks, You can definitely expect more from Yanzo next year in 2023 as she starting to move around the scene heating the pace up a bit with faster track selection!
Being able to network with others is what gives the opportunities to make stuff like getting Yanzo on Stewi Mag to happen, I was lucky enough to be able to speak to her let alone get her on the mag itself.
Like I said Yanzo is extremely talented and the likes of her & also other selector Misse playing at park raves + more is dangerous for the Naarm community, going fast, hypnotic, trancey & above all measures to make sure that crowd is movin!
We recently caught up with Yanzo to tell us about her career journey & what we can expect from her in 2023.
Q & A:
Question 1: When did the drive to start mixing/producing & being involved in Dance music be a big thing for you in your life?
A: I have a musical background and have listened to dance music from a young age, but in 2019 I decided it was my true calling. Before this, I ran away to Melbourne the second I turned 18 for a very wild, dark and chaotic stint. Went clubbing a lot. Got violently depressed. Moved back to Brisbane. Met a guy. Experienced a beautiful but cliche storyline of falling in love at a music festival. Life was nice again, but I was searching for my purpose. He was interested in dance music too and showed me how to play his decks. I remember beat matching two tracks and squealed in excitement hahah. Took such an immediate and involved interest in DJ’ing, so I decided to enter a DJ comp.
I started producing in mid 2020 a few months after COVID started. I've been creating from a young age through mediums including video editing, graphic design, and photography, but I had never attempted music production. It felt overwhelming at first, but I stuck to it and taught myself through YouTube, masterclasses, and friends who produce. I love making music. I get so obsessed with it I forget to eat and sleep.
Question 2: You have had plenty of bookings this year! Which one has been your favourite or stood out to you as a huge step for you!
A: It’s been an incredible year of experience, growth and expansion!
Last week at Raga Malak x Al Gharib has to easily be my favourite set. I played a selection of jungle, rave and trance tracks. The energy from the crowd was unmatched. They got the vibe. To be able to express myself through sound is so special. To resonate with people, to be heard, to be understood…the best feeling.
Question 3: Who has given you the drive to get where you are today?
A: My best friends, Simmy and Ash!
Simmy is so kind, funny, grounded, honest and nurturing. I respect and adore her so much. We’ve been by each other’s side through everything. My heart is big and my cup is filled because of our friendship - it’s beautiful.
Ash is prolific and insanely talented. We have such a beautiful connection. We’re both ambitious people, and frequently work on projects together. I think we’re both made up of the same stuff despite being very different.
Question 4: What is the main focus right now in your music career?
A: Explore more! Deepen my perception. Elevate my craft. Dream about the future. Do what feels right. Things that feel fun and exciting. I see every experience as a way for me to grow and express myself.
Question 5: Any upcoming releases before the end of the year?
A: Sure do. Got a couple of finished tracks I’m sitting on at the moment. Working on many more.
Question 6: All Time fav track?
A: I don’t think any track will ever top the sweet nostalgic melancholy of ‘I Remember’ by Deadmau5. So passionately in love with that track and have been forever.
Question 7: What is one piece of advice you can give to someone just starting in the industry?
A: Dare to be different. Stay true to yourself. Trust the process. Support your friends. Don’t take yourself too seriously. Never stop learning
Question 8: Name your style in 5 words!?
A: Deep, dark, hypnotic, aggressive and sexy.
Some of my friends like to call my style “spooky sex techno” lol
Question 9: How thankful are you for networking in the community & do you think this plays a huge role in bookings/connections?
A: Community is everything! Dance music creates harmony. I’ve experienced multiple scenes in multiple places. Met so many walks of life. I always want to share my love for music with others. Be authentic and magnetic and you will be where you belong.
Question 10: Do you think the Naarm community is growing towards dance music scene?
A: Absolutely! It's been wonderful to watch the music scene shapeshift and evolve. Naarm/Melbourne has such a strong pulse and vibrancy. I love our big community. Through the artists who are pioneering and leading the way, the future of our scene is promising.
You can also find Yanzo below on all her social media platforms!
SOCIALS:
Spotify:
Soundcloud:
Tik Tok: @yanzomusic
Instagram: @yanzomusic