Talk with Yazmindi
Photo Credits Chloe Ireland
The refreshing and very talented Yazmindi has released her genre-bending debut album ‘Dream On’ which she was able to record through an online fundraising campaign. Being a fully independent artist all Yazmindi’s success is purely her own, so while she is out showcasing her album to live audiences along the Eastcoast we interrupted to ask her some questions about the new album, what are the best and worst parts of being an indie artist and what she thinks about streaming services.
Congratulations on the release of your debut album, what has been the reaction of fans to the 11 track LP?
Thank you so much! I’m so happy my debut album ‘Dream On’ is finally out into the world. Everyone has been lovin’ it and complimenting on how much they enjoy the diversity of the album, people from all walks of life can relate to it which I’m really glad about as that was the aim, it’s an album for everyone. I’ve been receiving heaps of awesome radio play and lovely messages about it, especially from strangers from all over the country, which warms my heart!
You write all your own songs, what does the writing /creative process look like for you?
I love writing songs and being creative by writing about many different topics in life or from different perspectives, I like to mix my songwriting up and write about serious or heartfelt topics but also write tongue-in-cheek teaser songs that are fun to play live. It’s a great mix that keeps it interesting for myself and fans. The process is usually me sitting down with my guitar coming up with a riff or chord progression then I write the words. I can never sit down and force myself to write a song, a strong feeling needs to come my way first with something I’m feeling passionate about or if I intentionally sit down with a goal in mind and see what comes out. Once I have an idea in mind I tend to get really obsessive and excited about it and want to finish writing it ASAP. Often when I travel to new places or go on long road trips is when I get inspired and write some of my best material. I have many voice recordings from when I drive in my car alone and words just come to me! Some songs only take 10 mins then some can take a year to finish. It’s so much fun - the best feeling when it’s accomplished!
How do you decide which songs make it onto the album?
I recorded 23 acoustic demo tracks then culled a bunch so I only had my top 11 songs. I already had the main ones I knew were definite, however, it was hard deciding what other ones I should have on the album as I have a deep connection to all my songs! However, I know there will be many more future albums so I put some aside that I thought would suit the next album theme. I also like to look at the song's storyline and make sure I don’t have too much of the same. I also sent these demos out to Mark Myers, my producer and he told me his top favourites. I always send them to my friends and family as well to ask their opinion on their favourites which was a big help.
“they are all extremely unique but have a common theme with keeping it real, being earnest and upfront”
You have previously released 6 tracks as singles including 'Avocado Latte', 'Talk' & 'Bars Ain't Closin' why these 5 songs? Were you trying to demonstrate the diversity of your music?
Yes absolutely, I wanted to showcase my diversity and wanted my music to attract all sorts of people who like different genres before I released the full album. It’s been an amazing experience releasing 6 singles that were teasers from my album, they are all extremely unique but have a common theme with keeping it real, being earnest and upfront with how I feel. It also gave me the opportunity to go on many different radio shows or be featured in all sorts of magazines; ‘Bars Ain’t Closin’ appeared on Country Radios, ‘Talk’ gave me the opportunity to chat on Rock shows then ‘Dream On’ appeared for more commercial pop segments and editorials. These were the top songs that I love personally and represent the artist I am and what topics I’m passionate about. I knew these ones are what my friends, family and fans love the most too, I also chose the ones I thought would be best and catchiest for radio play so they get stuck in your head all day ;)
Do you have a favourite song on the album?
Ooh my favourite song changes every week depending on my mood and then I feel bad only choosing one when I love them all! At the moment my favourite is my jazzy love song called ‘I Don’t Mind’, it’s such an uplifting song about knowing your self-worth and staying true to who I am without needing anybody else, it puts me in a relaxing mood straight away, plus I love the saxophone solo at the end. Please have a listen as I think you will like it too!
“as an indie artist, this allowed me to own all the rights to my music which is really important”
For the LP production you created a Kickstarter campaign. As a fully independent artist was this the only way to get the album out there? Do you recommend this tactic for other artists that are struggling to get their music recorded?
I had always planned to self fund my album to stay independent and had already spent $16k of my own money that took me 5 years to save, on everything involved for the production and recording so far. This year I ran out of money and lost months of work and tours from Covid and then the devastating NSW Floods. I had planned on getting grants however they were going to take too long as I needed the funds instantly as it was going to cost me another $14k to release the album and cover all costs involved. I looked into crowdfunding and had already pledged to other artists' campaigns in the past to help with their albums. I decided I was desperate and had to act fast and a Pozible crowdfunding was the best and only option to release the album by the end of the year. I was nervous as it was a big brave risk however I was blown away that we exceeded expectations and hit the target! I definitely recommend this to other artists if they need instant funds and have great supporters already who would be keen to help them achieve their dream. It was a lot of effort and a massive commitment but hugely rewarding and a really great way to get my new album and merch out there. This campaign helped me gain a stronger connection to my fans by creating awesome rewards for them and also helped me do the most professional job with high-quality album projects; made an amazing film clip for ‘Dream On,’ etc. PLUS as an indie artist, this allowed me to own all the rights to my music which is really important!
You are embarking on an East Coast tour for the album, are you excited to be able to play the new material to live audiences and receive that feedback that only comes after a live show?
Yes, I'm so excited! The tour has been amazing so far and I am blown away by the positive feedback I receive after playing a live show. It’s really validating and is a constant reminder that I’m on the right path with my music. I love my job and putting a smile on people’s faces! It’s also been a treat having my very first band to play the album live with at festivals and shows.
What's the best thing about being a fully independent artist?
I am completely in control and own all the rights to my music brand. It’s great to be my own boss, I love being a savvy business chick and learning about all the complex layers in the music industry. I am really proud to be completely self-employed and am constantly learning so much. I’ve always had a keen interest in entrepreneurship and business and absolutely LOVE performing live to audiences so I can combine all of my passions. I enjoy all the sides of being a fully independent artist!
What's the worst part about being a fully independent artist?
Because I am fully self-managed and independent, I am constantly chasing my tail and get overwhelmed and stressed out when I have a million deadlines due as I’m the only one who can do these jobs! It can get lonely and tiring wearing all of the different hats and constantly learning new skills for the business, then also putting on a great live show. A great thing and worst thing about being a fully independent artist is that I am responsible for everything and have really high standards with how things need to get done so I struggle to switch off and have work boundaries. The unsteady income can get rough as each week is a different paycheck so I’m always doing random odd jobs such as teaching guitar, baby sitting or doing Event Management just to get by and pay for music costs.
You have received a lot of Radio support from Community Radio Stations such as FBi, 3RRR, & 4ZZZ. Was this important for getting your music to people who may not have heard you previously?
Yes absolutely! I have always wanted to be featured on these great community radio stations that have made a big name for themselves. It’s also really cool growing up going from a listener wanting your songs to be on these radio stations to then being featured on them. Best feeling! I’m chuffed with all the amazing community radio love and support and it’s the best way to get my music heard by new people from all around the country.
“Having a dedicated Aussie Station with a bigger commercial following that played ALL genres, not just pop songs, would be awesome and a big help for us artists”
As an independent artist do you think the 25% minimum quota of Australian music on our radio stations is a fair number given the ever-expanding talent pool we have in this country? Would you like to see that number increased or even a dedicated Aussie station?
25% isn’t good enough and I know we can do better. Playing more Aussie music is essential for the artists and for the consumers, we have so much talent in this country that needs to be showcased and I don’t understand why they wouldn’t want to help our own homegrown artists instead of those top 40 artists from overseas who are already racking up 3 million streams daily?! I understand there’s a place for commercial top 40 radio however I know as an Indie Artist it would be a massive help to get our music played and we would be extremely appreciative. It also helps with our live music scene here in Australia, promoting artists who are on tour and can help with ticket sales to support live music venues, etc. I would also love to hear more Aussie music being played at local shops, airports and shopping malls. Having a dedicated Aussie Station with a bigger commercial following that played ALL genres, not just pop songs, would be awesome and a big help for us artists. All of our diversity needs to be shown. Big shout out to community radios who are doing their bit!
What are your thoughts on streaming services, are they helping or hurting the industry in your opinion?
Ooh I have strong opinions about this topic and I’m glad you’ve asked! Hurting the industry - however, no one is talking about it! I think streaming services are convenient and easy, it’s great for getting your music heard by consumers with one click of a button at your fingertips; however, they are completely ripping off artists who have spent thousands of dollars on their craft and we only get paid pennies in return. In the entire 5 years I’ve had my music online I have only been paid $150 from streaming services, when I sell a CD for $25 that goes a much longer way as it’s actually covering the costs to get those songs recorded. There is no way artists can make a living off streams, unless you're Taylor Swift, and also the quality of the recording goes down on streaming services so that $1500 we spent on mastering doesn’t get noticed. I can’t believe there are free Spotify music accounts for consumers when it can cost up to $30k to record then release an album as an artist. I think the subscription price needs to be higher and us artists need to educate our consumers about it as they are most likely unaware of this issue. It can definitely help with getting our music out there if you make it on a cool Spotify playlist or friends and fans can easily share our music on their socials which can create more opportunities, I am grateful for that, but I think there’s more bad than good.
Streaming services also open up another door for artists to buy fake followers and streams out of desperation or bedroom artists who have millions of streams but have never performed in front of an audience before so the live show might not be as good. When people apply for a music festival they will most likely have more of a chance of getting in because they have more streams than other artists who are creating an authentic following with real fans, not bots. This annoys me as I see it happening all the time, artists buying fake followers and claiming they’re real when they’re not. It creates murky water and more competition in our industry which isn’t what music should be about.
I also think music companies should stop putting Spotify on a pedal stool and treating it like it’s the be-all and end-all to get a leg up in our music career even though it’s hurting the industry. I have been turned away from companies because I don’t have enough Spotify followers or have been on any big Spotify playlists yet, but how the heck am I meant to get those followers without these companies’ help and support? They just expect us to get thousands of followers overnight when I think there’s better things we can focus on such as the quality of the art and how hard the artist is working to achieve their goals.
If we can support other streaming services such as Tidal who actually pay their artists a good amount and have much better audio quality, or make streaming subscriptions a higher price, I think this would make streaming services a win-win for all.
“ It’s going to be scary but really worth it”
Do you have a message for those people that want to be an artist/musician but are scared to try or don't know where to start?
Yes - just start! It’s going to be scary but really worth it. If you want to have fun and write music or learn an instrument or perform, find other like-minded friends or local musicians who you can jam with and feel inspired with. Do some music lessons from a local teacher and practice your instrument because It’s so much fun when you get better at your craft. You will get obsessed! If you are wanting to make a career out of your art, you need to be smart and research the industry as there’s the music then there’s the music business, both equally important! Find a mentor who can guide you.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is it they do that keeps your world turning?
My boyfriend's amazing grandma Majella, she’s a legend and so switched on! Whenever I’m feeling overwhelmed and can’t think straight, I call her and she gets me back on track with the tasks I need to complete and will help me out with any music related things. Majella looks over everything for me and proofreads everything I do to make sure I’m always putting my best foot forward. She is always so supportive and loves giving me advice whenever I ask for it. She has loads of experience in the entertainment industry and is a big believer in my music so we work really well together. Majella thinks outside the box so she is a great problem solver and enlightens me with clever ideas or smart savvy ways to do things. She is always up for anything so if it’s making merch, posting out parcels or looking over contracts, she is always there for me. Very grateful for her.
What's next for Yazmindi? What can we expect with 2023 approaching?
I’d love for my debut album ‘Dream On’ to take off and get heaps more radio love, AirPlay and build my following! I know 2023 will be an exciting year as I have devoted all of this year and last year to this album, next year I want to grow my team (finally get a manager and booking agent) as it’s getting too much on my own and kick bigger goals. From sold-out shows to headline tours with a kick-ass band, I just want my music to be heard by those who need to hear it and with each song making the world a better place. I would really love to make music my full-time work and spend next year touring and playing at more festivals around Australia, eventually heading overseas for shows! 2023 will be exciting. Stay posted! ;)
Thank you for taking the time to answer some questions for Music Festivals Australia/Music Kingdom Australia - Thank you for having me! :)
DREAM ON ALBUM TOUR + SHOWS
Saturday August 6th Tanks Arts Centre, support for Greta Stanley Cairns Tickets
Thursday August 18th BMUP Festival Cooktown Tickets
Saturday August 27th Cairns Festival Cairns (Free Entry)
Sunday August 28th Mount Molloy Hotel Mount Molloy
Friday September 9th Elixir Music Bar Cairns
Sunday September 11th Firefly at the Billabong Kuranda
Friday September 16thBingil Bay Cafe Mission Beach
Saturday September 17th Rollingstone Hotel Townsville
Sunday September 18th Mountain View Hotel Gordonvale
Friday September 23rdWallaby Creek Festival Cooktown Tickets
Friday Septem
