The future is YANZO
YANZO is one of Australia’s brightest rising techno DJs and is known for being ‘Eclectic by nature, she playfully explores the space between light and darkness by curating heavy beats with transcendental undercurrents.’ making her a breath of fresh air in a scene that can engulf originality. Her fun and evolving approach has landed her a slot on the lineup of a brand new event for Melbourne, SHELTER. SHELTER is set to take place in the Seaworks Precinct in a purpose renovated building, which will hopefully be home of many more SHELTER’s to come. We spoke to YANZO about the opportunity of playing SHELTER, what fans can expect from her set and her hopes to learn how to program UMEK’s signature kick.
You have been announced as one of the Artists to perform at SHELTER, Which is scheduled in Melbourne this April, are you excited to be a part of what is set to become a long-standing event?
Absolutely! It’s an honor to be playing at Shelter. My love and appreciation for techno and the culture surrounding it continues to grow. I’m very excited.
How do you prepare yourself for an event like SHELTER?
When planning a set, I visualize myself in the crowd and imagine the atmosphere, and this becomes the “theme” for my set. I’ll put together a playlist of tracks that match this vision and play accordingly. If you understand the crowd, they’ll respond well to your selection. I think DJ’ing is a beautiful harmonious experience, and everyone including yourself should feel uplifted and energetic. That’s why we come to these events.
What can we expect from your upcoming performance at this event?
Expect deep, driving, and entrancing techno.
Apart from your own, which set are you most looking forward to seeing play at SHELTER?
UMEK without a doubt. Saw him at the Resistance stage at Ultra Music Festival the week before COVID started and was blown away. He’s fierce!
If you could collaborate with any artist from the SHELTER line-up, who would it be and why?
UMEK because I want to learn how to program his signature kick.
SHELTER is set to deliver a new type of audience and atmosphere than we are used to at a festival event. Are you excited to be able to share your music with people who may not be familiar with Yanzo?
Of course! Always keep an open mind.
SHELTER is taking place at the purposely renovated building in the Seaworks Precinct. Does having a dedicated space help make a difference in being able to produce the best sound you can create as opposed to a multi-functional space?
A unique and spacious venue adds value to the atmosphere, but I think the most important aspect of an event, are the acoustics of the room. I’ve seen Funktion-Ones crammed in a tiny basement, which did not work. Numerous times I’ve played on faulty decks and cheap sound systems, which made it hard for me to remain in creative flow and immerse the crowd. The quality and resonance of music is the most important part of an event.
“Create from a place of nature and you will attract what you desire.”
What are the best and worst parts of being on a multi artist bill? Do egos ever get in the way?
The best part? The more, the merrier. Every slot you’re assigned, no matter what time, is a space to learn and experiment with your taste.
The worst part? The politics. I’d consider myself a very secure and solid person, so this doesn’t bother me. I respect the experience and knowledge of those who come before and after me in the scene. I’m involved because I have a creative purpose to fulfill. I desire to inspire crowds who want to lose themselves in the music, or perhaps discover something they didn’t think they’d like. Create from a place of nature and you will attract what you desire.
Do you enjoy playing festivals and being a part of that festival scene and atmosphere?
Festivals are my favorite events to play! They’re high energy and fun. You can come in crazy outfits too. I’ve had so many memorable experiences with friends at festivals. I also like to go out alone to dance and meet new people. Sometimes I’ll go to an event sober, and people watch. My love for dance music is indescribable.
“Festivals are my favorite events to play!”
Small intimate club style gigs and big park/stadium events are obviously quite different in the energy and audiences, which is easier to engage in with great crowd participation? Which do you prefer? Clubs or Stadiums?
It really depends on the type of event you’re playing, but I have found stadiums to be more immersive because they tend to feel open ended, and I can play a little heavier. Clubs are intimate and consistent - it’s essential to build and match the vibe. I enjoy both spaces.
You are described as ‘eclectic by nature’ and known for exploring ‘the space between light and dark by curating heavy beats with transcendental sound, is that how you describe your sound?
I love deep and dark cathartic beats, but I also love ethereal melodies and vocals. I curate my sets with an intention to create a balance between the two. In recent months, I found myself in this intersection.
“You learn by doing…so be confident and resilient!”
How did you get your start in music?
I entered a DJ competition called Your Shot in 2019 in Brisbane. This competition changed the course of my life! DJ’ing was something I always wanted to do since I was little. There was no such thing as a techno scene in Brisbane, so for a while I compromised and only played crowd pleasers. It was equally parts, frustrating and enlightening. Playing at clubs was character building. You learn by doing…so be confident and resilient! Then COVID hit, and everything closed. I thought, alright. Cool. So I just discovered my purpose and a global pandemic took that from me. Not happening. Naturally stubborn, I was determined to keep going and started making videos of myself playing techno sets on YouTube. It was music I wanted to play. After a couple of them, I was approached by my agent Luke Spags who offered to be my manager. I said yes and the rest is history!
Who do you credit as your musical influences?
My notable influences are ANNA, i_o (may he rest in peace), Wehbba, Bart Skils, Victor Ruiz, Grimes. They have all captivated me.
Where was your first gig? Was it a success or flop?
I guess the Your Shot competition was my first gig. It was a momentous experience.
You have shared the stage with some massive names and played at some of the most infamous events. What’s been the highlight in your career so far personally? And why?
Playing Resistance recently has to be a highlight for my career so far. I felt so free and in tune with my purpose when playing. I mark my personal timeline with musical events, and the experiences that shape me. I’ve developed a lot in the past couple of years through the thick of covid, learning how to perceive vibration, understand theory, curate cohesive sets and honestly, how to heal myself. To get on stage and feel incredibly happy and authentically myself was liberating. It marked the beginning of a new chapter for me.
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 booking agent David! Knows what’s best for his artists. He’s cultured, assertive, and perceptive.
My graphic designer Kiara deserves a shout out too. She created my logo and makes dope flyers. Incredibly talented, hilarious, and such a nice, genuine girl.
What’s in store for Yanzo in 2022? What can fans look forward to?
Plenty more original music. There is a voice within me that is yet to be heard.
Watch this space x
Interview by Michelle Symes
January 2022