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Interview: Yanzo

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For those who don’t know YANZOYANZO is the muse derived from Hattori Hanzo and the first and only artist and DJ by Y. Harris. The Brisbane based artist has become renowned for her live performances where bass house, minimal and techno music is frequent. A resident at Brisbane’s biggest nightclub The Met, YANZO has amassed a strong local following.

Anyone who’s seen YANZO live will confirm, if you enjoy dark driving bass lines, trippy melodies and cosmic visuals she’s the artist for you. We caught up with the rising star to talk everything music, movies and more!

Let’s start with getting to know you a little better why the name YANZO and who is Hattori Hanzo?

My DJ name YANZO is derived from Hattori Hanzo; a character from the film Kill Bill who forged the katana Beatrix used in her quest for vengeance. My real name is Yani. I forget which one is on my birth certificate sometimes. Maybe Yani is just the slightly more chill and wholesome version of me.

Right! So you’re a Quentin Tarantino fan… Favourite Movie of his?

Kill Bill of course! Followed up closely by Pulp Fiction. Tarantino is insane. His eye for detail and aesthetics is impeccable. I don’t mind a bit of blood and guts. Grew to love the colour yellow. A couple of years ago I cut my hair like Mia Wallace and would wear white button ups and smoke cigarettes all the time. So pretentious. But I really like Uma Thurman so naturally I wanted to embody the characters she played.

We just watched one of your YouTube mixes and it seems like you like dark, trippy and glitchy visuals can you go into detail why these interest?

Music and art are the outlets I use to embrace my energy, both light and dark – I continually shift in between them. There’s always something new to learn and discover. My goal as an artist is for people to resonate with what goes through my mind by coming into my world. My vision conveys the rush of boldness, drive and energy I incorporate in my everyday life to get shit done and enjoy myself. It’s empowering for me to live by my truth and do what I like. It always feels good. I encourage everybody to do the same.

YouTube video

 

Which artists do you pull inspiration from? Is there one artist you’d wish to collab with?

EDM Artists that heavily influence me include Dustycloud, Deadmau5, i_o, Eli Brown, UMEK, Victor Ruiz, Malaa, San Pacho & Masteria. Outside of dance music, I adore Lana Del Rey, Grimes, The Weeknd, Bring Me The Horizon, and Night Lovell. Bit of a theme going on here I think.

Would love to collaborate with i_o. Very intelligent dude. He created an avenue within techno music by incorporating elements from other genres which works and appeals to a lot of people who aren’t familiar. I think it’s awesome. Where I’m from, techno music is not as common compared to some other countries and it’s basically the love of my life so I look up to him for breaking the mould. It’s something I’m aspiring to do within my own work right now.

We saw on your story recently you’ll working on a record when can we expect to hear your first release?

Sooner than you think! Been living and breathing music in isolation. Had the weirdest, slightly manic, energetic awakening come out of nowhere a few months ago and my drive for learning production soared. I’ve made up a fantasy land in the metaphysical world which consists of I love and everything I wish to become perceptible after COVID finally f*cks off, logs out, leaves the chat, whatever. There’s always a party going on in my head. I should get some more sleep.

It looks like you play at The Met in Brisbane (Pre-Covid), what’s it like playing there? They have some amazing artists come through!

The MET is an awesome venue. The acts that come through, the stage production, the overall vibe, is really cool. I’ve met all of my good friends through this club. I’m super grateful for everything they’ve done for me.

Going to finish with some quick questions… What’s something you’re secretly good at?

Predicting the future.

Has anyone ever told you that you look like Selena Gomez?

God I really wish I had a dollar for everytime someone told me this.

What’s your dream gig?

EDC Las Vegas or Creamfields in the UK for sure.

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Website: iamyanzo.com

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