Originally from County Down Northern Ireland but located in Belfast, DJ and multi-faceted creative. Yenner has been slowly becoming a talking point in the electronic, down tempo scene. Starting in the indie genre and growing an audience through Twitter and blogs, Yenner’s message of expressing and spreading what is referred to as “the Yen” has started to catch on. (Yen is an Old English word describing a longing for something that’s in the future or doesn’t exist.)
In this interview spotlight, I chat with Yenner about the latest music, adapting during a pandemic, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and how do You describe your style of music?
I’m a DJ singer and songwriter from Belfast Northern Ireland. My music has varied at the beginning as I was trying to find my way to a genre that would suit me. After 9 singles which were various genres like indie and electronic. I also have my first album which was mostly house music. My latest album however is solely based on atmospheric bass and house music.
How did you get here? As in, what inspired or motivated you to take on this journey through music and the music biz?
Like everyone else these past 2 years I was faced with the dilemma of time and what to do with it during lockdown. I’ve had a very obsessive relationship with music from the age of 3, I’d say. Dabbling in radio and music at university but always letting the mundane get in the way. Lockdown was my chance to finally do something more with myself and create what I’ve always wanted to be music.
How does your latest project compare/contrast with your previous release(s)? Were you setting out to accomplish anything specific, follow a specific theme, or explore different styles of creation?
As i said before i experimented in various styles due to just finding my feet and how to basically do everything. So, it took a lot of hard work and co-operating with other artists and techniques until I found a vibe, I was comfortable with. house music has always been a big love for me. it’s the only type of sound that can reach into your soul and pull-out emotions and capture moments vividly in my mind. I wanted to focus on that for my album disassociation, as its theme was for a dystopian future surrounded by that innate feeling of loneliness and hope.
I focused on heavy undertones throughout giving vibrations and soundwaves that fill the air, but I needed something concrete to add suspense, story and symbolism to the album as a whole. I took my time on this album through the whole year of 2021 both mastering and producing it and researching as much as I could so I could give good quality sound to display feeling. and I feel it’s my most important stamp on music to date. in comparison to my older stuff, although still good it’s child’s play in comparison.
Name the biggest challenge you faced as a creative during these unprecedented 2 years? How did you adapt? How have you kept the creative fires burning during all this?
At the beginning it was a s**t show if I’m honest. Like everyone I was bound to the house with no idea how or when I would start this journey. It started off as something to do blogging and editing artwork which became quite lucrative, but it just did not cover all my passion of what I had to offer or wasn’t expressive enough. I’m thankful that we had the time we did for 2020 as it gave me time to organically move into what my goal has been for over a decade.
In creating all these different avenues, I know have my own full website for reviewing other artists. I still create album artwork and NFTs along with music videos and vlogging when I have the time. So in terms of adaptability, I stretched my skills and knowledge in order to keep going and moving and creating. Most times you’ll find one influences the other.
What was the last song you listened to?
My taste in music ranges to everything mostly if I think it’s got good rhythm, melody, or lyrics. But my most recent obsession was with a track by artist Grace Vanderwaal and her take on the classic song I can see clearly now. It’s poetic and awe inspiring. If you’re in need of a good pick me up i’d suggest this track. Other more recent mentions would be The Wombats or Oliver Tree.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? 8-tracks? Cassettes? CDs? MP3s? Streaming platforms?
I’m a 90’s kid so from Cassette onwards I’m good. Honestly anything that allows an artist to create and document it is preferable and each one has its own retro take on music so i prefer all.
Where is the best place to connect with you and follow your journey?
I’m everywhere ha-ha but you can catch all thing by myself across social media whether its Instagram , Spotify, twitter or even tiktok. but you can find it all under one link here.
instagram @yennermusic
twitter @yennerthe
I really appreciate Your time. Anything else before we sign off?
That I’m grateful for the opportunity to speak a little more on what I do and I’m glad that platforms like yours ae around to help inspiring artists and DJs alike. it’s been a pleasure.
