Q&A: YAHYAH

Get ready to be grabbing the phone to catch up with your besties after you vibe to YAHYAH’s latest summer bop “Little Joy” reflecting on her fondest memories with her BFFs. After pursuing music in London and then in LA as a songwriter for Genuine Music Group, thrown into the studio with acclaimed writers such as Pam Shenye (Christina Aguilera), Anita McCloud (Usher) and producers such as Josh Valle (Drake, Snoh Aalegra), she tells us about her journey and how she is now fully putting her artist project at the forefront of her life.

We’d love to know a little bit about your musical journey so far from when you first started singing and making music!

Oh gosh! Where to start? I’ve been singing since I was 5 years old. Rocking the church solos at Christmas and absolutely loving the limelight! My parents saw my love of music from an early age so I did piano lessons, learnt the guitar, the flute, singing lessons ... the whole works! I formed a band in high school with some friends called “All Day Hyper Driver” (ADHD, don’t judge us we were 14) and we actually ended up winning best original song at the Smoke Free Rockquest at the Waikato Regionals in 2004 - we were stoked! 

I moved to London with my family when I was 16. Pursued music there. Really got stuck into my songwriting. Studied vocals for a year and got my diploma in singing. In 2015 I decided to independently release an EP fully funded by moi with help from friends. This charted in the Top 50 UK iTunes chart. Very proud moment! Then in 2016 I went to pursue my music in Los Angeles. I got a management deal as a songwriter and ended up writing with some amazing creatives. Pam Sheyne who wrote “Genie in a Bottle” (who is also a kiwi). Anita McCloud who won a Grammy for writing “You Remind Me” by Usher. The doors kept opening and my songwriting craft got stronger. 

I ended up coming home to NZ because COVID made it so difficult to write and collaborate in LA. Being back home was the best move for me. I’ve never felt more creative in my life and I’m definitely writing the best music I ever have as an artist. The perfect time to relaunch my artist career!

We’re obsessed with your latest single “Little Joy”! Can you tell us about the meaning behind this track and what inspired you to write it?

Stop that! You are too kind! Not many people know this but “Little Joy” is a bar my friends and I used to go to at the bottom of our street in Echo Park, Los Angeles. It became an extension of our living room. Sticky floors, pool table, good music and cheap drinks. Boy do I have some stories from that bar!

While in the studio with Will Henderson, my producer, this idea of friendship matched the upbeat vibe that Will was making in the background. I talked about missing my friends in LA, a sisterhood of girls that had become my family while living there. We had such special memories together. It really comes down to remembering who your “people” are no matter what. The thought that they will always be there. It doesn’t matter the distance, you always have the memories with those you love. This song is an ode to the girls! To the ones that are there through thick and thin, tears and laughter. To also remember that you will experience those times again in the future and how sweet that will be!

What were some of your main highlights working on “Little Joy”?

Definitely working will Will Henderson my producer. Crazy enough, this is the first song we ever wrote together! He has this super power that he can read my mind and vice versa. He quickly knew what sounds I vibed with and honestly directed the song to exactly where I wanted it to go. We had such a laugh as well! We wrote the song in a day and then turned off the lights and had a huge dance party in the studio! I’ll never forget it!

We also love the epic music video for it! How did you come up with the concept for it, and what was your favourite part about filming it?

This was where the fun part came in! I had the idea for a few months and said to myself I would make it happen even if I had a small budget. The idea is based on a birthday party we threw for one of my best friends in LA. It was a house party with wigs and cowboy hats and goodness me, it was definitely one of my most memorable nights in LA. This music video is recreating that party scene! The fun, the chaos, the laughter and friends just kicking it having a good time. 

My favourite part of filming it was probably the beer pong scene. Lord knows I like being the centre of attention so everyone gathering around to yell and cheer while I was playing beer pong was pretty darn cool!

Do you have more new music on the way soon? If so, what can you tell us about what to expect? 👀 

Yes! I’ve already decided on my next single … eeek! It’s really different from “Little Joy”. More heartfelt, completely different production. More relaxed. But just so lush and yummy. I listen to it every day. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it after “LJ”.

Who would you say are your biggest inspirations in music?

Definitely Charli XCX. SHE. IS. A. QUEEN. She paves her own way. Her music is so original and so fun. Like who doesn’t want to see Charli live? She’s a powerhouse. It would be a dream to open for her one day. 

Love me some Doja Cat. Come on females in the music industry! Doja Cat is completely herself. That’s what is so refreshing about her. She is just next level to me. Her writing style and her hooks in her latest album, WOWZA … she’s very impressive. 

070 Shake is an artist I have been obsessed with for a while. As soon as I get in the studio with a producer I play them “Guilty Conscience” and watch them vibe to the beat and froth over the vocal performance. Definitely listen to that track if you haven't already! 

You’ve worked with some renowned writers when living in Los Angeles, such as Pam Shenye (Christina Aguilera), Anita McCloud (Usher) and producers such as Josh Valle (Drake, Snoh Aalegra). What would you say are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learnt from working with them?

Pam and Anita taught me to always keep searching for a better lyric and melody. To never be comfortable with a “good” lyric because that just means another “good” song out in the world. We want to aim for excellence, for greatness. To figure out new ways to put a spin on a lyric. Or to make a melody so hooky, so original, that it won’t be forgotten. 

Josh is a VERY talented producer. He took me under his wing in LA and gave me an insight into the Urban writing scene. That helped develop r&b flows with my writing which has been so helpful when getting in the studio with urban artists. 

I’ll be forever grateful to these guys and many others for taking the time to pour in and invest in me as a songwriter.

Who are some of your favourite NZ artists right now and are there any songs in particular that you love or connect with?

Where do I start? NZ music is popping off right now! OK. FOLEY is just ridiculous. Big fans of theirs after seeing them live at the Tuning Fork and being gob smacked at the hookiness and groove in their songs. Very lucky to be working with them now - Ash and Gabe I’m obsessed with ya’ll!

BROODS for sure. Always been a fan. Super original and just interesting production. Love them.

0800 Collective are UNREAL! Hip hop in NZ is peaking with these guys! Saw them live, sold. Case closed. I get the constant stank face when listening to them, that’s only a good sign haha.

Balu Brigada … next level. Pop goodness. Hooks galore. Coolest guys ever. Everyone go listen to “Medicine” now. Winner winner chicken dinner.

What do you love most about living in New Zealand? Do you have any favourite places to travel to or local spots to visit?

I went on a camping trip with my dad to Waipu Cove earlier this year. It was beach camping and it was the first time for both of us. UNREAL! Waking up next to the beach is the biggest treat of all. Then we drove 20 mins to hike down to a waterfall and it was so dreamy. I love going on adventures! I want to explore so much more of NZ next year. I have my checklist!!

Lastly, if you could say one thing to every person in the world, what would it be?

Ooo ... I thought I would struggle with this question but I got this! 1000% be yourself. It’s not cliché at all. And so many people live trying to be bits of other people to make up the “perfect person”. It just doesn’t exist! Your flaws, your weaknesses make up who you are. Spend your life loving yourself. Not so others can see that and love you back. That’s not the goal. Love yourself because you deserve to be loved. You’re worth so much! 

Ok that was a few things but please forgive me I got passionate!

Thanks so much YAHYAH! Make sure to keep up with her on Instagram, Spotify & Apple Music.