With her new EP, RED., out now, we thought it was a good time to catch up with R&B artist YAS to find out about her career.
It’s safe to say that YAS is a rising star, judging by the stellar artists that she’s already worked with: Selena Gomez, Big Sean, Lil Nas X, Shawn Mendes, and the list goes on.
Stream YAS’ EP RED. below:
The LA-based Japanese-Egyptian-Kuwaiti artists was made for stardom. A classical trained violinist, she’s also an expert songwriter and producer. YAS crafts sultry and delicate songs that meet at the corner of pop and R&B.
RED. is the first mini-EP taken from her forthcoming debut LP COLORS (scheduled for later this year). The tracks on it explore the different shades of anger that we all experience now and again. The emotions are real and raw and YAS’ has an unapologetic style all of her own; no fakery, no pretension.
Just one week out from the EP’s release and as part of our popular Get To Know series, we chatted with YAS and found out more about her inspirations as an artist, career, and hopes for the future.
How did your artist name come about?
The people closest to me call me yas. I want my fans to feel connected to me and vice versa – using my real name felt more personal.
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How would you describe your music to your grandma?
バンガーズオンリー！(bangers only)
Tell us about a few of your tracks; their titles and what they’re about?
Imagine a colour wheel. Each color on the wheel has its own presence, but it’s still part of a cohesive wheel. Similarly, I want to showcase the spectrum of emotions a person can experience through different sounding music. The two tracks on RED revolve around the idea of confronting anger.
‘TUCKITIN’ is about the grey area of friendships. We all have friends that constantly test our limits and boundaries. Sometimes we can feel hate towards someone we love, which can be confusing. ‘TUCKITIN’ is about realising that you can feel both.
‘LIAR LIAR’ is the ultimate revenge anthem. It’s based on Kill Bill: Volume 2 when Beatrix gets buried in the ground, only to return with an unmatched fury. I tried to integrate my own personal experiences of being wronged and channeled those emotions into the track.
What do you love about your hometown?
CLAM CHOWDA BABYYYYY.
Career highlight so far?
One time I was recording for Mike Dean and he coughed on a blunt. I couldn’t help but ask if it was his first time. He’s yet to call me back for another session.
Fave non-music hobby?
Avenger marathons and analysing the stunts in the Fast & Furious franchise
What’s on your dream rider?
2L bottle of Henny
Freshly Squeezed OJ
In N out Animal Style Fries w/ XXX grilled onions
Mints for said onions
German Shepherd Puppies
Massage Therapist
Dream music collaboration?
D.Mile and GRADES are dream producers I would love to work with and learn from.
Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
I hope to have completed a world tour, and eventually I want to develop a music school for underprivileged children where influential artists can teach masterclasses. I also hope to star in a film alongside Jason Statham as his illegitimate child from Transporter 1, all grown up and ready to kick a$$. Also throw a couple G-Wagons in there.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
‘Conceited’ by Remy Ma.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
Life is short. Eat the pasta.
What’s one obsession you have that no one would guess after listening to your music?
I love k-dramas. Lol.
