Yasamin Newsletter Interview

Yasamin is a compelling singer/songwriter from Auckland. Upon completion of her Science degree at the University of Auckland, Yasamin attended the Nelson School of Music where she really started to develop her own songwriting style. Yasamin answered the following questions for muzic.net.nz:

What can we expect to see from you over the next year?

I have just independently released my first single ‘Platinum & Gold’. The music video for the single is also out now. The story is about a magical forest that has random golden leaves scattered all over it! The two stars of the video are a 2 year old and a 4 year old! They do a fantastic job at portraying the storyline and they happen to be the daughter and son of two of my good friends. I am also currently finishing the vocals on my debut EP. It is called ‘Chasing Melodies] and is being recorded at Little Monster Studios with Dave Parker (Artisan Guns, Great North). I had a whole band of great musicians work on this with me including a banjo player and a trumpet player. The full band has really breathed life into my little songs that I have been singing with just my ukulele.

What advice would you like to give to other aspiring musicians?

So far I have learnt two things: one is “seek and you shall find”. Send emails to blogs and websites, put yourself out there, you never know who will be willing to help you. The second thing I learnt is that it is not easy to gain recognition, you really have to start from absolute scratch! Fund your own music, promote your own gigs, find your own connections all while still finding time to write, practice, gig, attend lessons and hold down a full time job!. It basically leaves you with little free time but if you love your craft then its worth it.

How do you come up with your lyrics?

Usually if a situation or a person is on my mind constantly then after sometime I eventually get a lyric that would make me go “oh this is song material!”. I usually record it on my phone for later use. There’s heaps of embarrassing voice ideas on my phone, if someone wanted to blackmail me, they should definitely start by stealing my phone!

What can you never leave home without?

Usually keys to lock the door and unlock on my return..

What is the best part of being a musician?

Performing is fun although it used to be my least favourite part because I had terrible stage fright but bit by bit I’ve managed to get myself to enjoy it and work out ways to control the nerves.

What inspired you to become a musician?

The urge to put music to lyrics. I can’t explain it it’s a necessary outlet!

How do you keep in contact with your fans?

I update my music facebook page with news about recording, video filming and all things music. I also write longer blogs on my site every few weeks http://www.yasaminmusic.com/

What rumour would you like to start about yourself?

That I am currently in negotiation with multiple record labels….