9+1 Q&A with Yali Blank

What inspired you to first start making music? And how did you come to be in your current incarnation? Or if you prefer, a brief bio about you.

I come from a musical family, and my mom got me started on piano lessons when I was just five years old. I started out as a classical pianist at a conservatory and always felt a strong connection to creating music. My taste in music was pretty diverse—I loved listening to Beethoven as much as I enjoyed Britney Spears, and I was into so many different genres.

As I grew up, my passion for music kept growing. I decided to turn my hobby into a career, so I dove into music production and sound design. This let me really get into making music, combining electronic sounds with my classical roots.

Over the years, I’ve been lucky enough to produce music for ads, TV, and fashion. I’ve also released my own music and started performing live shows. It’s taken a lot of hard work to get here, but I’m really proud of how I’ve stayed true to myself along the way.

Provide us with some info about your latest release…

My latest release, “Magnetized,” is an EP featuring four tracks that explore the feeling of being lost yet fearless. I’m thrilled with how it turned out and believe it really captures a lot about who I am and my journey in music.

Which ones would you consider your main influences both music-wise & non-music-wise?

One of my main musical influences is FKA twigs. She’s a strong woman who has made such an impressive mark in music, and I can feel her evolution with every release. Beyond her songs, she has created an entire visual world that includes dance, styling, and language, all characterized by incredible uniqueness. She’s one of the main reasons I dream of being a musician, and I adore her hard work and constant reinvention.

Non-music-wise, I would say Vivienne Westwood. She’s such an iconic artist who brought avant-garde style with class and elegance. Her designs are always unexpected, continually redefining beauty. I love her boldness and the fact that she never cared about trends or what everyone else thought. This is how an artist should think and live—guided by soul and intuition.

In what way does your sound differ from the rest genre-related artists/bands and why should we listen to your music? In other words, how would you describe your sound?

The thing I love most about my music is that it’s hard to define. Every time I try to figure out my genre or compare myself to other artists, I can’t find an answer. This makes me realize my sound is different and special.

My music combines heavy electronic sounds with soft vocals, creating a unique tone. This mix stands out from what’s out there today.

Please name your 3 desert islands albums, movies & books…

Album – ‘Moon Safari’ by air

Movie – ‘The Truman Show’

Book – ‘The fountainhead’ by ayn rand

Do you prefer studio or performing live and why?

I prefer the studio. There’s something special about making music in my pajamas, in the comfort of my home studio, with my coffee and my dog beside me. This is my everyday life, and I feel very fortunate to have it.

When performing live, I sometimes feel out of my body. The excitement and joy often hit me only after the show is over. While I appreciate the energy of live performances, the studio is where I feel most at home and creatively free.

Is there any funny-unique story you would like to share with us, always in relation to your music ‘career’?

Once during a live performance, just as I was about to start a song, I accidentally knocked over my beer onto the keyboard. The keyboard started making bizarre sounds that actually blended surprisingly well with the intro of the song! It turned into an impromptu remix that got the audience laughing and clapping along. It taught me that sometimes mistakes can lead to unexpected creativity and memorable moments in live music.

Which track of your own would you point out as the most unique and why?

I’d say ‘Black Skies’ is my most unique song. It has a captivating vibe with experimental electronic sounds and a blend of heavy bass with soft vocals.

What makes this one special is its unconventional sound. Even though it’s not catchy, its weird and distinct style resonated with people. It was featured on a Netflix show and received a lot of love, which was amazing because it’s so specific. This song came from intuition, without worrying about success, and I’m really happy it found its audience. It shows that every type of music can connect with the right listeners.

Would you like to share with our readers your future plans?

Looking ahead, I’m focused on creating my first album, which will showcase different sides of my music compared to what I’ve done before.

I’m also excited about getting back to performing live. Connecting with audiences and sharing my music in person is something I’ve really missed, and I can’t wait to go on tour.

Another thing I’m looking forward to is collaborating with new artists. It’s something I haven’t done much of yet, and I’m curious to see where these collaborations will take my music.

Overall, I’m driven by my passion for music and my desire to keep growing as an artist. I’m committed to creating music that resonates with listeners and brings something fresh to the table.

Free question!!! (Ask yourself a question) you wish to answer and haven’t been given the opportunity…

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Photo Credits: Tom Bushmits

Curated by: Christos Doukakis

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