Ysa Yaneza On Her Teen Dream Sound And Style
“Softly” out now
Why music?
I’m Filipino, moved to Singapore when I was young. With music, I think I can share that experience, of being “different”.
We live in a time when everyone’s entitled to their opinions. I felt like the best way to document my life then was through music. There was also more support for local music, I wanted to embrace that. In school I hosted a radio show; we’d play a lot of local music, I was inspired.
I love Bubblegum Pop, electronic music, Charli XCX and Grimes; why wasn’t there a musician like that in Singapore? If I couldn’t find it, I wanted to make it; whenever something scares me, it means I should do it.
“Tea”.
It’s a song about longing for affection.
Collaborated with Bart on the music video. He suggested featuring me spectating the affection of other couples.
I didn’t much about it until someone pointed out to me we had LGBTQ couples in the music video. And then more people pointed it out; my mother pointed it out.
I’d rather do something that makes an impact than not contribute anything to society.
How-to music?
YouTube tutorials. I had a little bit of knowledge, ear for it.
Every time I write a song, I think about a colour palette. With “Tea” I thought of light blue and orange; the music video ended up being more pink, but I didn’t mind.
The easiest way to write a song is to think about my love life, or lack of one! *laughs* At the end of Call Me By Your Name, the dad tells Elio it’s better to have had feelings than nothing at all. I agree.
I like to make music for family and friends; want it to speak to young girls and queer kids too.
Music persona.
Only after making music would people say, “That’s something you’d wear.” It’s anything 90’s / early 2000’s, bubbly, dance-y, colourful.
“Softly”.
It’s a happy love song. It’s a mood I’d like to be in for a while.
I had a crush (or maybe more) on a guy. And I didn’t even care if he liked me back. I just knew that if he did, he’d score! *laughs* I was self-assured. I told him, “If you don’t take this chance, you’re missing out.”
“If you can’t love yourself, how in the hell you gonna love somebody else?”
What’s your type?
I prefer tall, lanky people. Doesn’t matter if they’re a guy or girl.
They don’t hit me up. I hit them up. *laughs*
Body Diversity.
When I started, I didn’t even think I was promoting that.
Everyone’s different. Duh!
2020.
Either an EP or dropping singles through the year. More vlogs for YouTube, be a filmmaker. More live performances.
