YONAS – All Rise

By starrymag | May 30, 2018

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would say my sound vocally is a blend of thought provoking lyricism and infectious melodies. All of the production I work with is rooted in hip hop but incorporates other elements from different genres.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) Jay-Z, Tupac, Big L, Michael Jackson, Dave Mathews Band, Lauryn Hill, Outkast, Wyclef, classical composers and the list goes on. I’m inspired by elite music makers in all different genres because that’s what I strive for every day.

Q) Talk about the story behind your song “All Rise.”

A) “All Rise” embodies my feelings right now, which is that the music industry has been sleeping on me as an artist and it’s time to put an end to that. It’s time for the movement to reach that next level, and anyone and everyone who has supported me needs to push with me. It’s our time.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) I think it’s the pure energy behind the music. They feel it. They know it’s real. It motivates them in whatever they’re doing or wanting to achieve. With my music it’s always that connection to real people and real-life experiences. People relate to that.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) The music video for “All Rise” brings the song to life. Just when people thought the movement couldn’t get any bigger, we’re back stronger than ever. It represents the idea that the movement will never die because the fans will always resurrect the music from that proverbial grave. Great music lives forever and can’t be judged by critiques. It’s bigger than any one man.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) I can write with music or without. But to really make a song great, I have to be there from the beginning of the creation process… I like to help develop the music, and while the music is being created I’m thinking of vocal melodies and then once the beat has its structure I take my time and try to communicate the emotions of the music through the verses. At that point it becomes a beautiful marriage of ideas, music, and vocals. [smile]

Q) How much of hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I like to work with producers once the skeleton of the music is created. I like to help shape the music and bring everything to it is full potential. Sometimes a beat is doomed from the beginning and not worth the time and energy. I think a great producer and artist knows when to scrap an idea and when to really dive into an idea and perfect it.

Q) What can fans expect from a live YONAS performance?

A) Energy. Pure energy. I don’t throw concerts, I host parties. It’s like being at a huge house party and every song is your favorite song and you’re able to just live in that moment. It’s the best time of your life. That’s what I want people to walk away with.

Q) As an NYC resident, how does the city and state influence your music?

A) NYC is based on the real. You can’t fake it here. So, it really taught me to be honest. I never sold crack. I was terrible at selling weed. I was into sports, girls and fun. I was into all types of music beyond hip-hop. I come from a single-family house and I lived in a dangerous neighborhood, but I had a lot of white friends from going to school in Manhattan so I have a super diverse upbringing. I can hold my own in pretty much any situation, and I’ve learned the value in life is working hard and enjoying every minute, and that’s what you get from my music.

Q) Will you be releasing an album or EP in the near future?

A) My new album coming “About Time” is coming June 29th!

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) In the US definitely Minneapolis, Seattle, Chicago, NYC and Northern VA. Overseas I love performing in Germany, Vienna, Zurich and Amsterdam. I’m hoping to perform in more places overseas in 2018-2019.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) Jon Bellion & J. Cole.

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them?

A) Chris Stapleton. I just think the emotion in his music is as raw as it gets. The grit in his vocals, everything. It’s just inspiring and makes me want to create music with that same energy just in my own way and a little more upbeat.

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) It’s everything in today’s world. It’s a way to connect with people that most care about you and your music. It’s an opportunity to make it even more real for people and to give them that connection with their favorite artist. It’s something I wish I had back when I was more a fan of music than an artist. It would have been dope to have my favorite artists just be a tweet away. It’s also a great way to network with other artists. If you use it right it could be great for business. I think, like anything, it’s really just how you use it. It can be detrimental, or it can be advantageous.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) This is our time! Thank you so much for believing in me and supporting my music. I need y’all more than ever. I’m trying to make history for anyone and everyone that believed in me early on. Let’s show ’em how it’s done! June 29th is the first step. Make sure to support the new album and more importantly support true independent artistry. ​