YNES

Name, where are you from?
I'm YNES, I'm from Coventry (big up City of Culture 2021...)

Describe your style in three words?
Trapped in Goodwill.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
I decided to see Dune Rats on a whim when I was in Vancouver, I'd heard one song but I figured I'd go for the sake of it. It was such a good atmosphere and I had them on repeat for months afterwards.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Kate Nash - he's the reason I got into writing lyrics and following her career trajectory as it's been happening has been incredible (watch 'Underestimate the Girl' when you can!). Carter The Unstoppable Sex Machine - even with their reunion/later shows the crowd looks wild. They're a lot of fun and I think I'd ascend being part of that.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
I feel like in terms of 'sound' I'd say punk - the anti-corporatism of it all really inspires me to stick to my guns in a world where everything is becoming commodified. Also, from what I've experienced, genuine punk is being kind and actively promoting equality. I love the variety in punk, that it's less about the sound and more about the message. Sonic comparisons aside, hip-hop really inspires me with its innovation and trailblazing. Not only has it had a massive influence on the music industry as a whole (think Grandmaster Flash essentially creating scratching and backspinning) but it's had a huge effect on fashion trends over the past thirty years as well. Albeit, it doesn't get credit where credit is due. Both are different formats of thinking outside the box, and both have influenced me equally.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
The KLF, I just want an hour to rack their brains. I am equally awestruck and confused by them.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
I loved the Peer Hat in Manchester. When I got there for soundcheck, there was a pop-up record sale upstairs. The bouncer also offered to let us use his motorbike as a photo prop. As you can tell I'm easily swayed but on a serious note, it's a venue with a lot of personality and it was really fun to play there.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Imani Coppola! She's massively underrated, her talents span multiple instruments and art forms, and I just have a lot of respect for the way she's gone about her whole career. She was signed with Columbia aged eighteen and decided to go independent at twenty-two because she felt she'd achieved too much too soon, without grafting for it. You've gotta have a lot of integrity to make that active decision to push your limits.

YNES recently released her new single 'Fake What Your Mama Gave Ya'. Listen, purchase or stream it via linktr.ee/ynesmusic.