01Profile
A YAK Photo
YAK
Musician — Wolverhampton
03Interview
Name
Oli Burslem
Where are you from?
Born in Wolverhampton, raised in the sticks.
What do you do?
Play in a band called YAK
Describe your style in three words?
Neo French farmhouse.
If you could make a record with anyone from history?
J.Spaceman – for 'Cop Shoot Cop' if nothing else.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
My first gig was at Wolverhampton Civic Hall to watch Hot Chocolate with my mother... that was something else, especially 'Everyone’s A Winner'.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Leeds Brudenell Social Club comes to mind. It’s run independently, has great artists playing and all walks of life.
What British music icons inspire your sound today?
Dave Hill
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
A game of pool with Ronnie O’Sullivan
What music did you listen to growing up?
Mainly Elvis from the age of five onwards
YAK formed in 2014 releasing their debut album ‘Alas Salvation’ two years later in May 2016 via their own Octopus Electrical label. Critically acclaimed, the album was produced by John Coxon of Spiritualized and former Pulp bassist Steve Mackey.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
What was the first song you played on repeat?
At the moment I’ve been playing Lennie Tristano - 'Requiem' every day for a month at least four times.
One record you would keep forever?
I would say a record that keeps evolving with every play. I like hearing something new from a piece of music that I’ve heard a thousand times. A Miles Davis live record is always good for that... anything from the 'Bitches Brew' period.
A song from your favourite album?
I used to listen to White Noise - 'An Electric Storm' a lot and revisited it recently. I don’t really have one album but this is a masterpiece born out of the BBC’s Media Vale studios in the late 60’s. 'My Game of Loving' is organismic.
A song you wish you had written?
Roy Orbison - 'Running Scared'.
A song lyric that inspires you?
Spiritualized - 'Out Of Sight'
If I am good, I could add years to my life
I would rather add some life to my years
Life is really what you make it they say
I can't even make my mind up today
Is there a song you like that people wouldn’t expect?
I don’t know what people would expect me to like… Into this today - Jme - 'Man Don’t Care'.
Best song to turn up loud?
The Peter Brötzmann Octet - 'Music For Han Bennink'.
I find playing this loud when feeling a little confused very helpful… Big wet fish around the face.
Best song to bring people together?
Would need to be something universal that people know so... John Lennon - 'Imagine'.
Any new bands you are listening to right now?
I was in Paris last week and went to watch Vanishing Twin which was great… Also, the new Baxter Dury track called 'Miami'.
03Interview
Name
Oli Burslem
Where are you from?
Born in Wolverhampton, raised in the sticks.
What do you do?
Play in a band called YAK
Describe your style in three words?
Neo French farmhouse.
If you could make a record with anyone from history?
J.Spaceman – for 'Cop Shoot Cop' if nothing else.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
My first gig was at Wolverhampton Civic Hall to watch Hot Chocolate with my mother... that was something else, especially 'Everyone’s A Winner'.
Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
Leeds Brudenell Social Club comes to mind. It’s run independently, has great artists playing and all walks of life.
What British music icons inspire your sound today?
Dave Hill
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
A game of pool with Ronnie O’Sullivan
What music did you listen to growing up?
Mainly Elvis from the age of five onwards
YAK formed in 2014 releasing their debut album ‘Alas Salvation’ two years later in May 2016 via their own Octopus Electrical label. Critically acclaimed, the album was produced by John Coxon of Spiritualized and former Pulp bassist Steve Mackey.
04Playlist Notes
What was the first song you played on repeat?
At the moment I’ve been playing Lennie Tristano - 'Requiem' every day for a month at least four times.
One record you would keep forever?
I would say a record that keeps evolving with every play. I like hearing something new from a piece of music that I’ve heard a thousand times. A Miles Davis live record is always good for that... anything from the 'Bitches Brew' period.
A song from your favourite album?
I used to listen to White Noise - 'An Electric Storm' a lot and revisited it recently. I don’t really have one album but this is a masterpiece born out of the BBC’s Media Vale studios in the late 60’s. 'My Game of Loving' is organismic.
A song you wish you had written?
Roy Orbison - 'Running Scared'.
A song lyric that inspires you?
Spiritualized - 'Out Of Sight'
If I am good, I could add years to my life
I would rather add some life to my years
Life is really what you make it they say
I can't even make my mind up today
Is there a song you like that people wouldn’t expect?
I don’t know what people would expect me to like… Into this today - Jme - 'Man Don’t Care'.
Best song to turn up loud?
The Peter Brötzmann Octet - 'Music For Han Bennink'.
I find playing this loud when feeling a little confused very helpful… Big wet fish around the face.
Best song to bring people together?
Would need to be something universal that people know so... John Lennon - 'Imagine'.
Any new bands you are listening to right now?
I was in Paris last week and went to watch Vanishing Twin which was great… Also, the new Baxter Dury track called 'Miami'.