YELLOWSTRAPS | Drop Their Single 'SOMETHING' | We Talk Making Music Remotely & Creative Lockdown Challenge of Releasing One New Track a Week!
Riding high of the back of their most recent EP Goldress released back in February, Belgian alternative R&B duo YellowStraps continue to inspire despite these uncertain times with the release of their newest mixtape, the Yellockdown Project.
The Yellockdown Project is the direct result of the period the world faced from March to June 2020. The minute the lockdown was officially announced, brothers Yvan and Alban decided to set themselves the creative challenge of releasing one track per week, every week, with each track featuring a different artist and every track being written in 24 hours. Well-documented via their YouTube channel, the result is a 13- track project, with 16 features from across the globe - from the UK, US, Iceland, Holland, and Germany - all created over the internet.
Careful curation, personal connections with each artist and the current global landscape has birthed an innovative collection of music that is a gift in these times and remains true to the YellowStraps DNA - bedroom type R&B with colourful synths, melodies, and powerful hooks – with an added layer of fun.
Reaching acclaim from the likes of COMPLEX, I-D & MAJESTIC CASUAL, radio support from BBC Radio 1, 1Xtra & Radio 6, plus a loyal fanbase the world over that has seen them rack up an impressive 5.8 million streams across platforms all speak to the gravitas they command while yet to reach the peak of their powers. With the Yellockdown Project, they look set to continue their European takeover.
Yvan and Alban you both set yourselves the creative challenge of releasing one track per week, every week, with each track featuring a different artist and every track being written in 24 hours until the end of the lockdown. Resulting in a 13-track project, with 16 features from across the globe - from the UK, US, Iceland, Holland, and Germany - all created over the internet. What was the experience like for both of you?
It was really nice because we didn’t expect anything from it at first and we worked in a totally different way. It was based on spontaneity and just the love of music.
What was the inspiration behind "Yellockdown Project” and what did you want to achieve with this project?
Actually, we were just inspired by the moment. All the gigs were cancelled and everyone was in the same situation, we just thought that it was the perfect timing to collaborate with other people because everyone was stuck at home.
In a recent interview in reference to the Yellockdown Project, you said that you took a different approach to it and wanted to stick with the first idea you had and not overthink too much and go with the flow, as you think it is more spontaneous being less refined. Is this method of music writing something that you would adapt to your songwriting in the future?
Yes definitely, I think it’s the best way to create. Not overthink stuff too much, not thinking about strategies, marketing, etc. Just music.
In the song,’ Something’ Featuring Dvtch Norris and Blackwave the lyrics are: “[…] can’t you see we’re pretty close […] I just want to be with you; can I come in […] I just want to come over. I don’t care about the side effects”. Is it about Coivd and social distancing or something else?
Nope, it’s really about love and relationship with another person and how it can be complicated sometimes! But it sounds like it could’ve been for covid haha.
What is your process when working with a variety of different artists to get the best out of each other?
It was always the same process. Start with a drum loop that we all love and then find a nice melody! After that, we exchanged some ideas via WhatsApp or messenger and worked like that. It was really easier than we thought.
In the Yellockdown Project, you sing in different languages. What was the decision behind that and is it something that you would continue with?
Yes, we tried to sing in French, actually, it was the opportunity to try stuff that we are not used to doing! And we will do it in the future for sure.
How long does it take you to write the songs?
It depends, sometimes it can take months and sometimes just a day.
If you could collaborate with anyone in the charts right now who would you collaborate with?
I would say Kendrick Lamar.
You said in another interview that “We’re entering a new phase in our life – we are more positive, more optimistic – and the music reflects that” how important do you think a positive mindset is in your industry?
I think it can bring more simplicity and authenticity in the industry.
What is the funniest story you have from the course of your music career?
King Krule recognized us when he played at Botanique 5 years ago! We checked him after the gig and he said « Oh you are the guys from YellowStraps » it was crazy.
What are your short term and longterm goals for the band going into 2021?
Release our debut album.
Connect with Yellow Straps
Interview | Danielle Burbidge