Earlier this year, emerging artist Yasmin Dyer cemented her dynamic legacy with her highly-praised debut EP ‘Where I Belong’, a collection that saw her deliver some of the year’s more emotive offerings. And with the dust surrounding that release finally beginning to settle, she recently returned to deliver her vibrant comeback single ‘Be Honest’.
So with that offering now out and about, we caught up with her to discuss her origins as well as what she is planning for the months ahead too.
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Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in music?
I started in musical theatre when I was 4 and realised after college I needed a change so I went to university to do music and I discovered I loved songwriting and working with other amazing songwriters and producers then in January this year I released my first EP. It’s been a journey but I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Who are your biggest musical influences and how have they shaped your sound?
My biggest inspirations in music are Olivia Dean, Jorja Smith. They have helped me incorporate emphatic synth atmospheres with melodic drum beat and funk-tinged bass line to carry the track across the airwaves. With authentic and powerful lyrics to connect with modern romance, brimming the powerful verses and passionate delivery.
Was there a specific moment or experience that made you decide to pursue music seriously?
When I was going through the toughest time of my life music was an escape and I could let my true feelings out in my songs and lyrics.
Can you walk us through your typical songwriting process?
I work with my producer where we start chatting about life experience and brainstorm ideas, then we gather chord progressions, listen to inspiration and songs that I like the vibe of at that time and then we start songwriting, build a demo and the song builds from there.
How do you find inspiration for your music and lyrics?
Life experiences and friends life experiences.
What themes or messages do you hope listeners take away from your music?
Women to feel empowered, confident and not alone.
What challenges have you faced as an emerging artist in the music industry?
Finding my audience and getting into places where people can find my music as it’s a very saturated industry but hopefully my talent and songs will shine through and my hard work will pay off.
What has been the most rewarding aspect of your musical journey so far?
When people connect with my music and I can help them through life.
How do you stay true to yourself and your artistry in a constantly evolving industry?
To go with what feels natural and not pretending to be someone I’m not.
What can fans expect from you in the near future? Any upcoming projects or tours?
More music, another EP and a headline show in May.
Where do you see yourself and your music career in the next five years?
Doing festivals and hopefully doing a tour, connecting with people across the world and making others feel empowered and less alone.
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Listen to Yasmin Dyer’s new single ‘Be Honest’ below.
