One thing is certain: South African singer-songwriter Yoav has shown himself to be a maverick in the Electronic music market. Getting his start right after high school, the musician signed with a record label before travelling to New York City where he developed his signature guitar-playing style.
Using the body of his guitar as a secondary instrument, he taps percussive rhythms and strums in short, sharp bursts to create patterns that mimic the borderless fills of electronica drums beats. The result is a steel-bending, woody-toned maelstrom with a biting edge.
With top-performing records like ‘Dopamine’ and his cover of the Pixies’ classic record ‘Where Is My Mind’, which charted at #1 on US album charts, the songwriter is searching for new ways to twist sound. His latest endeavour takes the form of a looping setup, the results of which we can look forward to watching live at THE PLAYGROUND’s TIMELESS Festival in his home country in March of 2023.
Purchase tickets to the Timeless Festival here or find out more about the event here
In anticipation of the event, we interviewed the South African Music Award winner. Let’s introduce Yoav:
Set the tone for us. Why the arts?
Words/ music/ rhythm bring meaning, love, and beauty to a very confused world.
Which comes first when you’re producing – the sound or the idea?
Every song is a different animal. Sometimes a fragment of a dream, a coincidence, or a life event sparks it into life. And you never know where the next one is going to come from.
What’s on your current playlist?
Today has been a sad song kind of day… so I’ve just listened to ‘Fourth of July’ by Sufjan Stevens…and in the electronic vein, some beautiful melancholic ambient tracks by Rival Consoles.
Tell us about the chemistry you have with your fans on stage.
The best moments onstage are when I’m giving the song, the audience receives it and gives me energy back, which I receive and then give a little more… eventually, we are just sharing, giving and taking, the moment together.
How are you prepping for your set at TIMELESS fest?
I have a brand new looping and sampling set that is super versatile and complex. I’m making sure to jam with it for hours and hours each week.
Which of your songs should festival goers put on their ‘TIMELESS’ playlist?
Since Timeless is an electro-inspired festival, perhaps a couple of remixes: Rampue’s remix of ‘We All Are Dancing’ and Sascha Braemer’s remix of ‘Touch’.
With so many exciting acts performing at TIMELESS festival, who are you most excited to see?
I’ve seen them before, but I’m pretty stoked for Röyksopp. Also Christian Löffler.
Imagine you’re a festival goer. Do you rough it in a tent or glamp in luxury?
I reckon my roughing it days are gone. I once hitchhiked to Burning Man and slept in the tiniest tent a human can fit in. Glamping all the way now.
What one thing MUST you absolutely have with you on stage?
My wonderful guitar and my lucky guitar strap… not to mention my wicked looping setup.
Break down the news for us: what can we expect from you this year?
I’ve just started producing records as well as making them. So I have an upcoming indie collab project that will be released by Platoon records, which will no doubt be remixed a whole lot. Then I have some solo stuff to release. And then an ambient guitar-based project and if there is time, an electronica EP… busy busy year ahead.
Famous last words?
We all are dancing anyway (I might as well feel the beat).
Listen to Yoav’s exclusive playlist below:
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