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Malaysian-born singer/songwriter Yuna truly is a breath of fresh air. Her crisp, sunny pop songs feature an eclectic mix of instruments that exude an enchanting multicultural backdrop. Her new album Nocturnal, is set to drop Oct. 29th. GroundSounds recently had the chance to chat with Yuna for an exclusive interview, check it out below.
For those new to your music, describe your sound and the way that you approach songwriting.
It’s definitely pop, I try to experiment with a lot of things – jazz, folk, rnb electronic. It varies I guess when I work with different producers, but I tie them all up with my vocals.
How does the music culture of Kuala Lumpur and Malaysia differ from the US? What is the biggest difference you’ve noticed in the way that music is viewed?
There’s not a lot of difference, people in Malaysia love music as much as people out here do. I guess the great thing about making music out here is that people are so open to new artists and new music.
I’m sure it was a combination of things (great music, work ethic, label support), but what do you think was the biggest factor that brought you from a regional success in a part of the world not known from creating music stars to global notoriety and popularity?
To be honest, the fans. I could safely say I owe my success (in getting signed to a label out here in the States) to my fans. Sometimes people take notice when you have your fans helping you promote your music. And my fans, they’re just the best fans anyone could have. I feel like people would have to understand me as a creative person and understand what I’m trying to do without being judgmental to be a real fan.
Your new album Nocturnal comes out on October 29th and is unique, refreshing, and beautiful. How long have you been working on this album and is there a song from it that stands out as a favorite for you?
Thank you! I started writing I think since last year when I was on tour. I was travelling a lot was really inspired with everything I was seeing. So it took me 6 months to work on the record. I think my favourite song from the album is Mountains.
Did you enjoy recording the album in Los Angeles? How did the recording process differ from your previous releases?
I did! I didn’t travel that much to record this album compared to the last one. Traveling is great but you get so tired and it fatigues you and you just become so unenchanted. This time I was pretty much able to take my time. Go to the studio, write, record, and get home, cook my own dinner and go to sleep. And do the same thing the next day. It was very relaxing for me, I function better that way I guess when I’m able to be in one place, get the creative juices flowing, get into the studio stay super focused and then when I’m done I’m home and just be a normal person. Read a book, watch a movie, cook dinner. You know. Normal stuff. I get to do that and make an album at the same time. It is such a good balance for me.
The mixture of instruments, styles and sounds contribute to the album sounding fresh and unique. You mention using traditional Malaysian instruments and infusing them into the context of a modern pop song. What are some of these instruments for those of us who may not be familiar with them?
One of the main elements I wanted in this album was using a lot of Malaysian instruments, but it was so difficult to find them especially when im in the states; it was impossible. So my producers and I tried our best to kinda imitate the sounds of gamelan, the kompang, of course they did not sound exactly the same but they give out the same vibe. Which was pretty cool, because it doesnt sound so obvious on the record- just a hint of that Malaysian influence.
“Rescue” is infectious and has the makings of a huge hit. What inspired the song lyrically?
I wanted to write something empowering. Chris Braide produced this song, and he just had the music and I immediately wanted to do something with it! The chords were strong and uplifting.. and I was mainly inspired by my bestfriends for this song. They’re all so strong, brave, supportive and ambitious and they inspire me. I wish I could share them with the world, they’re the best friends you’ll ever have. I guess Rescue enables me to do that.
You’ve been on various TV shows and have been featured and praised in many publications all over the world. What is your favorite moment in your music career so far?
It would probably be performing on Conan! I had so much fun! And I met Conan too which was really amazing.
You are active on social media and have over 1.6 million Facebook followers. How important is social media to a young musician or band that is trying to get their name out there? If you were only allowed to get on one social media outlet, which would you choose and why?
It would probably be Tumblr. It’s so simple you know. And you get to post images, music, have your music on Soundcloud there, and reblog anything you like anything you feel inspired by and you get to share it with your followers. It’s the most effective way to connect to your fans, they get to know who you really are as a person.
What was it like working with Pharrell Williams on “Live Your Life?” How did that opportunity come about?
It was great I had a lot of fun working with him. I guess the label I was with was awesome enough to get us together in a studio. I’m blessed.
What is coming up after the album release? What is your plan for the rest of the year and into 2014?
Hopefully I will be out on the road again, I’d love to go on a headlining tour. That would be amazing for me and the fans. I’d also love to get on a tour in Europe! That would be something really new and exciting for me.
What are you passionate about outside of music? What do you enjoy doing when you’re not creating music or performing?
I love fashion. Im currently in the midst of designing my own line, I used to run a clothing store but I feel like now I should really get into producing my own designs, so that what I’m hoping to do. Hopefully it will be launched in January. I’m really excited.
