After delivering his much-loved seven-track collection 'In Current' earlier this year, Brooklyn-based artist Yasin Hazim returns once again to offer up his stunning new studio album 'Through The Sun'.
Capturing more of that warm and woozy electronic-infused direction he has cultivated for himself these last few years, 'Through The Sun' makes for a wonderfully immersive listen. Filled with broad and sprawling aesthetics, a dreamy atmosphere, and pulsing textures throughout, this new release will wash over you and leave you feeling rejuvenated from start to finish.
So with the new LP available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his background and what has been inspiring him of late.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I grew up playing the violin but from the beginning I've loved the piano. There’s something so complete about it having all the notes in front of you while providing a sound so rich that you don’t need anything else.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up with rock & rap music, so my early influences were french hip hop & stuff like The Libertines & The Strokes.
What was the first album you remember owning?
“113 - les princes de la ville”! It’s a rap album that I discovered listening to Skyrock radio (lots of french influences here) that I instantly connected to. This and “L’ecole du micro d’argent” by IAM. I think my love for beats started at this point and this is something that evolved into love for electronic music later on. A lot of these beats were made by DJ Mehdi that I ended up following through the whole Ed Banger thing as a teenager years later.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“Coronus, the terminator” by Flying Lotus. I feel like I’ve tried to reach for the beauty of the atmosphere in this track for so long. It’s a funeral procession in the shape of a track, it instantly brings you into this world and has been an inspiration for so long in terms of truly capturing a feeling.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I used to be very intentional and immerse myself in a feeling or a mindset before starting to try to connect very precisely with what I was making. As things went on I’ve started to take a different approach, starting from randomness & the beauty of modular synthesis and letting things emerge. I love sampling and this has been an endless source of inspiration and starting points. Improvise, plug this into samplers and pedals, see what comes up and see where this takes me.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I’ve recently spent a lot of time listening to Tour Maubourg, Workerz & Toribio.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I would say Jamie XX. His music & style has been such an inspiration that I would love to be able to go full circle.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
It feels like reaching further. The urge to create & to express something is so strongly tied into my life and music feels right. You’re not spelling it out, you’re not dictating anything - you’re painting in time, and allowing people for a brief moment to cut off from the rational brain and join you in this feeling. I feel like I’ve only been able to truly touch these moments a couple of times in my life so far but it makes it all worth it.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The rest of the time, when you can’t find how to connect. It’s a daily practice so the more you put in the more you get out of it. The most frustrating part is knowing that something is on the tip of your tongue but you don’t have the right words or chords to express it.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Nothing comes for free. Do the work and be genuine.
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Yasin Hazim's new album 'Through The Sun' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.