Artist Spotlight: YellowStraps

The ability to create mood and ambience is pretty important when it comes to music. Just ask YellowStraps, he knows a thing or two about it.

The Belgium-based multi-talent has built the foundations to become one of the hottest names in European soul. An affecting vocalist, perceptive songwriter and savvy producer with a constant desire to improve and evolve, YellowStraps has amassed a significant following in his native country and further afield thanks to an explorative discography and a hugely popular Colors appearance. Always painting his palettes with broad brushstrokes that consume the listener in their vibrancy, YellowStraps merges the gap between indie pop, neo-soul and jazz, whilst also straying into rap leaning mannerisms, to construct a sound that is provoking, surprising and thoroughly entertaining. 

YellowStraps recently announced the details of his upcoming debut album, Tentacle. Set for release in late January, the LP looks set to push the artist’s boat further out into the utopian waters of worldwide stardom. The singles that have been unveiled from the upcoming project so far have been a diverse, colourful batch of hits. From the bittersweet, spaced-out headown to the groove-laden, sun kissed tnght, YellowStraps is constructing a body of work brimming with emotional nuance and sophisticated sonics. The new cut notice combines fragility and gusto, with sombre synths juxtaposed by a lively rhythmic section, whilst YellowStraps delivers a deft performance, delving into relationship psychology. 

The Pit caught up with the rising star to chat about his love of King Krule, the Belgium music scene, and his highly anticipated debut album. 

Who and what influences you?

Life is mainly what influences me the most! People i meet, my family, how and where i grew up, relationships i’ve had and everything that surrounds me.

How did you first begin writing and creating? 

I started making music by doing a lot of covers and at some point i was really excited to try to write my own songs! First time i tried i felt it was amazing! I felt something special that’s really hard to describe and that’s how it all started 

How did you find your sound?

When i started composing and producing my own music with my brother, we had so many influences and different styles that we liked and at some point our main goal was to try to mix all of them to create our own sound.

How would you define that sound?

It’s always quite hard to describe it in a simple way but i would say it’s a hybrid musical sound. A mix between many styles.

What is it about the neo-soul space that sonically grabs you? 

For me it’s the most powerful kind of music! Soul music like it says, touches soul! For me soul music touches you straight in the heart! That’s what grabs me the most! The impact of neo-soul and soul melodies.

How have you progressed creatively since your 2020 projects? 

I think i improved my songwriting process! I’ve also put a lot of effort to be more creative! I’ve been trying hard to find better toplines, better melodies and better lyrics in general

What’s your opinion of the scene in Belgium? Anyone we should keep our eye on?

Belgium scene is for me one of the best! We have a lot of talented artists and i feel like people are so open minded that it makes it easier to be creative. It’s all about the love of music! People are really supportive! There’s any competition vibe in Belgium and i think that’s something we can feel seeing all the collabs! It’s like a huge family. I think you should definitely keep an eye on Swing’s next project! For me he’s one of the most talented artist in Brussels!

You’ve worked with some great artists, who else would you love to work with?

My life goal would be to collab with King Krule, or James Blake, or Kendrick Lamar… but I would probably pick King Krule because his music really changed my vision of music! He’s been my main influence for years when i started making music!

The new cut notice is spellbinding! What was the creative process?

It was so natural and special! I created this track with two friends of mine at my apartment (Elvin Galland & Victor Defoort) and the inspiration came really fast! We started trying stuff and i directly knew in what direction i wanted to go and that the vibe would suit me.

What are you trying to convey with the track?

I really wanted to convey the paradox of love! Really amazing, beautiful but it can be really cruel and dark at the same time!

What can we expect from your upcoming album? 

You can expect a lot more blend of styles. I really wanted to have something deep but powerful at the same time! This album will be way more hybrid with a real focus on melodies and the sound to make people feel all the emotion i had while writing this album.

Why does it feel like the right time to drop your next project? 

We made a few EP’s with my brother since we started this project and felt that it was the perfect timing to step up and write the very first album! Also, early 2021, my brother decided to quit the project so also felt I needed this album to reach something new, something more personal.

If you were introducing yourself to a new listener, what track of yours would you play them?

For my new album I would play notice because it describes a bit more the hybrid vibe of the album. It’s one of the most deep and emotional track I’ve made so far.

Where do you want to take your artistry?

Definitely as far as I can! My dream would be to be able to touch as much people and as much soul that I can.