The Finish Line With Yasmin..
When thinking of independent women within the music industry, a few names instantly spring to mind. One that may not be the first to roll off the tongue is Yasmin, but the ‘Finish Line’ singer doesn’t fall anywhere short of independence. I had the pleasure of catching up with Yasmin to discuss, life, love and Lyrics and to my welcoming I surely found out why she was so determined to ‘Make it on her own’ (see what I did there)
Yasmin fast became one of this years most mentioned names on the scene and after a series of packed festival performances this summer at home and in the Balearics was also a support act for No.1 artist Example on his recent tour. Impressively notching up a MOBO nomination for Best Newcomer at the 2011 awards, along with presenting an award Yasmin has recently returned from supporting Snoop Dogg on his recent UK tour dates.
Stylishly clad in a long white shirt- dress and the most impressive leopard print platforms I’ve seen this season, Yasmin broke down her new single Light Up (The World) which is set to be released on January 15th 2012 – an old school, reggae infused carnival jam – featuring the legendary drum’n’bass and jungle maestro Shy FX and Ms. Dynamite which had the video filmed in the beautiful setting of Cuba.
“The aim of the track is to portray and evoke that happiness you get every time you hear a track and it instantly makes you smile. The type you can listen to on a sad day and have your spirits lifted, hence why Cuba was the perfect location for this. Although it did rain for a duration during the video’s shooting, the sun did take his hat off and provide the rays of sunshine to make for the most beautiful setting..”
Working with Shy FX in the past, Yasmin instantly felt a vibe when working on the track and although already scorching hot, agreed with there being one thing missing. That one thing was music veteran Ms Dynamite. In true Dynamite style, the track is instantly turned many notches higher, giving that carnival vibe even more life. Moving on Yasmin discussed her adoration for artists such as Katy B, the incredible Sbtrkt, Wretch 32 described as an amazing lyricist, Ed Sheran described as having the best albums of the year hands down, and more, and highlighted that any future projects, regardless whom with would be music worth listening to. Having too many to name and not enough popping to mind being put on the spot, rounding up Yasmin explained there are loads of people she rates highly within music and would like to work with in the future as long as it is guaranteed to be fresh, and exciting.
“As a female artist, there is always a pressure but there are positive aspects that guys don’t benefit from. Superficially, as a woman if you wear a nice outfit, you get noticed and extra points. As a DJ, there was a lot of things people would put me down about being a female but when it came to getting a gig, I would most likely get it.. I don’t think the negatives outweigh the positives”
When asked what we could be expecting in the new year, Yasmin gushed happily about the acoustic sessions she has recently recorded and also her forthcoming album. When asked about a set date for release Yasmin explained that when writers block kicks in you just need to get on with it and let it pass, hence why there is no date set for the album as of yet. Highly anticipating getting back out and performing at live shows (including HMV’s next big thing in February) and with festival season always around the corner, Yasmin will also be working on her visuals a lot more than before, developing ideas and being more hands on in front and behind the cameras. 2012 sure looks set for a female takeover especially if Yasmin is at the forefront.
“I am extremely focused on my career and as much as there is a significant other newly on the scene at the moment, its not something I depend on to get by day by day, its nice having someone there to understand, but I am also comfortable alone, doing me..”
Yasmin “Light Up (The world )” is out 15 January Levels ent/Ministry Sounds
Interview by Billi John
Photography by Azza Suliman
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