Interview with Yotan

Part of our new series, #DiscoverCypriots, Yotan is first out as part of Singer-Songwriter.
You can find Yotan’s profile here and review his album here.

Hometowns: Lagos, Nigeria & Nicosia, Cyprus
Birthday: November 14th
Genre: Alternative
Track highlight: For Your Love feat. 7AO

Q1: When did your musical journey begin?

My journey started back home in Lagos, Nigeria.

Q2: How has your Nigerian heritage influenced the themes and sounds on your album, and how do you blend this with your experiences living in Cyprus?

My Nigerian heritage has a strong influence on my sound because it’s an integral part of who I am. No matter where I go or who I’m with, that identity stays with me. I carry the energy, rhythm, and storytelling style of Nigeria into everything I create. Blending that with my experiences in Cyprus has come naturally. My music reflects my reality- what I’m going through, what I’ve been through, or what I see coming. Everything I create is authentic; there’s nothing fake about it.

Q3: What was your creative journey like while working on this debut album, and how did your move from Nigeria to Cyprus shape your perspective during the songwriting and recording process?

I’d like to give a big S/O to the producer of most of my songs, Mr. Foxy. We started a mini show on Instagram last year where every Friday we drop One-minute songs accompanied with visuals. We ended up releasing like 9 songs (only on the gram). Then we asked the audience to pick their favorite tracks. We picked the top two they liked and wanted to initially drop a four-track EP, but it turned into this whole thing where we just kept adjusting the songs, adding more tracks, more sounds, before we knew it a year had gone by and we were like we can’t call this an EP anymore. This is an album.

Q4: How have the artistic and cultural vibes of Cyprus impacted your musical style, production choices, or even the overall mood of your debut album?

It has impacted my style so much, like I said earlier, my music is authentic. It is a reflection of who I am and where I am. Cyprus is like an open canvas, the island gives itself to become who you need to be. The urban Cypriot culture influences my sound a lot on this album.

Q5: Could you share the story behind one of the album’s standout tracks that best symbolizes you, currently?

Inner Child. Mr. Foxy wanted me to make something really emotional with no drums, he was like, let people listen to you on a different level. This song is just who I am. In the midst of all my struggles, I always see the light in everything. I really want to go into more details, but I want the audience and you to experience the track. Also, my mum was on the outro of the song, and I haven’t told her yet lol. Look, what I’ll say is, no matter what you have been through or are going through, don’t let the situation define you, always know there’s something better for you.

Q6: What were some of the creative challenges you encountered in creating a cohesive sound and narrative for the album?

Not much if I’m being honest. The track with Redahlia was the toughest to write to. I couldn’t find the right melodies for it. Glory to God, I found a melody I hope everyone will enjoy.

Q7: Who do you envision as your primary audience for this album, and how do you hope listeners will connect with your music?

Lovers lol, I don’t have a straight answer for that tbh, if you love my sound please stay, let us figure it out together haha!

Q8: Looking ahead, do you plan to continue exploring this cross-cultural fusion in your upcoming work, or might you venture into new genres or influences as your musical journey evolves?

As long as it’s music, the door is open for everything and anything. We let God decide.

Q9: You have a long-standing collaboration with Mr.Foxy, including on the album. Please tell us what your process is and why you two work so well together.

That’s my guy! He produced the whole album.

He basically tells me what to do and I don’t ask questions. Naah but for real I don’t know how to explain it but we both know what needs to be done and the rest comes natural.

Q10: What does 1982 (song) mean to you? Tell us more about the song.

SEX

Q11: Who are some of your musical idols or inspirations, and how have they shaped your sound?

Childish Gambino, Brent Faiyaz, Burna boy, Anderson Paak , Common eyes etc.

These artists inspire for various reasons; Their voice techniques, their story telling, their skills.

Q12: Back in February, it snowed heavily in the Troodos mountains. Did Cold Weather get inspiration from the storm, and is the cover art for the single taken up there? How was it to collab with Lost for the first time? Tell us how the song and photo came about.

The song was inspired by how cold it was in Nicosia. I was home chilling and it was raining, so I felt inspired in that moment. I had this beat from ProMadeThis, I then decided to work on the beat and write the song to how I was feeling in that moment. Lost pulled up to the studio like a week later and I was playing him the album. It just needed one more verse, Foxy dropped the idea that he should jump on it and the rest was history. We then decided to go to Troodos mountain to have a shoot to match the name of the song,

Q13: What do you hope people take away from your music?

That I’m genuinely serious about my craft

Q14: Last year you had, for Cyprus standards, a viral hit with We Flex (Reflex Anthem). Has that experience taught you anything?

To continue to be grateful to God

Q15: Who are three Cypriots in music on your personal playlist that you have on repeat?

Lost, Crisis Renegade, Ermis

Q16: What songs have inspired your sound?

I’d say a lot I can’t really narrow it down. I try to be as authentic as possible so it’s difficult to say.

Q17: How do you think music empowers immigrant communities in Cyprus?

Music is everything. Music gives hope to people. They can look at us and be like wow these guys are really going after their dreams. Then the question comes in ‘what’s stopping me’?

Q18: What’s one career milestone you’re proud of?

Dropping this album

Q19: What is your favorite album of all time?

Awaken! My Love by Childish Gambino

Q20: For those just discovering your music, how would you describe yourself and your musical style?

Complex with the medolies, easy with the flow. I’m chilled guy tbh

Q21: Your favorite track of the album?

It’s between Inner Child and For Your Love ft 7AO

Q22: What advice would you give to someone who wants to start making music in Cyprus?

Don’t think, just do it