Music / Spotlight
Spotlight: The Yard Woman
Greek Born, Bristol based DJ and producer, The Yard Woman provides dancefloor hits for all music-lovers.
Fusing house and techno and drawing from genres such as rock and pop, it’s no surprise the artist has been recognised across the country, including airplay on BBC Radio 1.
Now based in Eastville, the DJ tells us how the clubs in Bristol have shaped her music and what influences her sound.
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Where in Bristol are you based?
I’ve been living in Bristol for nearly six years now. I live in Eastville and my favourite thing about it is shopping in Easton – it’s an awesome place to find food from so many different cultures & cuisines.
How would you describe your music?
My sound is a balancing act between House & Techno inspired by dance floor moments.
My tracks are packed with melodic elements, distinct climaxes & world music influence such as drums & vocals from the Middle East or Africa.
It’s the groovier, slower and sensual kind of techno that makes you lock into a mystical groove.
What influences your music?
After quite a few years of being a clubber in Bristol hanging out in clubs like Lakota, Motion and Blue Mountain I decided that one question will guide me whilst in the studio.
My guiding question when composing is “Would I dance to my track right now?” .
I started out as a drum and bass DJ & like to still keep my sound fluid even though I now play and produce techno!
I see the electronic music sphere as a playground where I’m always extending to draw inspiration in the studio from unlikely genres like Pop, Rock and World Music – resulting in surprising hybrid tracks.
What’s your favourite memory of your career so far?
Getting an email from BBC Radio 1 saying that my track Jupiter was going to be played on the radio that night! Hearing the Radio 1 jingle and my track playing straight after was such a surreal moment!
What’s the response been to the music/art you’ve put out there so far?
One of the best bits about being an artist is playing out new and old tracks and seeing the crowd’s response.
For an emerging artist, seeing people recognise one of your older popular tracks when you play it on the dance floor is so heartwarming! High Priestess seems to be a favourite for many of my listeners.
How have you found breaking into the music industry for grassroots artists?
It’s certainly tough out there, as an artist I’ve learned to be comfortable with rejection. Persistence is key though!
Where’s your favourite place to perform and attend a gig in Bristol?
I really enjoy a warehouse type club so I’d have to pick Motion.
Who’s your dream artist to work with?
Maya Jane Coles! They have a way of making their tracks timeless.
Who have you got your eye on at the moment? Are there any artists you think deserve more appreciation/acknowledgement?
I’d love to give a shout out to artists Unsaid, Sahar, Tlya X An and Dizharmonia who are putting out some seriously good tracks!
What’s next for you?
I will be releasing an EP called Midnight Dancer in the next few months – both tracks are Techno tracks with World music flavours.
I’m supporting Mathame for their only AV show in London on the November 17, Mathame have had incredible releases on the iconic label Afterlife.
That day also happens to be my birthday so I can’t wait to celebrate in London.
Main photo: The Yard Woman
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