Yugen Blakrok Talks New Album, Single And More

Yugen Blakrok has her latest album The Illusion of Being’ out now. We wanted to learn more about her and the new record and she kindly agreed:

 

When did you begin songwriting?

In high school, I used to write poems. That evolved into rap verses that I would sometimes spit at cyphers. Then I started going to hip-hop sessions and that inspired writing full songs. I’d say mid-to-late 2000s.

 

What is your earliest musical memory?

My mom waking me up from a nap because “my song” was on. It was Whitney Houston’s I Will Always Love You.

 

You have released your new album ‘The Illusion Of Being’. How did you want to approach the making of the album?

I wanted it to reflect the time and space I’m in. I approach every project like a time-capsule, to try and capture the essence of that moment of existence.

 

Where did you record the album and who produced it?

We recorded the album in a mountain-village in the Baix-Ebre region of Catalunya. Kanif did the majority of production with features from Lee Scott, 7th Galaxy, Werd Pace and Mark Andrew Sunners. Most of the concepts and ideas I’d jotted down over the years we were on tour and travelling through Europe. Once we stopped touring, we settled down and isolated ourselves to craft the project.

 

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?

This is the first album we’ve created with absolutely no external exchange, no gigs, no audiences. I feel like we learned a lot about self reliance, not just in making the album but also physically making the space for creation from scratch.

 

Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?

We’d always used a Shure SM58, I found I really like the SM7B to capture the lower tones. Once the recording was done, we were lucky enough to meet some dope musicians from the area, Cristina Espinos plays the flute and added a beautiful mystical vibe to the project. We also have an amazing guitarist, Jordi who also plays in the live act.

 

One of your tracks is the single ‘The Grand Geode’ featuring Sa-Roc which is out now. What was the story/inspiration behind the track? How did the collaboration arise?

Sa-Roc and I have been friendly for a few years, we have a mutual respect and sisterhood going on. The Grand Geode is the last track I wrote for the album. The project was already in the mix when I asked her to collaborate. She was in a good writing space (clearly, haha) at the time and sent me back that masterpiece of a verse. I had no choice but to add it to the album.

 

Was it a difficult album to write?

There were some challenging songs, like Loner. That one and Regrettably are particularly personal and delve deeply into emotional accountability. Honesty outweighs prettiness there. Grand Rising and Earthlinguist pretty much wrote themselves. Some songs demand more than others but overall, it’s a layered album and I can say it was a pleasure to write and it definitely helped me to grow. As a writer and as a human being.

 

Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?

a) Hidden Pillar – that beat made me so happy, I was actually struggling to keep still while recording
b) Grand Rising – I started writing inspired by homesickness and it turned into this ball-smashing long verse where I use the angst to big myself up
c) Regrettably without a doubt. And I have zero regrets left.

 

What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

That the audience was successfully transported into our realm. They feel moved by the experience.

 

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

Honestly, I look forward to the lights the most. And the smoke machine. This is my absolute favourite thing on the stage – the mood of it, the silhouettes and shapes, the illusion.

 

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

My hometown is Queenstown, South Africa.
Quiet. Segregated Design. Rugged. Dry.

 

How do you look after your voice?

I can spend days not talking. Otherwise lemon, ginger and honey tea does wonders.

 

Who designed the album artwork?

The cover photo is by Oscar Lanau. The graphic design and typography is by Noah Mouzon.

 

You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?

Babel-17 there is so much mind-action, it would be fun to experiment with the sound of thought and perception. Synth all day.

 

Who is in your touring band and what do they play? Or do you tour solo?

We are usually three. Kanif is on beats/pads/synth and Jordi, on guitar.

 

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

Portishead. Tricky. Nina Simone. Wu-Tang Clan.

 

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?

We’re playing some festivals this summer in Germany, France and Spain. We’ll be doing a full album tour (The Illusionist Tour) starting this autumn.

 

What makes Yugen Blakrok happy and what makes you unhappy?

Having options makes me happy, doesn’t matter if it’s food or deciding what to do with my day or life. It makes me happy knowing I have a choice.
Feeling helpless makes me unhappy. Thinking about the state of the world can easily make me feel helpless on some days.

 

 

Feature Image Photo Credit: Oscar Lanau

Yugen Blakrok’s latest album ‘The Illusion Of Being’ is out now.

Stream/Download Here: https://baco.lnk.to/TheIllusionOfBeing

Bandcamp: https://yugenblakrok.bandcamp.com/album/the-illusion-of-being