Here at Wonderland, we are partial to a music drop from a rising artist. However, a rising mammal is not something we come across every day. Nevertheless, West London’s very own virtual bear producer, Lil Yamaha is here to bless your Wednesday with a chaotic blend of electronic sensibilities and high-energy beats, all of which promise to, well, claw their way into your hearts.
When speaking on their sound, the producer divulged, “I definitely pull in sounds from the music I love. A good dose of hyper pop and that gritty sound from underground electronic music. I love to experiment with a lot of rhythms and to use my voice as an instrument. I have been influenced by artists such as Sophie, Hudson Mohawke, Missy Elliot and Britney Spears. I see it as a combination of hard, colourful with a sweet sugary glaze.”
Ahead of the release of upcoming EP, “Honey Pot”, the furry producer took some time to chat to Wonderland about life as a bear, the vision behind new single “Higher” and their hopes of dominating runways with their sound in the future. Head below to enjoy our interview with Lil Yamaha…
Hi Lil Yamaha! How are you? What’s life like today for a bear?
I’m doing good thanks! Life as a digital bear is great, been doing bits. Living virtually has its perks, you know, especially with how the analogue world is with all its madness.
Your music’s been used already by high-profile companies like Moschino and VOXI. Where would you love to hear your music being played next?
Yes, I get about! You’ve probably heard my music and not even realised it! I would love to reach more humans and for people to hear my music at a festival. I love the idea of being able to bring my virtual life into the analogue world where humans can really get to enjoy the whole experience of Lil Yamaha. I would also love to hear my music on the runway, my music has a lot of attitude and confidence. Maybe something iconic like the Victoria’s Secrets Show.
We gather you’ll be taking us on somewhat of a journey through the metaverse with your new EP, “Honey Pot”. What is it that draws you to this futuristic space?
Well I was born in it and I don’t know any different but I hear the analogue world can be scary and sometimes these new worlds can be a nice escape. I have heard from my developers that you can do some pretty cool things in this futuristic space and I’m still learning about it, to be honest. I can’t wait for you to experience the world I’m creating at the moment.
Congratulations on “Higher”! We love the underground electronic and hyper-pop influences you’ve suffused into this cut! On the Lil Yamaha mood board, are there any other genres/sounds we can expect to hear you borrow from?
Oh thank you, yes I definitely pull in sounds from the music I love. A good dose of hyper pop and that gritty sound from underground electronic music. I love to experiment with a lot of rhythms and use my voice as an instrument. I have been influenced by artists such as Sophie, Hudson Mohawke, Missy Elliot and Britney Spears. I see it as a combination of hard, colourful with a sweet sugary glaze.
Talk us through your look. You’ve got a bit of a thing for chunky/spiky accessories?
I’m a bit of a Sad Bear – well I used to be kind of emo. Things have changed and I turned that around and empowered myself through music and just being a boss bear, but I definitely still embrace some of that aesthetic. I love my spikes and piercings and my honey bee tatt, I really think it separates me from other bears. It’s like my music, kinda hard but still has that cuteness. I’m also an advocate for embracing your unique qualities and being comfortable in your skin. I wanted my message to be that it’s ok to not fit in, being different and unique is real and where it’s at.
It’s amazing that you have used “Higher” to cultivate a space for those who feel powerless. What music helped you when you were trying to prove you’re not the world’s average teddy bear?
Honestly, that is one of the reasons I created this music – to empower myself and others. It’s hard to list all of the artists that made me feel powerful but some I can think of right now would be Aretha Franklin, Kanye, Gwen Stefani, Yaeji and Beyoncé who have really powerful music and messages.
Tell us about the Sad Bears Club. If it was a physical place, where might it be?
Sad Bears Club is a safe space for all to express themselves. It’s a society and a collective of creative and like-minded thinkers who are all about embracing who they are without fear.
It has a main room that is super fun to hang in, lots of Lil Yamaha decor and lyrics. A grand piano and studio and also a gallery and bearditation room to chill. We have message boards, a place to chat and link and a shop with some sick pieces
We get the feeling you’re likely to remain coy regarding your identity for a while yet. If this was The Masked Singer, what clues would you give us?
Not sure what you mean here…we don’t have that show where I’m from. Plus I’ll never wear a mask, it’s not my style. I’m one of a kind and kind to all – non-fungible but open-source – I am the real Lil Yamaha.