It's just another manic Monday with Desolat's Yaya

Image: Yaya

Yaya is the long time prodigal son of Desolat, nurtured by the label's imposing overlord Loco Dice. The owner's faith in the Italian has massively paid off when you consider that Yaya is spearheading parties all over Europe alongside the label's sharp emergence of selectors. 

Partial to the groove of bumpy techno, the fast rising controller has had works feature on numerous compilations on the imprint including their most recent Desolat X-Sampler. 

His contribution to the label's nucleus cannot be denied, shaping him as a real house and techno authority that's really starting to enter his own (Hear out his We are FSTVL podcast below).

Yaya will be spending this summer behind the controls at Amnesia, but in the meantime the Torino native is heading to Constellations in Liverpool for Modu:lar on Sunday 24th May for an open air daytime party, followed by a set at 24 Kitchen Street in the evening, placing him firmly in our line of questioning.

You're heading to Liverpool to play alongside Brothers Vibe, have you experienced the city before, and what can we expect from you on the night?  

I’m really happy to be playing in Liverpool again, the crowd is always hot there. I always have a lot of music with me, so I’m not used to preparing my DJ sets before the party. I like to assess the dancefloor and the mood before I play, and from there I’ll build my set.

You first caught my attention playing under Loco Dice and via the '5 years Desolat' mix CD, how did you come to hook up with Loco Dice? 

Dice and I met seven years ago in Ibiza. I started working with him in 2009 for my first record on Desolat 'Vecute'. He added me to the booking agency, Artist Alife, then I started pressing records a year later and have been playing for the label ever since.

I also noticed you recently played a back to back set with him in Miami, how did that go, surely it must have been an experience?

It was one of the most exciting sets of my life, we had a lot of fun playing together, there was a powerful energy and a good chemistry between us. The best moment was when we were supposed to stop, but Dice wouldn't because he wanted to keep it going all night. 

The label's flourishing at the minute, you really seem to be coming into your own along with label compatriots like tINI and Hector, how has that been for you, gaining international recognition since emerging on the scene at a young age in Turin? 

When I started to work for Desolat and Artist Alife, I was 23, becoming a member of one of the most important agencies at that age doesn't happen everyday.

After many years I still think about it, and at the end of the day they chose me, which makes me feel happy and pushes me to always get better.

I understand your background is with percussion as a drummer. Tell us about that, it must really help you in the studio?

Knowing how to play percussion really helps in the studio, when producing the groove and the rhythmics of the track. They are the elements that I find easiest. 

What about your recent work in the studio? We loved your punchy slab, Dhalsim (below), released on the Desolat X-Sampler 12" with Lorenzo Chiabotti. Tell us about how that came together, and can we expect anything new from you in the near future? 

Lorenzo Chiabotti is an old friend of mine from Turin. Last summer, I decided to move to Berlin to make some music, and we spent a lot of time in the studio together.

The idea was to do something new for Desolat, and we mainly used an MPC and a Machine Studio. We also have four unreleased tracks, and we’ll work together soon on some new projects.

I've noticed you hold a special connection with Ibiza, ever since you visited the White Isle at the age of 18. What is it about the island for you, and what are your plans for the summer there this year? 

I've been going to Ibiza for almost 12 years now, it's source of huge inspiration for me and it helped me a lot when I was younger for my image. I remember playing at Space for the first time when I was 20 and I felt like my heart was about to burst.

Last of all, with all of your experience of the Balearics, what is your top tip for partying in the Ibiza and why? 

My favourite day has always been Monday, but you can really get a sense of Ibiza's spirit at the famous villa after parties, I always enjoy playing and partying there. 

Check out our certified know-how on partying on the White Isle with our Ibiza Virgins Guide. 

Full ticket links below: 

Modu:lar open air with Yaya and Brothers Vibe at Constellations, Liverpool on Sunday 24th May

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