October 21, 2024 |
Yasmin Hass is the singer-songwriter documenting the peaks and troughs of your twenties. Marrying her love for musical theatre (specifically Stephen Sondheim’s West Side Story) with modern synthesised beats, Hass’ breathy, rich vocals dance around her intimate yet relatable lyricism. Now, she’s gearing up for the release of her newest bedroom-pop anthem, All My Friends, which is set to release this Wednesday. A single that you can cry and dance to simultaneously, All My Friends – co-written with Benjamin Francis Leftwich and produced by Jules Konieczny – draws on Hass’ own experiences of growing up in her mid-20s and the feeling of being left behind and alienated as her friends start to settle down.
Australian-born and London-raised, Hass’s childhood came accompanied by a musical backdrop of her German opera-singing mother practising on the piano and her Jamaican father listening to Jazz icons like Nina Simone and Luther Vandross. These influences, from every neck of the woods, are what have allowed Hass to hone the authentic sound that’s gained her a spot as one-to-watch.
After releasing a cluster of singles between 2021 and 2022, Hass took a break to discover her own musical vocabulary. Co-produced by The 1975’s Ross MacDonald and Ed Thomas, her debut EP Worst of Me landed earlier this year and blends Hass’ arsenal of musical influences together. A meditation on tough break ups, womanhood and independence, Worst of Me sees Indie-pop ballads dripping in soulful lyricism, complemented by an underscore of electronic flourishes and Hass’ naturally raspy vocals.
Here, we sit down with the singer-songwriter to discuss her upcoming single, her memories of her mother’s classical music background and her favourite Sunday brunch spots.
1. Your mother is an opera singer, how do you think growing up with her influenced your sound?
I got to listen to her singing and playing the piano pretty much every day. She introduced me to such a wide variety of music from a young age. I’ve been lucky enough to explore both her classical background and everything in between. Thanks to her influence, my sound is constantly evolving.
2. How would you describe the vibe of All My Friends in three words?
Daring, playful, provocative.
3. What do you hope listeners will feel after listening to All My Friends?
It’s a fun and funny song that I hope people will want to sing and dance along to, but there’s also a depth to the lyrics that explores the uncomfortable reality of change. I hope my listeners who might be feeling left behind can find solace.
4. What’s your pre-show ritual?
I’ll try and calm my nerves by thinking through my performance and how I want it to go – to be honest I’m still figuring out the best way of doing that. I also have a lucky charm that my grandmother gave me that I bring to every show.
5. What was the main inspiration for your upcoming single?
You get to a point in your mid-twenties where life starts shifting and your friends and their priorities begin to change. Some start to settle down, get engaged, buy houses and start families. It’s exciting, but also nostalgic. I can’t help thinking ‘Jesus when did we become adults?’ Time just goes by so quickly.
6. What is your dream venue to play a gig at?
Headlining The Apollo would be the absolute dream come true. I grew up in Hammersmith and some of my favourite memories are watching incredible artists performing there.
7. Best way to spend a sunny Sunday in London?
It definitely involves making a big brunch (my favourite is the Dishoom breakfast which I’ve now managed to master) and then going to Hampstead Heath for a swim and a read in the sun.
8. Pub or club?
Pub for sure! We do cosy pubs dangerously well in London and it’s fitting that Guinness is my favourite drink.
9. Who is your dream artist to collaborate with for a track?
God there’s a few! But Paolo Nutini has been a dream collaboration for a long time.
10. What can fans look forward to from you in the future?
I’m finishing my next EP, which I’m super excited about. I can’t wait to share it with you all. I also have a co-headline show coming up on October 30 with an artist called Polly Money, she’s amazing and it will be a really fun night. Tickets are available now!
