Talented rising star Yazmindi continues to ‘Dream On’

Rowan Anderson

Journalist

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Yazmindi in the studio IMAGE: Supplied

With a ticket to New York City and a trip of a lifetime homegrown artist Yazmindi’s star is on the rise and her soundtrack play with memories of home as it dances between genres.

Inspired by her first solo trip out of Australia, to New York City, the dreamy city made the 23-year-old feel like she could do anything with her life.

Reflecting on her journey from dreaming teen to ambitious young woman and artist she is on the road after announcing a massive regional QLD, NSW and VIC tour.

Heralding from Cooktown in Far-North Queensland Yazmindi takes an honest, and sometimes tongue-in-cheek approach to authentically reflect on powerful moments of love, loss, societal pressures, youthful optimism, and determination.

Yazmindi ‘dreams on’ while her star is on the rise IMAGE: Supplied

She is one of the next generation of singer-songwriters that build upon the previous successes of iconic front runners Missy Higgins, Julia Jacklin and Courtney Barnett.

Her debut album is aptly named Dream On and Yazmindi spoke with Newsport reflecting on her journey through adolescence and how she put her experiences into her music.

“I share my song writing journey and my experiences of love, loss, tongue in cheek earnest situations, questioning the pressures of society and the adventures of being a human in an ever-evolving world that we can all relate to,” Yazmindi said.

“'Dream On' embodies an endearing resilience and determination, full of love and optimism for a fresh future, an album that I wish I had when I was a young teenage girl."
Drawing on her experiences and influences the 11-track album breaks from set genres creating her own overarching indie-alternative sound - dancing between folk, rock, pop, acoustic and soul.

"For my debut album I wanted to incorporate and explore all the different musical influences and genres that have inspired me in my life. Each track has a unique sound, but a common theme with the intention to keep it real and empower people, especially young women,” she said.

The far north of the state influenced the album greatly having been recorded at Mountain Kauri Studio in Far North Queensland while it was co-produced with QMUSIC award winning ARIA
nominated mixer and producer Mark Myers.

The album being released on August 18 contains previously released singles, ‘Avocado Latte’, ‘Talk’, ‘Man’ and ‘Give it Up Jane’ and ‘Bars Ain’t Closin’ as well as five fresh new tracks; ‘Insomnia’. ‘Lomés Song’, ‘I Don’t Mind’, ‘Room For Two’ and ‘Fly Away’.

Her career highlights to date include having performed to large crowds at South by Southwest in Austin, Texas twice, Woodford Folk Festival and as support for Megan Washington and Troy Cassar-Daley.

Being from a town far removed from the bigger cities, Yazmindi knows first-hand the importance of touring regionally.

“After two cancelled tours, this will be my debut East Coast Tour, performing and visiting all the towns where I lived, before travelling south for shows in Melbourne, which will be special, as this is where I wrote some of the songs on the album.

“I cannot wait! I have dreamt of this for years!”

DREAM ON ALBUM TOUR DATES

  • Thursday August 18th BMUP Festival Cooktown
  • Saturday August 27th Cairns Festival Cairns
  • Sunday August 28th Mount Molloy Hotel Mount Molloy
  • Friday September 9th Elixir Music Bar Cairns
  • Sunday September 11th Firefly at the Billabong Kuranda
  • Friday September 16thBingil Bay Cafe Mission Beach
  • Saturday September 17th Rollingstone Hotel Townsville
  • Sunday September 18th Mountain View Hotel Gordonvale
  • Friday September 23rdWallaby Creek Festival Cooktown
  • Friday September 30th Savannah In The Round Festival Mareeba

Artist Spotlight on Yazmindi

Favourite track to perform: Ooh it’s either Avocado Latte or Dream On… Avocado Latte! I love waiting for the audience reaction when I sing the punchline “Please wake up right now I wanna be in Far North Queensland, where nobody gives a, if I’m not a vegan.” With most of my songs having more serious undertones about love and society, it tends to come as a shock to people when I switch to these tongue-in-cheek lyrics. I am always nervous that I may offend someone in the crowd, though I enjoy pushing the boundaries and being playful, knowing that deep down it is just an ode to my hometown. It also lends itself as an opportunity to bring out my whacky, comedic side which I love. The sentimental meaning behind the song, singing about my home, is very special to me. The best feeling is when the North Queensland crowds sing along with me as though I've created an anthem for us mongrels!

Favourite song: Everywhere by Fleetwood Mac; This upbeat song immediately puts me in a great mood. It also happens to be the special song I share with my boyfriend. We often do long distance whenever I’m travelling for shows, and the lyrics “I wanna be with you everywhere”, feels symbolic of our love. It reminds us that no matter the distance between us, we are always with each other. The song also transports me back to when I just 17 and rushed to the Brisbane Entertainment Centre after High School to watch Fleetwood Mac perform live. I attended solo and was completely engrossed and inspired by the songs I’d grown up listening to on many family road trips.

On the weekends you like to: Make the most of travelling the beautiful region I live in! I play gigs most weekends which end up turning into short getaways exploring new areas with my boyfriend, friends, or family. We usually head somewhere a day early to set up camp in our van or make the most of the free gig accommodation. Plus, a surf when we arrive always sets the tone for my show that evening! That’s an important perk of my job. Having access to artist camping spots at festivals is another perk, especially when it’s close by to the stage or next to the lush rainforest rivers!

Favourite cuisine: Nothing beats a delicious butter chicken with cheesy garlic naan! Give me a yummy curry any day.

Highlight of career so far: Recording and releasing my debut album, ‘Dream On’. The whole project has been an epic learning curve. As a completely independent artist, it means wearing many hats, I’m essentially a small business owner. It has been a very challenging 18 months but above all I am proud of myself for remaining resilient and bringing my vision to life. Being wholly responsible for the creative side, the business side and not to mention recording and writing the actual music, is both daunting and empowering. This is a massive career highlight for me, to create a full body of work on my own terms, making my vision come to life.

Dream gig: Glastonbury Festival with a full dance troupe! That’s the dream…. Enough said.

Dream rider: A full body massage from a personal masseuse ahead of a show, to entirely relax the nerves and chill me out. A personal beauty therapist to prepare my skin with a facial and massage, followed by a glam team to emphasise my natural glow. Why not throw in a delicious healthy Japanese buffet with fresh salads, sushi and healthy soup? And mimosas, darling... Complete luxury!

Who plays you in a movie about your life and why? Millie Bobby Brown, I adore her resilience, professionalism and positive energy in her movies. Off-set she is also a seemingly authentic human being which I highly value. PLUS, she has amazing fashion style and hair, I would love to have her wardrobe.

 

Her lyrics mix genres while staying true to her experiences IMAGE: Supplied

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