IN CONVERSATION WITH YANAMASTE

interview by MARIE-PAULINE CESARI

Numéro Netherlands Digital presents Yanamaste,  the innovative techno maestro known for his twisted melodies and raw, modular soundscapes. Hailing from Georgia, Yanamaste's journey spans from early piano and folk instrument explorations to captivating DJ sets on international stages. In this exclusive interview, he opens up about how his diverse musical roots shape his production, his venture into photography, and why his Georgian identity continues to influence his art and activism. 

Don't miss his highly anticipated return at the Upclose Festival on May 18, where he'll be delivering another unforgettable performance in B2B with Beste Hira. 

image ROMA LOSABERIDZE

You grew up surrounded by instruments like piano, guitar, and drums… How did those early disciplines shape your style as a DJ and producer today?
I started playing piano when I was 6 years old and finished 7 grades. Everyone in my family plays piano — it’s like an unwritten rule for us. After that, I started playing percussion instruments such as djembe, darbouka, conga, Georgian traditional doli, as well as many traditional Georgian folk instruments. And yes, also guitar.
I think my early musical experience helped me a lot in terms of DJing and also production. I like to write long melodies and sequences, and knowledge of music theory, chords, rhythms helps me a lot in this.

Are you still based in Georgia? How does your Georgian identity shape your sound and aesthetic? And on a personal level, why is it important for you to use your platform to take a political stance, like you did last year encouraging people to vote?
Unfortunately no, I don’t live there anymore. I grew up in a small city by the sea, Batumi, and the last 5–6 years I spent in Tbilisi. I think Georgian aesthetics have a big influence on my creativity.
In my childhood, I was part of the Georgian national dance ensemble for 8 years — I was a dancer, and it was also my first touch with folk music and folk instruments. It’s simply the best and most interesting music for me. Then when I was 16, I got into a club and that’s where it all started...
I love and miss my country. I have a lot of friends there and also my family, and it hurts to see what is happening there politically. It’s important to speak, if there’s any chance somehow to change something.

Your latest EP Evil feels intense and textured. What inspired the concept, and why that title? Any favorite tracks?
Basically it was tracks from my live shows. I’m not so creative when it comes to titles, so I just put the first word that comes to my mind.
The favorite probably is “Walking on Mars” ‘cause it’s a bit different in sound design.

Are you already working on your next release for 2025?
Yesss — but I can’t say yet. I’m very bad at planning and finishing music. But I have a lot of new material from my live shows, and also a lot of experimental music: ambient, acoustic with piano, also dubstep, drum’n’bass and just weird stuff.

Between producing and performing, what drives you more at this stage of your career?
I love doing both, but probably like being a musician and making music more. Creating something from scratch — it’s so different. I can do it 24/7 and never get tired of it. It’s like a glass of water — I can’t live without it.
I’m also a very introverted person, and sometimes I struggle being surrounded by people. I prefer to sit at home and twist knobs and buttons.

How do you prepare mentally and musically for an all-nighter set like the one you did the last time you came to Amsterdam?
The most important thing is a good nap before the show. I like to prepare sets — not only for all-nighters, but also for every performance — so it takes a lot of time to choose the right selection.
In the end, you just need to catch the beat, dynamics, and mood of the dancefloor and follow it until the end.

You also take analog photos. Is that a way to disconnect from music, or does it complement your work as a producer?
I started photography when I was 12 years old. Still remember my first camera and first negatives of a film roll. I really love documentary and also fashion. Back in the days, I did a couple of shoots for magazines.
But after I started DJing and music, I sacrificed this hobby ‘cause my full focus was on music. I think it’s more a way to disconnect from music. Now I have a bit more time and sometimes I do some minimalistic, cinematic, moody photos during interesting trips.

You were part of the first Upclose Festival edition last year — how was it?
It was a perfect experience for me. It was also my Awakenings debut. I played the outside area during the daytime. 10/10. Very interesting and balanced lineup, a lot of friends and happy faces.

You’re coming back this May 18 — can you tell us a bit about what you’ve planned for this year’s edition?
This time I’ll play with Beste Hira. We’ve known each other for a long time, and I think it will be a very interesting experience.