F
or a certain corner of the internet, YAZ needs no introduction. The London-based singer-songwriter, Yaz Caramanli, who goes by YAZ, released her debut track in 2022, and since then she has only risen. Her music, a sublime fusion of pop and soul, began taking shape when she started out as a YouTuber at the age of just thirteen, going on to build a very successful music career and hit the newcomer charts.
However, the debut of her first EP, Dancing in My Room, arrived last month with the fullest articulation yet of what her voice is capable of.
I spoke to Yaz about her accidental beginnings, writing alone, performing live for the first time, and what she hopes listeners will take with them.
Born and raised in North-West London, as for many people, London takes centre stage in curating dreams. And for Yaz, it was no different, a city so dense in its selection of artists and creative atmosphere. She said, “London is so rich in culture, and I am hugely inspired by British artists like Amy Winehouse, Lily Allen—the list is lengthy. Of course, your environment has a big part to play in your experiences.”
A lot of songwriting is deeply personal, rooted in one’s experiences and thoughts, so curiously I asked Yaz if there is ever such a thing as too personal when it comes to putting something into a song. She said, “I never really think about if a song is too personal; it’s more about the sound and feel.” She also highlighted that it’s “an important conversation lyrically,” which makes sense, as so much of music - whether a song or an album - tells a story within. “Songwriting is my way of navigating life, so naturally it’s gonna be personal. I think that’s a beautiful thing.”
On why she still writes alone before taking anything into a session, Yaz explained that “writing in my room allows me to experiment without any judgement, even if it’s subconsciously.” She noted how being in a room full of people can sometimes hold ideas back, where fear of rejection lingers. Because her songs are so personal, she values arriving with something that already holds meaning, “ideas, words and phrases”, before opening it up and letting producers and collaborators help expand it into something bigger.
When I asked YAZ how “Mr. Valentine” ended up getting released, she replied, “There was no big plan in place, which I think allowed people to interact with the song naturally.” She then went on to say, “It was very of its time, which helped. The spontaneity, combined with support from the girls online, just worked.”
When I asked her about Dancing in My Room, and what she wants it to mean to the people who find it, she reflected on the range within the project. “‘Everything You Do’ is simple and romantic. ‘Room For Two’ is about feeling left out in a friendship group. ‘Literally Me When I Was 11’ is like a letter to my younger self—and my current self whenever I’m feeling doubtful.” Ultimately, she hopes the music offers a sense of connection: that listeners feel seen, and less alone in navigating the pressures and uncertainties that come with growing up. Whether the songs feel front-facing or like a form of escape, she hopes they resonate in some way.
Sticking faithfully to the London scene, she had her first performance in Soho in mid-March. She said, “It was maybe the happiest and most present I have felt,” and with a sold-out show, it has only pushed her further. But a month later, she’s back at it again. The Camden Assembly on the 29th April will be the next step.
When asked what comes next, she said, “I want to perform.” “For now, I’m very excited for people to live with ‘Dancing in My Room’, and I’m always writing. As I’m getting clearer on my vision, I’m excited for the material to come.”
To conclude our interview, I asked her to share one piece of advice she’d give to her thirteen-year-old self, and she kept it simple: “Listen to yourself, dream bigger, keep on working hard and stop worrying—you’re right where you need to be.”
Dancing in My Room by YAZ is out now.
Photography courtesy of YAZ & Rain Talent.
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