Music Spotlight: FYOHNA
FYOHNA is the electronic duo composed of vocalist Katarina Gleicher + producer/multi-instrumentalist Elliot Glasser // photos courtesy of CO5 Media
Asymmetric Magazine: Tell us about your current work as musicians and "Ghost Heart".
FYOHNA: We’ve been playing together for about two years. We devote almost all of our time as musicians to this project, so we are really excited to get to share Ghost Heart.
AM: How would you best describe your sound?
F: Reflective songs with slightly complex but moving rhythms and expansive and lush production.
AM: What inspires you most?
F: What inspires us always really depends. It’s a little bit mysterious. I try not to think about it too hard because I think most of the time I have to get out of my own way to become inspired. Inspiration is one of those things that just sort of sneaks up on me. There’s this very brief moment where I can either recognize it and grab onto it, or I can just let it sort of evaporate and very easily just go on with my day. Think inspiration is everywhere, it’s just about wether you’re able to see it.
AM: What role does Los Angeles play in your work?
Elliot: I think the coolest thing about growing up around Los Angeles was the mix of cultures. Growing up, I went to a lot of electronic music and hip hop shows in LA. All different kinds of people with strong identities doing their own thing.
AM: What themes do you pursue through your music?
Katarina: There is always a theme of mixing dark thoughts and transforming them into something empowering. I like to say things that people don’t like to say-or are too afraid to say.
AM: How did you land on the name FYOHNA?
Katarina: We really wanted this project to be under a name that could represent both of us. Personally, I wanted to have an alter ego to take responsibility for my words. The name Fyohna gave me the freedom to say whatever I wanted without a filter. Plus, we simply love the way it sounds.
AM: What other music is currently inspiring you?
F: Tune Yards, St. Vincent, Fiona Apple, Sylvan Esso, Purity Ring, Santigold, Hundred Waters, Little Dragon, Gorillaz, Thom Yorke, Flying Lotus, Ametsub, Arca, Bjork, SOHN, SBTRKT, Shlohmo, DJ Paypal, Mount Kimbie, James Blake, Hudson Mohawke, Lapalux, Bonobo, Glass Animals, mum, Julia Holter, Clark
AM: Where is one place that you feel completely in touch with your creative self?
K: Honestly, wherever I happen to feel it. I don’t usually write unless I have something to say, and I feel most creative when I have something to say.
AM: What's the best advice you've ever received?
K: Don’t miss breakfast.
