Music Spotlight: Yoshi Flower

Feb 19

Feb 19 Music Spotlight: Yoshi Flower

Asymmetric Mag

LA-based artist Yoshi Flower flawlessly blends many genres into his sound, including elements of rock, edm + r&b. His latest single Dirty Water was released last week, following his debut album American Raver, which is a rebelliously dark narrative of drugs + sex in response to the political climate with lyrics like “at least I’m not as fucked up as the government”. We caught him on his AMERICAN RAVER tour at Moroccan Lounge in LA on February 13, where he had the crowd dancing, singing + screaming along with his contagious energy. He performed in front of his version of the American Flag + ended the show with smashing his guitar into pieces. We chatted with him about AMERICAN RAVER, his sound + playing live. If you’re a first time Yoshi listener, may we suggest listening to AND TO THE MACHINE + Dirty Water on repeat?

// photos by Linda Wang

Asymmetric Magazine: Thanks so much for talking with us! Can you tell us a bit about AMERICAN RAVER and what it means to you?
Yoshi Flower: AMERICAN RAVER was a way to cope with what has been going on the past year in America and in society at large. We are stuck at a crossroads between utter apathy and radical revolution. We have these tools to communicate, and we waver between using them for vanity and awareness. The project talks about the human condition and existing in this modern melting pot.

We are stuck at a crossroads between utter apathy and radical revolution.

AM: Are there any consistent themes you typically pursue through your music?
YF: If I had to look back, I would say relationships, love, drugs, and figuring out how to exist.

AM: For first time listeners, how would you describe your sound?
YF: Woodstock in the year 2069

AM: You have a lot of incredible collaborations under your belt (we love Elohim and Quinn XCII!)—who's a dream collaborator you haven't worked with yet?
YF: Adele, St. Vincent and Kanye.

AM: You’re currently on your American Raver tour—what can we expect to see at your shows?
YF: Me singing and playing all of the songs the best I can.

AM: Tell us a favorite memory from playing live.
YF: On this American Raver tour, at each show, there have been a number of kids singing the unreleased music, and it always startles me because I don't know how they would know all of the words. The first time it happened, I forgot to play and sing because I was taken aback.

AM: Where is one place that you feel completely in touch with your creative self and your music?
YF: In my mom's kitchen, in front of a large window that looks out onto some trees. I first started playing guitar there when my parents would be working late each night. It is a place where I'll always be a confused and sad but hopeful child.

AM: What other musicians are you currently listening to?
YF: Bakar, Pink Floyd, Yeek, Octavian and so many others.