Yuno Has Truly 'Blest' Us with the Warmth of His Debut Album [Q&A]
Rare materials get a lot of coverage these days, but one of them is blessedly available everywhere right now, in the form of a stunning debut album, Blest. Its NYC-based author Yuno is a youthful, visionary creator, having no shortage of sonic gems to share, extracting melodic resources from almost every conceivable genre. The finality of the sound is a distinct but familiar style that radiates warmth, impressively forging from R&B, to indie rock to alt pop, resting on a melodic lightness that feels like relaxing breath work. We kicked off our curiosity to know more by sending a few questions his way, the rest is all his words.
OnesToWatch: Who is Yuno?
Yuno: That’s me! I’m an artist from Florida. I like flowers and my favorite color is pink.
What is Blest all about?
Acceptance and gratitude. I’m thankful for the life I live, even if things aren’t perfect.
What do you feel most blessed by?
Music being my job! I love to create whether it’s music, videos, photos, or graphic design. Being able to do all of my favorite things as my job is truly a blessing.
Any collaborators or features on the album? Who produced it?
It was mostly produced by me and my friend Frank Corr of Morning Silk. Frank and I have been friends for years and after I had all of these demos I produced by myself, I knew he’d be a great person to help me bring them across the finish line. We have such similar music tastes and I’ve never had an easier time communicating my ideas with someone. I also had some help from Nick Sanborn and Patrick Wimberly on ’True’. Patrick also worked on my song ‘Massive’.
You have such an unafraid, fun melange of sounds. What influenced that?
I just enjoy a lot of different types of music and they all remind me of each other, so I figure why not combine them. When I started making music, I knew how to produce hip hop beats, and I could play guitar, so I just decided to make music by myself doing both.
If you could surmise your sonic influences, who are they?
My influences are constantly growing. Some of the biggest that come to mind are Young Thug, Tegan and Sara, Beck, HIM, Dirty Projectors, Jack Johnson, and The Beach Boys.
Besides this excellent album, what else should we be on the lookout for?
I’m going on my first headline tour! I’m touring all over the US and playing shows for the first time in years! I’m excited to get back on stage.
What's inspiring you right now outside of music?
The everyday carry community! I love being prepared and I’m always overthinking anyway. Anytime I leave home I’m usually carrying a pair of pliers, a flashlight and a birthday candle because, who knows? I’m constantly thinking of how I can be more prepared to solve problems. I’m working on finding the perfect everyday carry setup for tour so I can fix everything that inevitably breaks.
Take us for the best meal in NYC to feel blessed and blissful?
Go get dim sum at Bodhi Kosher Vegetarian Restaurant. It’s so fun to go with friends and decide what dishes you’re all going to share. Then head to Double Chicken Please for cocktails after and order the Japanese Cold Noodle.
Who are your OnesToWatch?
BLP Kosher, Middle Part, and Quelle Rox! So many Floridians making great music!
