Bass n Babes Interview #15: Yoko

Yoko, also known as Emi Veliz, strives to recreate the realms that exist in her own mind, and mold them into sonic experiences. Although originally from Tacoma, Washington, the esteemed producer has sculpted her sound from the influences of the Colorado underground scene. The Denver-based Yoko project has shifted to focus on forward-thinking approaches that transcend conventional genre limits, all while innovating and fusing glitch-hop and neuro-bass inspirations. Bass n Babes had the pleasure of chatting with Yoko at Same Same But Different. Check it out!

Baby Kush: Hey, what's up, Same, Same but Different? We are here for another Bass and Babes interview. What is your artist name? 

Yoko: I go by Yoko. 

Baby Kush: How would you describe the evolution of your sound? 

Y: I started with 140 base, and then slowly moved on to Glitch Hop, Neuro Hop, Neuro Bass, Experimental. 

Baby Kush: Do you have any advice for aspiring women DJs and producers? 

Y: The main thing is  creating your community, finding friends and other producers, other DJs. It's just having the right people around you. 

Baby Kush: When did you realize that you wanted to be a DJ? 

Yoko: I was 18 years old. Someone sent me Rezz's Ultra Set. Saw another female up there, and I was like, "Oh, I can do that." 

Baby Kush: What is your dream back to back set? 

Yoko: Jade Cicada, Detox Unit.

Baby Kush: What do you wish that a younger version of yourself knew before you started this journey as an artist? 

Yoko: Take it slow. Don't try to rush everything. Everything happens in its own timing. Try to hone your craft and stick to your guns. Try not to get blinded by what's up and coming, what's trending, what's making it happen on Tik Tok, you know? Just, just listen to yourself. Follow your heart. 

Baby Kush: What do you want your legacy to be? 

Yoko: I just want other people to realize that like anyone can do this. I literally was a bedroom DJ. I started when I was 18 and I was just in college. Had never listened to electronic music, never went to a festival, and then just dove head first and, you know, whatever you put your mind to, you can achieve. And that's pretty much the main gist of it. Anyone can do this, really, with the drive and the passion.

Baby Kush: Who are women who have inspired you on your journey as an artist?

Yoko: A lot of my friends but also bigger artists like Clozee. Chloe put me on very early, and she’s the first big artist to put me on. Her and Veil. They just inspire me daily. THey’re normal human beings and that’s the connection that matters in this scene. To make it feel real.

You can watch the video on Instagram here.