Nathan ClareIrish starlet Yasmin Gardezi has risen through the ranks of the Irish nightlife scene in recent years. The Kerry native has been playing consistent club shows and festivals all over the country for quite some time now. She has also found herself performing at a number of gigs abroad, most notably Scotland’s Sub Club. Showing no signs of slowing down, we caught up with Yasmin to talk all things music related, where her inspirations stem from, dream b2bs and more.
Yasmin has grafted on the decks, at gigs and online, earning her stripes by consistently delivering both club shows and festivals, as well as keeping us entertained via her online live streams. Her bubbly personality and sick DJ skills shine through on her social channels, which she often updates about her gigs, tunes and of course the Irish dance music scene.
The Motz resident has gone from strength to strength, and remains one of the countries hottest prospects while also acting as a huge inspiration for many who are looking to begin their own DJ journey in Ireland.
We delve a little bit further into the life of Yasmin which you can read below.
Hi Yasmin. How are things? How did you get on at Life Festival opening the main stage on the Friday?
Hey Nathan. I’m still on such an amazing buzz after life festival last week! Couldn’t have asked for a more magical weekend. Opening the main stage was easily one of my favourite sets to date. I didn’t hold back and play the stereotypical opening set and went for a peak time set expressing myself 100%.
When did you realise that you wanted to learn how to DJ?
When I started college 6 years ago I had an interest in DJing. I joined the DJ society, bought starter decks (Pioneer DDJ-RB), got lessons on CDJs, did my first livestream and got gigs from there up until now.
In your opinion, what is the most important piece of advice that you would give to people who are starting to DJ?
The most important advice I would give is to stay in your own lane with a pair of blinkers on. Don’t judge others around you or compare yourself to anyone. Be nice and welcoming to all. Respect everyone as everyone is trying to make it and there is room for every artist in the world. We are all here for the music and to bring people together to do one thing – Dance.
Are you content having a more versatile approach with your selections, or do you feel that you are yet to find a sound that you would prefer to stick to?
At the moment I am still finding myself a little more with each set I play and prepare for but I do have a very content style at the moment that is ever slightly evolving each month. I am really happy with the direction of my music at present. It’s fast, spicy and full of the perfect filthy energy that feels right for me.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
My biggest inspiration would have to be my granddad. Music ran through his veins, he was part of a jazz band playing the saxophone. He always pushed me to learn music, starting off with gifting me my first piano and guitar. I wish he could see where I am at now with my musical journey.
Biggest highlight of your DJ career so far?
The biggest highlight of my DJ career so far I would break down into 2 club shows being in The Telegraph Building sharing the bills with SHDW & Obscure Shape, BLK. , Charlotte De Witte and Reboot DJs.
You have been producing for quite some time now. Are you planning to release any music soon?
Yes I have been producing since the first lockdown. It has taken me quite some time to crack the code with what style I would like to produce but I am aiming to have my first release out at the end of the summer.
What is your opinion of the current state of Cork’s venue problem?
The Cork Venue problem at the moment is very disheartening. We lost our beloved Dali venue at the beginning of lockdown and Cork hasn’t been the same since. The Electronic Music Council has been setup to combat our venue crisis and flourish the city with venues again.
What do you think is needed to bring Cork’s nightlife scene to the next level?
We could do with some amazing new spaces, such as gritty large underground warehouses and large club floors to use as venues to bring the nightlife scene to the next level.
Leading on from the last question, what are your thoughts of the Irish dance scene in general?
I think we have an amazing dance scene in Ireland but of course the lack of venues is a serious problem. I’d like to see the scene move towards using secluded warehouses and outdoor spaces such as Forrest’s or setting up more stretch tents to use as venues going forward.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
In 5 years I see myself heavily routed in mainland Europe with my base being Berlin. I want to be touring around Europe, South America and everywhere in between playing all the magical festivals and venues I regularly dream about with drooling eyes and a mouth watering face from watching all my favourite artists work their magic at these stages on social media.
Dream b2b and dream festival to play at?
My dream B2B would have to be with SPFDJ, Rebekah, Anetha, Charlie Sparks, Ellen Alien or VTSS. There’s a long list of artists i respect so much it’s difficult to even get a small list down.
Dream festival: Melt Festival which I just came home from. I have no words to describe the magic that has just unfolded from that long weekend. Get me back to Melt asap.
