Mix Radio Interviews Diana Yukawa

 

Last month Mix Radio welcomed violinist and songwriter Diana Yukawa to their HQ in Bristol.
Diana treated the whole office to a performance of ‘City is Sad’, an uplifting and beautiful track, check it out below.



We also managed to have a chat with Diana about her eclectic musical influences and what to expect from the playlist she’s curated.

Tell us about your visit to MixRadio HQ
 It was a real pleasure for me to have been invited to perform at MixRadio. I’m also slightly embarrassed to say it was my first visit to Bristol, which I’ve wanted to do for a long time. I always love giving smaller, more intimate performances where you can see the detail in the audience and their response to your music - it’s wonderful to have a closerconnection to the people listening to you.
  
What artists have influenced you?

There are many artists that haveinfluenced me, from Fritz Kreisler to Radiohead. Also artists like CraigArmstrong, Ryuichi Sakamoto and Massive Attack have been real inspirations for me - making music that is timeless.

What’s your favourite song to play?
Depends on the day and my mood! One of my favourite’s though is ‘My Way Home’ from my Finding The Parallel EP.

What’s coming up for Diana Yukawa in 2015?
I’m really excited about 2015, I have lots of projects going on this year which I’m really looking forward to. John Foxx, Benge and I are releasing our first album as Ghost Harmonic in May. I love the album we have created together and as a total bonus, I feel cool that I’m in a “band”! I’m excited for people to hear something quite different to my solo work.
I’m also working on a charity project which involves putting brain scans on to a stave to translate the chart into music. It’s been challenging but I’m passionate about this and really hope it can reach people in a new way.

I’m writing material for my fourth solo album, which I hope to release towards the end of the year and also have other collaborations going on for new artist projects, so it’s a busy time!
Outside of studio work, I can’t wait for the summer to return as I’ll be performing at some fab festivals again this year. Bring on the sunshine!

What artists have you chosen in your MixRadio playlist and why?
I’ve chosen a really wide mix of artists for my MixRadio playlist. I think most music lovers and artists will say that genre isn’t of any great importance, you either like it or you don’t - so I’ve selected some songs that have connected with me over my lifetime and evoke all sorts of emotions and memories.

Anything else you’d like to tell MixRadio?
Just thank you so much for having me, hope to see you again and thanks so much for my LINE goodie bag!

Interview here; http://mixradioblog.tumblr.com/post/111276249178/mixradio-exclusive-interview-diana-yukuwa

Check out the exclusive playlist made by Diana here: http://mixrad.io/mixes/75382032

www.dianayukawa.com

Diana to Release New Album with John Foxx and Benge

Codex is the debut album from Ghost Harmonic (John Foxx, Ben Edwards (Benge) and Diana Yukawa). This album will be released on the 11th of May, 2015. 



Ghost Harmonic are solo violinist Diana Yukawa, electronic pioneer John Foxx and his collaborator in John Foxx And The Maths - Benge. They’ve been working at Benge’s MemeTune Studios in Shoreditch, London over the last couple of years, creating the Ghost Harmonic sound - a combination of the purity of Diana Yukawa’s violin with the complexity and textured noise of analogue machinery.
As Benge puts it, ‘there is something very satisfying about combining Diana’s beautiful 17th Century violin with a subsonic tone-blast from a Moog Modular.’

‘It was fairly open,’ says John Foxx, ‘but I guess the underlying intention was we all wanted to see what might happen when a classically trained musician engaged with some of the possibilities a modern recording studio can offer – eg multi-tracking, vast notional spaces, long echoes, looping, retuning, layering, synthesisers, sound effects, vintage and cheap equipment etc. Also we wanted to improvise, since that seldom happens in the classical world. Bach wouldn’t take any student who couldn’t improvise over a given theme but things seem to have gone in reverse since then.
Diana was a welcome revelation after all that. She picked up themes immediately and took them off in all directions. Very exhilarating.’

‘I felt there was a really good flow between us all’, explains Diana. ‘You never know what to expect in the beginning, creating a new dynamic between three different people but I think it’s our different backgrounds and influences that made everything come together with such fluidity.’

Using a tape delay system, Yukawa was able to play along to her own parts, layering the sound. Any live ‘background noise’ was treated as part of the recording. ‘The spaces in between the musical notes are often overlooked in modern recording,’ says Benge. ‘It was these ideas that we wanted to capture on this record. The ‘ghosts’ in the studio that we were listening to for inspiration. The name came out of that.’ 

John Foxx: ‘I noticed an interesting effect when multi-tracking into long or complex reverbs – certain harmonics would be suppressed or enhanced and previously unheard ones would emerge from the miasma. This can be really beautiful and it’s now what I most listen for – I know a piece is going somewhere new when this sort of thing begins to occur.’

‘Benge’s studio is so full of character that the energy of that is embedded into the album’, states Diana.

The five tracks on Codex are all linked into one continuous piece of music – by turns elegant, dark and gently blissful. Some of the music recalls the overgrown cities of Delvaux and Ernst, especially ‘A Green Thought In A Green Shade’ and ‘The Pleasure Of Ruins’. ‘Dispersed Memory’ has a strange, alien atmosphere; the dreamlike languor and melting time of the opening music switching into something more isolated and chilling. ‘When We Came To This Shore’ is serene but eerie – like being pulled by the tides to a submerged city or underwater forest. ‘Codex’ closes the album with a sense of stillness and faded beauty.

So what of the future? ‘Diana turned out to be excellent at improvising and zippy as Higgs Boson at negotiating any sort of technology. So there’s still lots of territory to explore.’

Further details - including a full track-listing - will follow.
For more infomation visit; www.ghostharmonic.com
www.dianayukawa.com 

Coke Studio Middle East with Diana Yukawa

Coke Studio returns to the Middle East for a third season on MBC and will features artists including, Maya Diab, Jason Derulo, Asala Nasri, Nile Rodgers and Diana Yukawa.


Episode three of Coke Studios’ TV series centres around the collaborative journey between Diana Yukawa, Songwriter and Violinist and Jadal, a Jordanian Arabic Rock band, resulting in a special “fusion” track arranged and performed by both artists.

The TV series, in partnership with Universal Music MENA and MBC Group, is a unique cultural experience where Arab Superstars and major international Artists push boundaries creating original fusion music.

Unlike most other Coke Studio episodes, Diana’s episode was filmed on location in and around Amman, Jordan – the home town of Jadal. - “I'm fortunate enough to have visited many different places in the Middle East, but Jordan is somewhere I've always wanted to go so when this opportunity arose, I was really happy!” comments Diana.

The episode features the fusion track as well as an exclusive performance of one of Diana’s own new solo tracks, destined for her next album.


Diana comments “I feel very strongly about different cultures coming together. Not only cultures but musical genres also. I think that the Coke Studio show represents something very important. It doesn't matter who we are or where we're from, but what we do with different people to come together, be united and create something positive to move forward with. Music is a wonderful and powerful way to do this, because music is a universal language that can be understood and felt by anybody.”

Headed by Mahmoud Radaideh, Jadal are one of the first Arabic rock bands in the region, starting their journey with their cover “Kol Ma Gool Al-Tobah” for the legendary Egyptian artist Abdel Halim Hafez in Jadal’s Arabic Rock style.

“Throwing people in a situation where they have to creatively work together when they've never met is a risky thing! However I think this was a risk worth taking because I'm really happy with what Jadal and I created together. Mahmoud and the rest of Jadal are really lovely” comments Diana.

Season 3 features captivating fusion collaborations between the most diverse group of artists yet; Kool & The Gang and Asala Nasri Tom Novy and Shatha Hassoun;; Diana Yukawa and JadaL Band; Jason Derulo and Maya Diab; Nile Rodgers and Mashrou3 Leila; Sandy Möllin and Black R and David Penn and Balqees Fathi.

All of these chart busting tracks, including Diana and Jadals’ are expertly produced by internationally acclaimed music producer Hadi Sharara, who returns to enable the artists to create excellence. Coke Studio Fusion Series 3 Album is available to pre-order now on Anghami and itunes: www.itunes.com/cokestudio.

“Even though Hadi wasn't in Jordan with us, his input was just as important as ours – he really is a great talent. I really enjoyed myself, meeting and working with new people in a beautiful country” says Diana.

Patrick Boulos, CEO of Universal Music MENA commented that: “It is an honour to once again join forces with Coca-Cola and MBC to bridge cultural barriers and create ground-breaking original songs with so many artists from all over the world joining together. This season has produced some truly breath-taking songs with a level of creativity that is constantly elevated, some of which are utterly inspiring, emotional and surprising.”

Antoine Tayyar, Director of Public Affairs and Communication, Coca-Cola Middle East said: “We are so pleased with how Coke Studio has developed this Season. It truly epitomizes Coca-Cola values of unity, happiness and refreshing experiences, as various cultures and traditions are celebrated.”

Coke Studio launched in the Middle East in 2011, and this year is presented by Saudi Hamza Iskandar and Lebanese beauty Cynthia Khalifeh.
Diana’s episode, aired on MBC 4 on 26th September 2014.

Diana concludes “I'm so happy a show like this exists because it stands for something beautiful that I really believe in… It was a real pleasure to be a part of this fusion, something I will always look back on with happy memories.”

Diana Yukawa Website
Diana on Facebook

Diana Performs at Japan Matsuri 2014

The much-loved Japan Matsuri returned to London on Saturday 27th September at Trafalgar Square in the centre of London.

This dynamic annual event brings people together to enjoy Japanese food, music, dance, family activities and much, much more.

The Matsuri kicked off at 11 am with performance on the main stage at various times throughout the day. Diana was invited to perform as a special guest at 6:30pm, for an 30min set, together with her Producer and music collaborator, Tom Ingleby.


Diana's performance featured the latest music destined for her next album, including the track "Islands" that the day before premiered on the Coke Studio TV show starring Diana in Middle East.
Japan Matsuri is organized by Japan Matsuri Ltd., comprising the Japan Association in the UK, the Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the UK, the Japan Society and the Nippon Club, and supported by the Embassy of Japan.

Diana Yukawa Website
Diana on Facebook

Wilderness and Latitude 2014 Summer Spectacular

This summer saw Diana Yukawa and her band take the stage at Latitude Festival in July and a few weeks later at Wilderness Festival - receiving great acclaim from both audiences at the highly regarded UK festivals.

Diana was overwhelmed with the response from the festival goers. “it’s one thing to spend months writing the music that you are passionate about, but to perform it and get a great response as we did at Latitude and Wilderness Festival, makes it all worthwhile as this is all I do it for – to connect with people”.

Attendees of both festivals were treated to a world’s first performance of the new music by Diana, songwriter and violinist. Diana co-wrote a majority of the music with the greatly talented producer Tom Ingleby – who also performed at the festivals with Diana, taking the helm at the Keyboard & laptop.

Diana comments “Tom is exceptionally talented and we both clicked together on the music well over a year ago – we are both extremely proud of what we have created and now simply want to share it with everyone”.

Diana’s next album featuring this new music is anticipated to be released in 2015.

Now in its ninth year and with a capacity of 35,000 people, Latitude Festival hasn't stopped it carving out its own place on the festival timetable. While a handful of music events have stumbled and fallen in the past few years, Latitude continues to develop a healthy reputation as one of Britain's most relaxed festival. It's idyllic England with the added eccentricity of woodland raves, stand-up comedy and multi-coloured sheep.

Wilderness, the festival of musicianship, theatre, talks, panel debates, late-night parties, outdoor pursuits and food experiences returned for a fourth year to Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire. The 10,000 capacity festival took place from Thursday 7th until Sunday 10th August 2014 and offered inclusive and a wide range of entertainment and activities that make the most of the most beautiful, unique natural setting.

Both are exceptional festivals that truly champion great, innovative music – both perfect stages for Diana to unveil her new music.

Diana Yukawa Website
Diana on Facebook

Wilderness and Latitude 2014 Summer Spectacular

This summer saw Diana Yukawa and her band take the stage at Latitude Festival in July and a few weeks later at Wilderness Festival - receiving great acclaim from both audiences at the highly regarded UK festivals.

Diana was overwhelmed with the response from the festival goers. “it’s one thing to spend months writing the music that you are passionate about, but to perform it and get a great response as we did at Latitude and Wilderness Festival, makes it all worthwhile as this is all I do it for – to connect with people”.

Attendees of both festivals were treated to a world’s first performance of the new music by Diana, songwriter and violinist. Diana co-wrote a majority of the music with the greatly talented producer Tom Ingleby – who also performed at the festivals with Diana, taking the helm at the Keyboard & laptop.

Latitude Festival 2014

Diana comments “Tom is exceptionally talented and we both clicked together on the music well over a year ago – we are both extremely proud of what we have created and now simply want to share it with everyone”.

Latitude Festival 2014

Diana’s next album featuring this new music is anticipated to be released in 2015.

Now in its ninth year and with a capacity of 35,000 people, Latitude Festival hasn't stopped it carving out its own place on the festival timetable. While a handful of music events have stumbled and fallen in the past few years, Latitude continues to develop a healthy reputation as one of Britain's most relaxed festival. It's idyllic England with the added eccentricity of woodland raves, stand-up comedy and multi-coloured sheep.

Wilderness Festival 2014

Wilderness, the festival of musicianship, theatre, talks, panel debates, late-night parties, outdoor pursuits and food experiences returned for a fourth year to Cornbury Park in Oxfordshire. The 10,000 capacity festival took place from Thursday 7th until Sunday 10th August 2014 and offered inclusive and a wide range of entertainment and activities that make the most of the most beautiful, unique natural setting.

Wilderness Festival 2014

Both are exceptional festivals that truly champion great, innovative music – both perfect stages for Diana to unveil her new music.

Latitude Festival 2014
Wilderness Festival 2014

Diana Yukawa to take to stage at Latitude Festival 2014

Diana Yukawa and Latitude are thrilled to announce that the revolutionary solo violinist and songwriter Diana Yukawa will perform in the Film & Music Arena at this year’s Latitude Festival.

Sheltered by woods and circled by romantic waterways; whether it is a tranquil retreat or a wild, venturesome weekend you’re after, Latitude’s line-up and stunning setting never fails to deliver.

Yukawa says that she is thrilled to be part of the fantastic line up - “Latitude Festival’s reputation is known all over the world and I am thrilled to be part of the fantastic 2014 line-up”.
Headliners Two Door Cinema Club will fervidly kick off the ninth consecutive year of Latitude playing the Obelisk Arena on Friday night. Saturday, Britpop luminary Damon Albarn will perform songs from his acclaimed solo debut ‘Everyday Robots’ and Sunday will be brought to a climactic close by award-winning twosome The Black Keys.

In addition to the exceptional array of music including the revolutionary violinist Diana Yukawa in the Film and Music Arena, festivalgoers can catch side-splitting comedy from Tim Key and Dara Ó Briain, slam-poetry from Kate Tempest and Scroobius Pip and performances from The Royal Shakespeare Company.

It is expected that Diana will perform a host of brand new material, fresh out of the studio, enthralling the audience to an exclusive preview of her next album in addition to some favourites from her EP “Finding the Parallel”.

 

Diana comments “I am currently in the studio working on the brand new material for my next album so I expect the audience of Latitude Festival will be among the first to hear this – it will be an incredible honour to share my music, for the first time on such a highly regarded stage”

"Music, movies, comedy, literature... there's something for everyone at the best fest of the summer, with the warmest vibe."Total Film

"Latitude remains the queen of arts festivals."
Independent

"Latitude has found a sweet spot that keeps new music-delvers, the heritage rock crowd and curious-minded broadsheet readers all happy. Music is the main event, but this festival is all about the other stuff - comedy, poetry, books and political debate."
Q Magazine

 

Confirmed acts for 2014 include: Two Door Cinema Club, Damon Albarn, The Black Keys, Mogwai, The War On Drugs, Röyksopp and Robyn, Lykke Li, Haim, First Aid Kit, Bombay Bicycle Club, Slowdive, Future Islands, Nils Frahm, Clean Bandit, Bondax, Lone, Young Fathers, Teeth Of The Sea, Kwabs, Julia Holter, Esben And The Witch and many more…
Diana Yukawa will take to the stage in the Film and Music Arena on Saturday 19th July at around 5pm for an exclusive 45min set.

Latitude Festival 2014 at Henham Park in Beccles, Suffolk

Doors Open: Thursday 17th July 2014 at 2:00 PM

Weekend adult tickets £182.50 face value + £8.00 booking fee per ticket
Accompanied Teen Ticket (13-15 years) £132.50 face value + £8.00 booking fee per ticket
Weekend Child Ticket (5-12 years) £5.00 (no booking fee)
Campervan Permit £40/£60/£80 (depending on size)

All available to buy here; http://www.latitudefestival.com/tickets

Latitude Festival 2014
Violinist Diana Yukawa