Only recently we came across her website, tuned into some of her mixed and we liked it a lot. We did not hesitate to contact this great person from Switserland for an interview. Finger crossed but she gladly accepted. It’s a real pleasure and honor to announce our interview with the beautiful and charming Yuko, who’s our very first female DJ to be featured on Tanzgemeinschaft.
In the interview we talk about her career, being on the road and what’s next. She seems to be an ambitious busy person with a strong opinion. Being on the road a lot does seems to have it’s price. Do read all about Yuko below in the interview.
Before starting to read, first press play and listen to Curly Music Guest Mix from a while ago. Hell of a track selection with some serious floor detonators:
If we ask you to describe yourselves in 3 to 5 words, what would it be?
Hm. I’m more of a listener than a talker. Balanced. Pragmatic. More the analytical type. Actually, that makes me sound more like a chess player than a DJ (laughs).
How would your best friends describe you?
They’d probably say I work too much.
Tell us how you were introduced to house music. Was there a specific moment you realized that you wanted to be a DJ?
There wasn’t one specific moment. I’ve always been into electronic music and soaked up everything I could learn.
What makes it interesting to be a DJ? What is it that drives you?
You don’t have a set routine – every weekend, every gig is different. Touring countries that you might never have visited otherwise. This year, I’ve played in Poland, in Sweden, several times on Ibiza. And, of course, the gigs help you to fund the producing side of things.
Is there one thing that would make your musical career more successful? Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
For the last two years, I’ve mainly been focusing on playing music – I’ve had weekends with as many as five gigs. Whether it’s been big clubs, small bars or corporate events, I didn’t want to say no.
Although I’ve gained a fair bit of experience, very often I was just tired, and ultimately that makes the music suffer too. Next year I’ll be focusing on the studio and will be playing fewer gigs.
What are currently your main challenges as a DJ?
Just being a DJ is rarely enough these days. You really need to also be a graphic designer, a promoter and a social media expert all rolled into one. And without your own productions, making the leap onto the international stage is virtually impossible. And then you need to network, listening to promos, doing guest mixes …
What makes it hard? Finding the time. Especially if you have a family.
Is there a criteria other than pure subjectivity, for selecting what to play? Is your set 100% complete or do you leave some space for creativity.
If I’m on before the headliner, I’ll study their music beforehand. I certainly won’t prepare a whole set, though. After all, you won’t know in advance what’s going to suit your audience or what the DJ who’s on before you is going to play.
Do you believe in the possibility of “reading an audience” – and how do you put it into practice?
That was the first thing I had to learn – watching your audience and shaping your set accordingly. Whether you focus more on melody or rhythm, whether they’ll put up with long breaks – these are all decisions that you need to feel. So that’s another reason why I can’t understand how someone would prepare a complete set.
TGMS: It’s what Laurent Garnier said in a RedBull Music Academy interview only recently. What can you do in 2 hours? He likes to play more time to show what he’s got. It’s all about feeling and seeing who’s in front of you.
Name one record that gets the dance floor moving every time?
There’s no one single track, but I’m currently quite a fan of Toolroom. And Defected.
TGMS: Defected has Sam Devine on the list. Great producers and DJ! She has her own label D-Vine Sounds. Do you ever think about starting a record label?
That’s not a topic at the moment, there are enough things I need to focus on at this very moment.
Can we find you on the dance floor as well? Do you still dance?
I don’t often go out myself. But once I’ve played I’d much rather be on the dance floor than hanging around backstage.
You live in Switzerland? Can you tell us something about the local scene? What are some of the cool places to check out?
I’m actually spending more time in Germany, commuting between my two flats in Bern and Lörrach. I’m very happy with my residency at Notlösung in Lörrach, I love that club. In Switzerland, I have my own night every month at “4. Akt“, a cool little bar in Zurich, which I really like playing even though it’s not one of the big clubs. And in Bern, where I grew up, I play at “Rondel” – which is also worth a visit.
TGMS: We see that “Rondel” has quite some events planned with great line-ups. Definitely worth to check out!
What music do you listen to when not in the DJ booth?
I’m essentially quite open-minded when it comes to music. In the car, I generally listen to new tracks or mixes by other DJs as a way of discovering new music.
Surprise our reader with something we don’t know about you. A guilty pleasure.
I’ve got a really bad memory. I can barely remember things I did when I was little. I also have problems with my short-term memory. That’s why I always carry a to-do list round with me, so I don’t forget.
If not music, what would the alternate chosen career be for you?
I studied marketing, so probably something in that area. But being completely without music? That’s very hard to imagine at the moment.
TGMS: Thank you very much for your time! It’s been a pleasure for us!
Check out Yuko’s tour dates on her website »
Yuko Yuko
