Woki Toki
Interview & Exclusive Guest Mix
Woki Toki aka Yevgeniy Yurassov lives in Almaty, Kazakhstan. The electronic music producer has featured on some classy labels such as Society 3.0 Recordings, Lisztomania Records, DeepWit Recordings, Young Society Records and this week he debuts on my own UM Records. What better time to catch up with him and talk music and for him to drop an exclusive guest mix featuring his new release.
Good to catch up Yevgeniy - let’s start at the beginning - I think you first released on Andy Bach’s Society 3.0 Recordings Records back in 2016 - how did you start out in music?
It all started with my friend bringing сd disc with recorded electronic music, which he took from a local DJ, I remember that I really liked this music. I began to be passionate about and listen to different styles, this is house, drum n bass, trans, etc. After while I wanted to write my own music. The first program was FL Studio.
I could sit for hours and come up with various melodies, party dramas and twist pens on a synthesizer. I wanted my music to be published.
Having no music education, but having a huge desire to write music led me to my first release on Society 3.0, signing the first contract I was overwhelmed with a huge sense of joy.
You’ve gone on to release on labels like Lisztomania, Mole Music, DeepWit Recordings and more - what influences your choice of labels?
My choice is influenced, first of all it is music that comes out on it, whether I fit the style, it can also be invitations from the label to participate and the audience, I would like my music to be heard by as many people as possible.
What were your early influences getting into music?
It was different electronic music, different performers, different styles, I listened to everything that just fell into my hands, Tiësto. Prodigy. Daft punk. The Chemical Brothers, Faithless, I can list for a very long time.
How would you describe your musical style?
These are all my feelings and emotions during a certain period of my life that I express in music!!!
Which do you see yourself as most - a DJ or a producer?
I am definitely a producer, first I started writing music and then I became Dj, I get great pleasure when I work on a track, and I create something new.
Favourite place to DJ?
I think this is a small place, an art space, with an atmosphere and an audience that came to listen primarily to music, and forget about fuss.
Any tips for up and coming DJ’s?
Throw away all fears, and do your favorite things, develop taste, play high-quality music.
As a producer - how do you find inspiration for new music?
Usually inspiration comes when I sit at my computer and open DAW and start make a track.
What’s your production set up?
This is my computer, Ableton, Focusrite Scarlett 2i2 sound card, Sennheiser HD 25 headphones and Alesis keyboard midi.
How do you work in the studio - do you plan tracks or just go in and work something out there?
Usually I sit down to make music and the idea comes while working.
Where did the idea/feeling for your EP Thanks for Everything come from?
Because of gratitude for everything I have in this life, for the people who have been with me and are and for the lessons that life taught me., as well as love for our planet.
Top tips for aspiring producers?
Not to compare yourself with others, the main thing is life, work hard, and everything will turn out.
What’s your favourite tune of your own of all time - the one that never grows old?
Dusky - Lost Highway
What’s been the highlights of your career so far?
First release on Society 3.0 Recordings Records, 2016
Remix of the track, S.D.J. - Thug Life (Woki Toki Remix) Deepwiit Records, 2017
What other producers do you watch out for right now - tracks you’re playing and loving?
Now there is no one I expect, there is a lot of good music coming out, I am always looking for a new one. I like Lisztomania, Mole Music, DeepWit Recordings, lorenZOO, Music Department Label, Society 3.0.
What can UM listeners look forward to from your Guest Mix?
It will be a small trip, and travel is necessary, so I hope that my mix will like it.
Where can people follow you?
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