NUNNE has provided a much-needed female presence in the Mexican underground scene with her powerful and hypnotic voice. Having performed as a session musician in over 30 important venues around Mexico, Canada, and the U.S, including Chicago’s famous Lollapalooza, NUNNE is now completely focused on her solo project.
Yosune Yáñez, better known as NUNNE, has had a broad educational period that has led her to compose and perform all kinds of music genres. However, as part of her solo project, Nunne decided to settle for experimental R&B, Indie, and alternative pop. Her debut single ‘Traffic’ has caused a sensation around the world due to its effective vocal and instrumental experimentation; showcasing her music knowledge on different genres, like pop and classical music.
With her new single, ‘Honey Street’, just released a few weeks back, it seemed like a perfect opportunity to catch up with this emerging artist.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Mexico City. However, a few months back, my family and I decided to move to Montreal, Canada. I’ve always wanted to study music production overseas to expand my knowledge in arts and become a better musician. With a bit of research and recommendations, there was no doubt that Montreal was the right place for me.
When did you start making music?
I believe there is not an exact time when I decided I was going to start making music, it just happened naturally. Music has always been a part of me, ever since I was born. It’s actually a funny story, my parents met in a rock band… and you know, I eventually inherited it hahaha. I remember being little and having gigs with my parents in family and friend gatherings. We played parody songs and covers, mostly, but the experience stuck to me. As I grew older, I started taking things more seriously and got enrolled in local music schools, which eventually helped me rise up in the local music industry.
I look back, and realize music has always been there for me; with it’s ups and downs…
How do you describe your music?
I’d like to say my music has no genre, I just write and sing what comes out of my heart. However, I can also say that my solo project has similarities among its songs. Simplicity. My songs are all quite simple… but that doesn’t take away their value. Although my songs can be quite minimal, I try to capture the most out of my emotions and showcase it with my lyrics and vocal intentions. My music is not about the complexity of its appearance, but the complexity behind its origin- my emotions.
Favorite moment from your career?
I’ve had so many great experiences… I cannot choose only one, to be honest. But if I had to choose, it’d be meeting my best friends. It was thanks to my music career, that I’ve met so many wonderful people.
In music school I met the great Ximena Molineros, which is a session bassist and plastic artist. There’s not a great story behind how we met… One day just I came to school and there was a new girl; shy as hell. I hated her from the moment I first saw her. Next thing I know, we were drinking mojitos before one of our first gigs together and form that day on, we became best friends.
Then, on the ‘All stars’ tour through the U.S, I met the multi instrumentalists Jaime Cobian and Emmett Lukas. Two characters, like taken out of a book. These guys are hilarious! We became friends one night at the hotel we were staying. We went to Emmett’s room and decided how fun it would be to dress this guy as Jesus Christ and knock on random hotel doors to read the bible to strangers. Bruh. What a night…
I guess the moments you really remember are not the ones with complex stories behind them, but the simple moments that take out a smile on you.
Who is your biggest musical inspiration?
THOM FUCKING YORKE. I love that guy.
Have you heard his most recent album, ‘Anima’? This guy is a genius! He has inspired me so much in terms of singing and genre experimentation. My next album, which I have been working on for a couple of months, couldn’t have been done without the inspiration he inflicts on me. His music inspired me to look within the borders of reality and reach out to new places.
He is my muse hahahahaha yes, I’m a crazy ass fan.
What is your producing software?
I have worked with various softwares. When I’m in the studio I use Logic Pro. When I’m home I use Ableton Live. And when I’m at college I use Pro Tools.
It really only depends what’s available… Mmmm but my favorite? I guess Ableton Live.
What other things do you do besides making music?
I recently created Radio Hypnotics, which is a small record label and art platform. In my free time, I write art-related articles for this platform and help curate music playlists. I like discovering new musical proposals and visual art projects, as well as helping them get in the known. Let me tell you a little bit about this art platform:
It all started when I realized how difficult it was to take off as an independent artist of any kind. All art industry is a very competitive place, and artists with great potential are often outshined by already popular artists; lessening their chances to be heard. This is why, the idea to create an art platform made especially for emerging artists, came to my mind. Radio Hypnotics steps away from popularity clichés and values artists for their talent.
Playlist placement is one of the best ways to get people to know your music. In Radio Hypnotics, we are aware that playlist placement is often linked to how popular you are as an artist. This is often an obstacle many emerging artists have to face. This is why, we have created a wide range of playlists, focused on promoting and placing emerging artists in them. Not looking at how popular they are but how good they are!
We are also, currently, working on a blog that features articles by emerging artists from all over the world. The blog’s purpose is not only to entertain the reader, but also help promote underground music, venues, art galleries, photography and all art related issues.
What is your favorite track of all time?
I don’t really have one. It changes as my mood and surroundings do. Mmmm… That’s a difficult question. Right now I have been obsessing over ‘Stronger than me’ by Amy Winehouse. Great song.
What is your best-producing tip?
Don’t stick to what’s popular. Be bold and do what your heart tells you to do. Also, try to finish your unfinished projects… maybe there’s a hit in there 😉
Why did you start making music?
Hahaha this is going to sound supler cliché… Music is the only thing that doesn’t judge me.
Music has made me feel safe. Naturally, I started recurring to it when I had problems and realized what an effective therapy it is. Writing songs and performing live helped me release my anxiety and fuel up with positive vibes. Music just made me feel good, and when something is good to me, I stick to it.
What are your goals for the future?
Probably reaching out to new people with my music. Collect as many new experiences as I can and continue grow not only as a musician but as a person. I try to keep my goals simple hahaha 🙂 Nevermind. I do have one goal that ain’t that simple: duet with Thom Yorke hahaha okay. Bye.
What advice could you give to young artists/producers/dj’s?
Keep doing your thing and never give up. I know it might seem incredibly difficult at first, but with hard work and patience, things will eventually fall into place. Don’t let the pressure of ‘being a popular musician’ take over you. Instead, focus your energy and mind into making the music you most like and that makes you feel better!
Please write a message to your fans.
Gracias! It’s amazing to see all the love and support you guys give me. You guys, making me feel welcome is one of the things I love the most about making music. I love hearing your feedback and kind words on my music! Love you lots!
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