Bucharest in the house! Junkdog’s new signing unleash a killer EP
Interview : Dan Prince
Junkdog continues to carve out a reputation for discovering new talent with the release of Yoon’s ‘Boundaries EP’, featuring 3 original songs and a remix of the EP’s title track from Jody Wisternoff. The Romanian duo, comprising Victor and Ionut, are one of the country’s hotly tipped live electronic music acts, with a large home-grown following and international fans including Sasha. Yoon’s connection with Junkdog began after they sent an unsolicited demo to the label, who loved what they heard, asked them to remix one of their releases and work on more music. A highlight of their live sets this year, ‘Boundaries’ is their blissed out, slow-chugger with a dreamy end-of-the-night piano line. ‘Strobe’ sees Ionut channel Ian Brown over Yoon’s signature tripped out, dubby beats, while ‘Destination’’s nod to UK baggy takes the Manchester influence one step further, making it their most anthemic track to date…
Victor, Ionut welcome to DMCWORLD. Where in the world are you today?
“Thanks for having us Dan! We’re both now in Bucharest, Romania.”
A brilliant start to 2015 for you with the release of your brand new ‘Boundaries EP’ swinging our way on Junkdog Records. Please talk us through the sounds and history of this ace 3 tracker…
V: “’Boundaries’ actually has a longer history than it seems. Mohra basically started it as dirtier, almost Burial kind of track back in 2010 or 2011. We couldn’t get it to fit to our desired musical path so we gave it up until one day I tried remixing it for fun, adding the driving rhythm that clicked with Mohra and he came up with the text on the spot.”
DMCWORLD are all over Jody Wisternoff’s remix of the title track. How long have you been a fan of the superb west country producer extraordinaire?
V: “I was heavily into trance and progressive around the 2000s and was a big fan of Way Out West since ‘The Gift’. Still can’t believe he remixed us!”
M: “Well ‘The Gift’ started it all for us here. I wasn’t a big fan of progressive or trance at the time but this is one of the tracks that introduced me to electronic music.”
Loved the video, we don’t get empty roads like that in the UK!!! Where was it filmed and who was the creative force behind it?
“It was filmed in the eastern Dobrogea region, near the Delta Danube. We all chipped in with ideas but Mohra and Ovidiu Solcan came up with the bulk of it.”
Check the video here : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LVfymv7UOtA&x-yt-cl=85114404&x-yt-ts=1422579428
What are the big 5 tunes in your box this weekend, please give us a few words on each of the tunes…
V:
1.“Panama – ‘Stay Forever’ – love the driving Panama sound, especially on this M83 reminiscent track!
2. The Black Keys – ‘Weight of Love’ – it has just the right amount of psychedelic for a rock song.
3. Hans Zimmer – ‘Mountains’ – the whole Interstellar OST has been replayed many times but there’s something about the clock sound in this one…and then the brass wall comes in. Gives epic-ness to whatever I’m doing at the moment.
4. Jungle – ‘Accelerate’ – Since Mohra introduced me to Jungle, I couldn’t let them go. So organic, so fun!
5. Clark – ‘Winter Linn’ – as far as Clark is concerned this is “the new” ‘Growls Garden’ for me.”
M:
1. “‘Mo Kolours’ – Mike Black (John Wizards Remix) – love the hopeful, sunny vibe of this track and the piano hook is just beautiful.
2. Dave Aju – ‘To Be Free’ – this track makes me look up and take a deep breath.
3. ‘Sparky’ – Portland, simple but driving.
4. ‘Moodymann’ – Roberta Jean – I cannot help it smiling or stretching or dancing, something good for my health anyway.
5. Korablove – ‘Between Words’ – I love tracks you can listen to at any given time of the day or night. This is one of them.”
Okay let’s rewind for a moment. You are currently one of Romania’s hottest electronic music acts, but please can you tell us how you met and formed Yoon?
V: “We met at a childrens radio station where we both had our first jobs as on-air assistants and characters in a show. He came in for a couple of weeks to steal my job. We were just as excited about music and music-making but were complete beginners. We teamed up a year later when I got back from London and Ionut had a load of ideas just asking to be finished.”
M: “It’s exactly how Victor put it: I would go in the studio while his show was on air to spy. That was before I was hired in his place.”
Ionut, you studied clarinet and played in a chamber orchestra before discovering dance music. What did your family think of your sudden change in direction?
“My family has always been supportive about any musical ground I explore but I’m still being reminded from time to time that I should have focused more on the clarinet rather than making electronic music, and that it’s never too late to reconsider.”
Victor – early DJ/producer influences?
“DJ wise definitely Fatboy Slim. I always loved how the man has fun and switches things up whenever he feels like it. Now everyone tries to conform to one genre sets which I find really boring. My favourite producer and also idol in life is Brian Eno. Between ambient and rock productions, I also really like his zen view on everything.”
Tell us how your studio production works – who excels in what department?
V: “While we both compose, I’m slightly a more technical producer and Mohra brings in the soul and vocals.”
M: “I would say Victor is the best at making our sound lush by adding strings, pads and arps (just the right amount) that bind the elements together. I am more into the live working process, adding details and some spontaneity to our tracks.”
Where are some of the live shows you are looking forward to this year?
“Piatra Neamt comes to mind, it’s a Romanian town between some hills and the venue is right on top of one. Fantastic view! Also, we’re hoping for the UK this year!”
The Romanian dance scene is somewhat of a mystery for most of the world. Who are some of the other DJs and producers we should be looking out for?
V: “Dorroo is Carl Cox’s protégé who makes some of the best techno around. He’ll go supernova soon enough. Also Secuem is one of the best remixers I know and he’s coming out with a surprising electronic-hip-hop album soon!”
M:”The minimal tech scene here is big and [a:rpia:r] have taken it world wide with Rhadoo, Pedro & Raresh as front DJs. Also you should definitely look out for Cosmin TRG…a great producer and DJ.”
And what are the best clubs in your home country right now?
V: “I don’t go out that much but when I do I usually go to Control Club because they bring bands to my tastes.”
M: “I would name Studio Martin, Kristal and Boiler Club.”
Who is the biggest worldwide DJ that stops traffic when he appears in Romania?
V: Not sure if Tiesto is still the one or if Armin Van Buuren took the lead maybe?”
M: “Don’t know if there’s a DJ that would have that kind of impact in Romania nowadays. Maybe the two that Vic mentioned, but they’ve been here too many times already for that to happen.”
A celebrity you would not want to get stuck in a lift with
V: “Ricky Gervais. I’d explode in laughter without him saying a word so It would be pretty awkward.”
M: “Akebono Tarō…”
When was the last time you pressed rewind and listened to a track over again because it was so damned good?
V: “Lee Bannon – ‘Untitled’. It’s what I’d hope to come up with if ever remixing Brian Eno. It’s already repetitive but still can’t get enough of it.”
M: “David August – ‘Ingrid’. It’s hypnotising and surprising. The tension of this track makes me curious and the constant build up makes me want to hear more of it.”
Tell us 3 bucket list adventures you wanna do in your lifetime?
V: “Play at Glastonbury. Visit Space and New Zealand.”
M: “Wingsuite sky-diving, crowd surfing and experience non gravity.”
A tune nestling in your set that just won’t go away from last year?
V: “Dark Sky – IYP – cause it’s all about the bass…”
M: “Daniel Trim – ‘Asimo’.”
What is coming out next from you studio wise?
“Exciting new material with Mohra’s voice to follow up on EP1 and bring it live.”
And finally, I have Google Translated it but to no avail. What is with the name Yoon?
“It means “next time” in the African language of Wolof.”
