JDNB Interview - Yatuza
Yatuza (DJ / Producer), Also known as Emanuel Durante, became interested in electronic music in 2009. It was from that moment that he was struck by broken rhythms and sub weight. He has performed at several parties recognized in the ever growing underground scene in Buenos Aires and Latin America as: Dub Elements & Friends (COL), Treesounds (COL), Insanity (COL), +160 (Arg), DNB4LIFE (Arg), BassRoom (Arg ), Killerdrumz (Arg), Rave Spirit (Arg), Darkzide (Arg), Fvt BASS Club (Arg), Breaking Bass (Arg), Santiago Drum & Bass (CL), Caja de Ritmos (CL) .With 2 tours made in Chile and Colombia. He has shared stages with leading International Artists such as Dub Elements, A.M.C, Sinister Souls, Neonlight, Isaac Maya, LimeWax, The Upbeats, Babylons P, Inguerzon, Trasher, Dj Rusty, Brain, Sequences and Ray Uptown. In addition to working with Various Artists of the European Drum & Bass Scene. He currently publishes his music on Record Labels recognized Worldwide as Sub - Liminal Recordings and Grid Recordings.
With his latest release being a full album jam packed with 15 amazing tracks on Liondub Internationals legendary Street Series, we thought now would be a good time to have a chat with the man they call YATUZA.
Thanks for chatting with us here at JDNB. How have you been coping with the Covid-19 Pandemic and what have you been doing to fill your time?
Was looking forward to it man! Thank you!
It's been a wild ride but I'm thankful I started the year out with a job to get back on my feet. I got covid and it sucks but i've recovered 100%
Tell us a little bit about yourself and where you get your musical ability from?
Well my name is Emanuel born in Argentina, man i dunno i was always into arts and music so when i wasn't interested in doing my illustration thing back in highschool i decided to look into how to express myself with the music.
How is the jungle/dnb scene in Colombia then, i see a vid from when Saxxon was there and it seems to get a good reaction?
Yeah it's mental, puré vibes and energy over here, people love dnb, i still lived in Buenos Aires when Saxxon came but they love him here!
What would you say has been your 3 biggest achievements so far within the drum and bass scene?
I would have to say playing a dub elements festival over here has to be one of the sickest highlights yet but i know there is a lot more to come. Another awesome achievement is getting recognized by Noisia every now and then! It's surreal. And last but not least being the only one from my Argentina to actually take a step forward with this dnb music in terms of expresión and global reach.
What does your studio consist of, and what’s your fav plug-in?
My studio is basic af, I used to make beats with some Mackies but now I'm more of a headphones guy, I'm saving up some money to get some Adams this year for sure. Otherwise just a 49 midi keyboard and some Akg k44 headphones.
Any new producers we should be keeping our ears open for?
Oh yeah! Big time! My homies Sequences, Asura, Souldier, Mad Complex these are some awesome sounding dudes over here.
Your recent release ‘Bogota Nights’ on Liondub Street Series is jam packed with 15 tracks. Describe the feeling you had when asked to do this project?
It was overwhelming, I wanted it to be rolling dnb but also something that meant alot to me. I didn't want it to be something simple as I grew up listening to Liondub and hoogs reléases. It took me a while to finally decide what tunes to keep.
What bit of advice would you give to new producers wanting to get their tracks heard by the major labels?
The best thing i can say is make enough tunes that you actually like and can see yourself liking for at least the next 6 months or more. Gather up 8 tunes and send some demos.
Any plans on coming over to the UK once restrictions lift?
I would love to! I haven't got anything certy yet but there have been múltiple conversations with some amazing people around the Uk. Fingers Crossed.
Where do you get your inspiration from when making tracks?
I listen to alot of music whether it's soul, jazz, rnb or hip hop. I try to combine a lot of those elements in my music. I love all kinds of grooves. Otherwise my homies keep me inspired man, there are some amazing producers coming forward lately.
If you could remix one track from Liondub International, which one would it be?
It would probably have to be one of Hoogs reléases.
Name your top 5 Liondub International tracks?
Dungeon KRU - Pushing (Dunk Remix)
Dungeon KRU - Shake Ya Bumpa (Máster Error Remix)
What are your goals for the next year?
My goals are to get my music out there alot more man, I just want my beats to sound more and more polished as time goes by. I want to express myself the best way possible.
What would you say you like most about the www.jungledrumandbass.co.uk website?
I love how you can find some awesome interviews and coverage of the newest music, always! On point.
Thanks for your time. Lastly any thanks or shoutouts?
SHOUT OUT TO Alex Slk, Teej, Brain, Sequences, Bplexx, Dunk, Shayper for contributing to my LP these guys mean business, Check them out!
Liondub Street Series Vol.58: Bogota Nights by Yatuza is out now: Download / Stream Here
Yatuza Socials:
Beatport / Soundcloud / Facebook
Liondub International Socials:
Juno / Soundcloud / Facebook
Interviewed And Edited By: Chilla
Published: 08/04/2021
