HEN YANNI
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TEL AVIV NATIVE AND BASED, MODEL, ACTRESS, SINGER AND NOW DJ HEN YANNI IS ONE OF THE MOST INTERESTING CHARACTERS WE HAD THE CHANCE TO MEET DURING LAST MILANO FW. WHILE SUCCESSFULLY CARRYING ON HER MODELING CAREER, THREE YEARS AGO “I DEDICATE MY SELF TO DJING AND LEARNING MUSIC PRODUCTION “. HAVING A FEW TRACKS UNDER HER BELT ALREADY, SHE WANTS TO KEEP PRODUCING MUSIC THAT COMES FROM HER EXPERIENCES AND FEELINGS, THUS REFLECTING HER TRUTH. WITH HER GIRLFRIEND AND TALENTED DANCER OF BATSHEVA DANCE COMPANY, IMRE VAN OPSTAL, THEY MAKE A COUPLE THAT IS THE SIMPLE EXPRESSION OF LOVE AND BEAUTY. READ HER INTERVIEW AND LISTEN TO THE PLAYLIST HEN MADE FOR US TO GET TO KNOW THIS WONDERFUL GIRL BETTER.
How would you describe your music?
When I’m djing i like to mix electronica, disco, nu-funk, techno and I like to keep it eclectic and happy, never too dark. Three years ago I started to write my own songs, I guess I write about what comes from my experiences in life, about heartbreaking feelings or hope, about my reality, expressing my demons, my fears. When I write I really try to capture a certain feeling into a picture and I always try to convey the contrast of the double feeling I have inside of me. I always try to feel the audience and i keep a lot of room to improvise, never really prepare a proper set.
When and why did you decide to be a DJ/musician?
I started djing 5 years ago. I was mainly doing acting, but one day my friend asked me if I wanted to mix in his bar, so I took my computer and started mixing songs that I liked. I felt that I really enjoyed it, just to play tunes I liked, then I got exposed to electronic music. And since I always loved music, I’ve always been attracted to singing. When I was 20 years old I bought my first guitar and started playing and singing. At that time I wrote a few songs, but it all stayed in my drawer because I was busy acting, but then I got my first movie part 10 years ago and I had to sing and I loved it and that’s how it kind of started.
What is the record that changed your life?
I remember when I was 18 and modeling at the time in London, I was obsessed with Radiohead album “The Bands” and also “Kid A” and Coldplay “Parachutes”.
Whats your relationship between your work and social media?
A love-hate relationship ;) Social media has become an integral part of our society, and it’s a great thing in general. Personally I’m using more Instagram than Facebook, I have moments where I don’t like the idea that we depend so much on it, but I guess it’s part of the work we have to do, especially as artists.
Whats your guilty pleasure?
Whenever I go to the movies, I devour an entire XXL popcorn and a large Coca-Cola, before my girlfriend even get the chance to eat from it.
Whats the thing that you can leave without?
My 16 years old dog Krishna, he is in his last years and I can’t imagine my life without him. He is part of me, I believe he is my guardian angel in this life.
Whats the one thing you always do before a show?
I always have to be alone, I breath slow and deep, It relaxes me.
Click here for the Playlist
Official website www.henyanni.com
Instagram @henyanni
Photos courtesy of the artist