Every generation has that standout talent that pioneers a movement amongst the youth. With a distinct sound we’ve been craving as music lovers, our guest on Producer’s Corner today is here to quench that thirst. Creating a wave of his own as Yolophonik, the alternative R&B, Hip Hop, and House music producer, DJ, and songwriter, Andrew Masondo, is more than a triple threat. He is also an official curator for Apple Music. This young man knows his stuff.
At a time when Amapiano are front and centre in the country, musicians like Yolophonik are significant in creating a new scene displaying different vibes that don’t skimp out on authenticity. So, whether you’re lucky enough to catch him live in action at one of the many shows he headlines or bump his Yolo FM mixes from the comfort of your home, there’s a Yolophonik for every occasion.
He’s only getting started on becoming a household name, but he’s got the makings of becoming an international phenomenon, too. He’s got the star quality that’ll take him super far.
I chatted with the Pretoria native, asked him how he feels about the Kaytranada comparisons, and got to know the man behind the decks. I even peeked at his Apple Music Replay to find out what he’s been listening to.
TMR: Who is Yolophonik and where is he from?
Yolo: So Yolophonik is an alternative R&B, hip hop and house music producer, songwriter and DJ born and bred in Pretoria. I’ve stayed here my whole life, but at this point in my career, it would kinda make sense for me to move to Joburg.
TMR: What’s your fondest or earliest music memory?
Yolo: I remember the family and me staying in a flat and I would dance to Michael Jackson and sing to Jamiroquai and Kelis.
TMR: Can you recall when you made your very first beat? How did you get into producing?
Yolo: Not 100% sure what year I made my first beat, but it was either 2012 or 2013, but what I do remember is being very proud of it and playing it back for my uncle. I had initially gone into production because I loved singing, so I thought it would be convenient if I learnt how to produce my own music, but as I really got into it I became more comfortable just producing.
TMR: What about DJing, what got you into pursuing that?
Yolo: I got into DJing to expand my network within the industry and to also showcase my own music during my sets.
TMR: Where do you draw inspiration from?
Yolo: Currently I’m drawing a lot of inspiration from those around me. My music friends are really out here killing it, and it makes me so happy. But yeah, generally I get inspired by great music, local and international. A show or a movie I’m watching could also inspire me.
TMR: What does your creative process look like?
Yolo: It kinda depends on what I’m inspired by: a groove or a melody, but more often than not I’ll start with a groove pattern, so drums and percussion, and then build the rest of the song around that.
TMR: You signed with Universal Music Publishing as an exclusive songwriter last year, congratulations on that. How has it been assuming that role?
Yolo: Thank you so much. It’s been wonderful. It’s really affirming to see that my work has led to a signing. I’m just putting in the work now so that I can reap the rewards in the future.
TMR: You’ve taken up space as an Alternative R&B and Hip Hop producer and DJ, what interested you about that genre?
Yolo: So in terms of the hip-hop side of things, that’s what I started producing because there weren’t many tutorials on other genres besides that and EDM, so I became fairly comfortable making that. In terms of alt. R&B, I’d like to believe that I’m a soul child, so it’s definitely something that I enjoy creating and sharing.
TMR: I know you get the Kaytranada comparisons A LOT, how do those make you feel?
Yolo: I don’t mind the comparisons. I actually see it as a compliment because I look up to him, and if you have a listen to my catalogue, you could see that I have more to offer than just the Kaytra vibe.
TMR: You have the ability to pull crowds toward you whenever you touch decks which just proves how the demand for Alternative music exists. Where do you see the genre going in Mzansi?
Yolo: I see it growing, and I’m glad that there are spaces catered to alternative artists and listeners. I think we’ll see various instances where alternative artists flourish more internationally which isn’t a bad thing considering that South Africa is a house-orientated country, so those will always hold the top spots.
TMR: You release a lot of your music on Soundcloud. Would you say that there’s a more organic sense of community on there compared to other platforms?
Yolo: I would definitely say so. There’s this great unity there. I also think the algorithm does an amazing job. and that brings in a broad group of people to your page.
TMR: Which songs are in your Top Apple Music Replay so far?
Yolo: I had “Lucky Me” by Flwr Chyld ft. Sebastian Mikael at number one. Number two is “Getaway” by Tiara Jewel, and thirdly is “Yams” by Visionnaire.
TMR: What’s next for Yolophonik in 2022?
Yolo: I’m really working on a full project with vocals (not really mine) and all. Can’t give a date yet, but before the end of the year would be great. I’d also like to start doing shows in other provinces. I just need to look into flights, accommodations, and also venues to play at.
