Closet Yi Mix
Hailing from Seoul, South Korea, DJ and producer Closet Yi joins us for our next instalment of Origins Tapes #42. Working at the Hyundai Card Music Library as a resident DJ and librarian for two years influenced Closet Yi beyond dance music genres, which has become the source of inspiration for the unique atmosphere and feeling in her music. This summer saw Closet Yi’s latest EP land on Yeti Out’s leftfield music imprint Silk Road Sounds. Embarking on a journey through acid house, breaks and high-octane techno, the ‘Speed Heals’ EP is inspired by late-night drives through the city, passing by transient locations and melancholic car journeys in the early hours of the morning.
With further releases and remixes upcoming, you can usually find Closet Yi honing her sound deep in the studio. Her unique approach to DJ’ing and extraordinary ear for distinctive frequencies, as well as her ability to create dynamic, thought-provoking dance music places Closet Yi as an artist to keep a watchful eye on in the near distant future. Enjoy!
Tracklist
Zadig - Legend of the Stellar Broccoli
Abby Echiverri - Dento Ronso
Evigt Mörker - Slunga Åska
Rhyw - Biggest Bully
Mathis Ruffing - Across The Fibre
Maara - Ultimate Reward
Earth Leakage Trip - The Doors (Original Mix)
Popmix - Big Exchange - 03 Giga Stream
Oceanic - Yellow Cone (Reprise)
Air Max '97 - Eat The Rich
Stones Taro - To Rave (Original Mix)
Adam Pits - Fungus Hunter
Human Blue - Stonehenge (Remix)
Mathis Ruffing - Speed House Tool
Cyro Lab - Robotopia
Abdul - Delivering On Ever-changing Consumer Demand
Thanks for getting involved in our Tapes Series! It's a pleasure to have you on. Why don't you start by introducing yourself? Where are you currently residing?
Thank you so much for having me! Hi to everyone, I'm Closet Yi - I'm currently based in Seoul, South Korea, making music and djing (when I can). I may be at the other side of the globe, but I tried to keep in touch with the people in the scene as much as I can for the past couple years, releasing my debut EP from UK Label No Bad Days in 2020, and participating in compilation albums such as the SIster of Sound vol.2 which just came out last month.
Tell us a bit about the inspiration behind the mix. When and where did you record it? Favourite track inside?
The set is a revised version of the actual set that I played at a local party called 'Rave Age'. It's a series run by my good friends from streetwear brand 'The Internatiiional', and I can assure you it's the best one in the city if you're looking for techno, breaky, rave parties. I really enjoyed playing the whole night and thought I should make a little memory of that night. The secret weapon of the night was Popmix's track 'Giga Stream' which is from his latest EP from Axces Recordings. It was the first gig that I actually played in front of a full crowd since the pandemic, and everybody was happy smiling, and screaming. Still makes me cry!
Can you tell us a bit about your most recent release on the latest SOS Music compilation?
Of course! it's the second volume from the Sisters of Sound compilation series, following the super successful vol.1 that came out last year. Personally, it was such a meaningful experience to be part of the album, with so many female artists that I've been looking up to for years. It really gave me a feeling of belonging somewhere. The 7 track album has a wide range of styles, coming from all these different, intelligent, and beautiful electronic producers such as Yazzus, Aura T-09, and Regularfantasy.
You’ve been busy this year! That ‘Speed Heals’ record released in August is such a perfect blend of trance, turbulence and spaciousness. Tell us a bit more about the concept behind this EP.
Yeah, I guess I tried my best to come out of the cave and keep myself busy. I wanted to keep the feeling of connection and sense of community with friends around us and discussed making an EP from the idea of car racing from Seoul to Hong Kong. Silk Road Sounds really gave me all the support that they can give even though we were physically apart, and we ended up making this fun & driving EP together with a full merch collection as well! I was very into driving at this time, and most of the inspiration came from the road trips that I went to the mountain sides of the east coast.
Which artists/scenes would you say have influenced your sound the most over the course of this year?
UK! Definitely. I mean it was obvious because I have so many friends there and I've done a lot of work there as well, but even apart from that, I feel I'm getting more into the scene just musically. I've only been there a couple of times, but it was amazing that there were so many great producers in such a busy city.
Any forthcoming release plans you can let us in on?
Luckily I have lots of plans to share with everyone! I have a new EP coming out from a fresh new label called Curving Track early next year. We've been preparing for this one for such a long time and I'm so happy that it's finally coming out. I'm trying my best to be in London by the release time, and there will be some future gigs that I might be able to join as well. Fingers crossed!
How is the party scene in South Korea at the moment?
Right now it seems a bit coming up again after we re-opened the clubs. However, the vibe has quite changed because some new venues have opened and some older ones are still struggling. We will have to see how it goes for the next couple of months, but I'm just happy to see the dancers back on the floor.
**Quick Fire** Dream lineup?
Tough one! Anz, Batu, Gabriola, Avalon Emerson, and Objekt (crying).
Album you listen to the most when driving?
Gamma Infolded by Ex-Terrestrial and everything from Skeemask.
Summer or Winter?
SUMMER!
Favourite Festival memory?
Back then when I was in Sicily for the Ortigia Sound System festival with Naone. It's also my very first festival gig so I was pretty nervous, but Naone the expert was super excited and introduced me to the new world, and in the end we had so much fun. It's amazing that she lost her phone but found it after. The world is still a kind place.
Thanks so much for joining us!