Turkish-Kiwi artist YASHAR is an up-and-coming EDM producer from Tāmaki Makaurau. Brand new dancefloor-shaking tune Without You is his sixth single released in the last year or so – the man is prolific! NZ On Air Music have also noticed his knack for a great melody, and featured Yashar on their NewTracks compilation this May.

What’s your given name, where are you from and what instruments do you play?

Hey, my full name is Mehmet Yasar (pronounced Yashar) Sert. I’m from Istanbul, Turkey and moved to New Zealand at a very young age, so I consider myself a Kiwi now! I started playing the piano from a very young age also. Music has been a part of me most of my life.

Was any high school or other music training especially important to you?

Getting lessons to play the piano for many years has contributed greatly to my skills in making music. I did study music in high school for a few years and I had a great teacher who helped develop my music theory even further. Also listening to a variety of different genres has helped my production move even further as I love all different types of music.

Any other previous projects or events we might know you from?

I won the George FM Waiata Reo Remix Comp this year for Rei’s Chasing The Sun song.

How has your music-making evolved with time?

Back in my days I used to play around with a software (DAW) called Fruity Loops, which was a lot of fun and got me into amateur production in hip hop. Since then I have been developing my skills over time and keeping up with trends because every year things change. The style of music that people like changes, the style of music I make changes, so it’s a never-ending cycle of studying and learning new things. As much as I enjoy listening to hip hop and even making a few hip hop beats on the side, I have come to love producing EDM music.

Aside from this release, what’s been the big highlight to date? 

I have been collaborating with another local artist  Sauce40. I am in the works for completing a few remixes for his upcoming EP and the biggest highlight to date is that we will be performing an exclusive collaboration set together for Asia’s superstar DJ Soda, live in Auckland in July this year. This is also my first show so I am very excited!

What makes Without You stand out for you as a single choice?

Since I am still considered a new artist, I have decided to release my songs as singles to be able to provide fresh new music for NZ listeners faster.

Previously, I released all of the music myself with my own resources locally, but this new single Without You is being released internationally by a very well-known European independent music label called Future House Cloud, meaning they will help promote my music in Europe!

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the single?

My favourite moment would be the break I have right before the drop at 1:58. This brings the song into a much more dramatic second drop and helps listeners connect deeply.

Is there anyone else in your team?

Currently, I only have a creative team in place (Hunkar, Shahin and Ehsan) who help me with picking artists to work with, and finding vocals for new tracks. They are part of the lengthy studio sessions.

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for? 

I am working on more collaborative projects with local artists. This is something that I get excited about, as releasing NZ made music is a huge thing for me.

Can you please name some other local tunes that would fit well on a playlist alongside your song.

• Sachi: Down On Your Luck
• Roonie: Alibi

Have any previous NZOA applications not been included on NewTracks? Got any advice for others out there?

Yes, I did have an amazing song that was not selected for the NewTracks. As singers, artists or producers we put our hearts and souls into making our music, and when something is not accepted this might put us off from applying again. My only advice is not to give up and keep trying. In the end it’s just about being persistent and putting your best work out there. The more you are involved the more you will be noticed and have your music seen or heard.