Yeo Will Be Your Latest Obsession

interviewed by Yoko Zhu

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Yeo, a Malaysian-Australian artist, intertwines gossamers of sounds through bold experimentation ranging from contemporary, R&B, synth, electronic, and pop. Yeo’s reflective lyrics prompt long car rides, yet the instruments evoke an incessant need to dance in the bathroom mirror, hairbrush in hand. With over 25,153 monthly Spotify listeners, Yeo’s hypnotic synth hit “Icarus” has garnered 1,066,991 streams. Recently, he’s released “Obsession” which is best listened to with the windows of your car rolled all the way down. That’s when the song comes alive.

Describe what you believe defines you.
I’m defined by my work, which displays my stubborn independent streak. I operate best solo or in small teams and have issues with unchecked authority and people who are money-driven. I’m fussy about my own projects and hate half-assed efforts. I’m also becoming increasingly concise and honest as I get older.

Your synth, pop, R&B-inspired, sounds are reflective of your genre-blending. What’s your production and songwriting process like?
It varies. Sometimes it comes together campfire-style, just me and a guitar and a bunch of voice memos. Other times I produce a loop first and try recording different scratch hooks once the beat is inspiring enough. At some point the story is conceived and begins to grow. Some stories grow quick, some grow slow, some need a push, some write themselves. Some need a two-hour time limit, some need to be left to gestate for months.

What kind of social event do you see your songs being played at?
Late night drives, at dinner parties or at the club.

What’s your inspiration and how is that apparent in your work?
I’m inspired by relationships. Human interactions are incredibly complex, but when we reach mutual understanding, what was so hard to grasp becomes profoundly simple. I’m always trying to translate this through my lyrics. Continuing the theme, I’m intrigued by how our imperfections make us unique and attractive. My production is deliberately a bit rough around the edges to symbolise this.

How has your identity impacted the way you perceive music?
I’m a nerd. I come from a theory-heavy classical music and jazz background. I like to reverse-engineer what I hear in my head and I enjoy the parts as much as the sum total. I’m also east Asian so I love seeing other east Asians out there killing it. I listened to a lot of Black music growing up and always recognise its pervasive influence on the rest of today’s musical universe.

What message(s) do you want to convey?
Simply, be kind to each other.

What’s your favorite lyric and song of yours?
I tend to be most proud of my latest work. There is a lyric in OBSESSION inquiring about the nature of self-sabotage: “Why do I lose the love after few years? Is it ‘cause it hurts less if I’m in on the joke?” Aside from that, my favourite song that I’ve written would have to be Secret Powers.

Who are your dream collaborators?
Crush, Yuna, Lisa from BLACKPINK, Jimmy Jam, Lisa Keith and Babyface.

How will your upcoming project differ from Recovery Channel?
The next album is more pop music than R&B. Perhaps slightly more up-tempo, simpler lyrics, unapologetic production choices. The single OBSESSION has distorted guitars!


If you could change anything about the music industry, what would it be?
Take away the focus on white artists and give it to BIPOC artists, especially in my territory. Replace all the industry gatekeepers with people from marginalised backgrounds. I’d also standardise wages, retirement funds, travel, health and housing allowances for all music industry workers.

What motivates you to create art?
Being at a really good live show. Hearing a satisfying style of production that I’ve never heard before. Incredible melody, harmony, unexpected voice-leading and enticing rhythms. Stunning vistas and deep heartbreak.