From the heart of Los Angeles, YESLA delivers an electrifying and visceral alternative rock experience. Through her music, this native Latina packs a fiery expression of passion and rebellion, fueled by the gritty energy of the city. With an out-loud presence and a sound that echoes the influences of No Doubt, Queens of the Stone Age, and Sublime, YESLA is a powerful voice in the present rock scene. Check out the exclusive Interview below:
1. Your roots can often shape your journey. Can you share a story or moment from your early life that had a significant impact on your path into music?
YESLA: The realization that I was born to be a rock musician struck me like lightning at sixteen. Ironically, it happened at my first rock concert, where I was singing backup for Foreigner at the Gibson Amphitheater. Stepping onto that stage, an overwhelming sense of fulfillment washed over me. It felt like coming home. Looking out at the sea of faces I knew deep down, that I craved to be the one they were singing along with.
2. Did your musical journey begin with formal training, or was it more of a personal exploration? How has that shaped your unique approach to your craft?
YESLA: Music has been my constant companion since toddlerhood, with videos to prove it! My formal training began in middle school choir, but it was the open-minded, genre-spanning environment both at home &ย of my public schools that truly shaped my musical journey. It allowed my ear, and my inherent curiosity, to lead me towards the sounds that resonated.
3. Who were some of the most influential figures in your early musical life, and how did they inspire your sound? Also, whatโs the story behind choosing the name โYESLAโ?
YESLA: My musical heroes have always been strong, iconic women โ Whitney, Kelly, Alanis, Stevie โ their stage presence and talent are unmatched. While inspired by their power, my sound leans towards the raw energy of Queens of the Stone Age, Sublime, and The Ramones. I admire their unpretentious production, their ability to convey pure emotion, be it through a full band or a single acoustic guitar. Itโs a truth I find missing in a lot of modern music. As for my stage name, YESLA, it was a playful twist on โAshley,โ conceived during a brainstorming session with my producer, JHNY WZDM.
4. What do you believe sets your music apart? How would you describe your sound to someone discovering you for the first time, and what emotions or experiences do you hope to evoke in your listeners?
YESLA: My music offers a raw, authentic rock sound, a refreshing departure from todayโs overproduced landscape. Itโs the kind of gritty, real rock that resonates deeply. Beyond the sound, the message in my music speaks to our turbulent times. Itโs designed to be the soundtrack to your life, embracing every emotion โ joy, anger, hope, and pure, unfiltered fun.
5. For most artists, originality is first preceded by a phase of learning and, often, emulating others. What was this like for you? How would you describe your own development as an artist and music maker, and the transition towards your own style, which is known as ROCK?
YESLA: The path to my current sound has been a continuous evolution, shaped significantly by my producer and mentor, JHNY WZDM. He played a pivotal role in helping me understand my artistic identity. Funny enough, he introduced me to rock music at nine, with a Sublime track that transformed my musical world. Despite detours, rock remained my true north, igniting a passion that continues to drive me.
6. Music often transcends entertainment. Whatโs your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles โ and do you try and affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
YESLA: Music allows us to communicate on a deeper level, expressing emotions that defy verbal articulation. Itโs a living entity, evolving and adapting to the listenerโs experience. A song written about personal pain can become a rallying cry for social change, and thatโs the magic of shared art. The listenerโs interpretation creates the songโs true meaning, and that is where its value lies.
7. Do you feel the rewards of your musical career match the energy and passion you invest in it, or are there different kinds of fulfillment youโre still seeking?
YESLA: Navigating the music and entertainment industry is a marathon, not a sprint. It requires a deep-seated passion and a commitment to continuous effort, even when the rewards seem distant. To stay grounded, I prioritize a balanced life, nurturing relationships and seeking personal growth alongside my musical ambitions.
8. Can you walk us through your creative process? From the first spark of an idea to the finished track, whatโs the most essential part of your process, and how do collaboration or external influences shape your work?
YESLA: YESLA songs are born from diverse seeds. A spontaneous guitar riff might ignite a full-fledged track, or a fleeting moment โ a conversation, a sound, a life experience โ might spark lyrics that bloom into a song. Regardless of origin, the process remains consistent: I build the record in my home studio, shaping the song to about 80%, before handing it to JHNY WZDM for that final, rock-and-roll polish.
9. Whatโs been the most challenging hurdle in either your personal life or music career, and how has it shaped you as an artist?
YESLA: My greatest challenge has been achieving a sustainable work-life balance. For years, I sacrificed my well-being, overworking in unfulfilling jobs to fund my music, only to be too exhausted to create. While the โhustleโ is often glorified, Iโve learned that prioritizing rest and listening to my body is crucial for the long journey of an artistโa lesson that can translate to any demanding career.
10. On the flip side, what moment or achievement in your career so far has made you feel the proudest, and why? And letโs talk about your latest release and future plans.
YESLA: Honestly, my latest single โOh Yeahโ feels like a true victory. The culmination of two years of strategic development with JHNY, itโs been thrilling to see it connect with people. This release has solidified our creative footing and illuminated our path forward. โOh Yeahโ is pure expression; a celebration of liberation and the beauty of everyday life, a testament to embracing your inner badass.
11. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?
YESLA: Negativity holds no power over me.ย Authenticity, by its nature, challenges those who arenโt living truthfully. My music serves as a testament to the freedom and joy of genuine living. In a world craving realness, I encourage everyone to embrace their true selves. Itโs a journey of self-discovery available to all, at any stage of life.
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Review by: Naomi Joan