feeder insider w/ Ramona Yacef about electronic music and Madame Bazar EP on feeder sound

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ramona yacef feeder insider article

Ramona Yacef recently dropped Madame Bazar EP on our feeder sound digital series on Bandcamp, signing the 3rd instalment in this chapter of our story alongside Lizz and Cristi Cons. Let’s find out more about this endeavour and many other things regarding her artistic career as an electronic music DJ, producer and label manager from Ramona herself, our guest for this feeder insider interview.

From Italy to France and a worldwide presence, Ramona Yacef steadily followed her path and became well-known for her contribution to electronic music. In 2020, she launched Lescale Recordings, showcasing her works and timeless releases from many artists focused on minimal, microhouse and beyond on both vinyl and digital formats. Aside from this, she also collaborated with labels like RUTA5, Celo Rec, Raw Trax, Baile Musik, Akta Records, Cervidae, Platform 7even and Aprapta Music, among others.

feeder.roHi Ramona, It’s nice to have you join us for a chat after the recent release of your “Madame Bazar” EP on feeder sound digital series.

Ramona Yacef: Hello, guys 🙂 Thank you for inviting me. Okay, let’s go!

fFirst, please tell us more about this material, the production process, what inspired you, and what gear you used.

Ramona: Well, I used my voice recording, some sequencers, and the Jomox Alphabase. I wanted to elaborate on a mental process that repeats itself.

The first track represents the desire to do, to succeed, energy, improvisation, chaos, unpredictability, and the beauty that all of this means. The second track shows a different state of mind, lighter, happy without effort, without expectations. The third track simultaneously expresses pain, suffering, and hope. The story then continues, starting again with the first phase.

The concept is that the life cycle of emotions is always a repetition of beautiful and bad moments. The one thing you should never do is give up. We always fall, but the important thing is to find the strength to get back up.

fYou were on the jury for the first edition of the feeder.ro awards, alongside Cristi Cons and Lizz, the artists behind the first two EPs in our new digital series. How was it to be part of such a project, and what do you think about the role platforms like feeder.ro play in the community?

Ramona: Honestly, I didn’t expect it! I felt so honoured to have to make such a significant choice… Today’s music industry is a place where music alone is no longer enough. So many factors come into play. While I try to act in the most neutral way possible, following my instincts and heart, my choices come from that. I think, guys, you are just like me somehow.

I consider feeder.ro an artistically pure project, free from pre-set standards, where art reigns supreme. Thank you again for choosing me.

fWhen it comes to musical composition, do you approach the studio with a specific vision, or do you let the moment’s atmosphere guide your choices?

Ramona: It depends on many factors. It depends on what moment of my life I’m going through, what instruments I can use (I just bought an old drum machine that will allow me to compose in an even more analogue way from now on), and also on the weather. Yes, composing with the sun, snow, or rain is different for me!

fWhat about mixing during a DJ set? Do you prepare your playlists in advance, or do you prefer to go with the flow?

Ramona: When you play vinyl, you must select records! But believe me, a DJ set should never be prepared beforehand; you have to adapt to the moment, the audience, and the type of sound system present. I love to tell stories.. my DJ sets, for example, are very unpredictable and those who have already listened to me know it very well 🙂

fAside from being a DJ and producer, you also manage Lescale Recordings, an active and proliferous electronic music label publishing diverse and quality music from yourself and many artists worldwide. How are all those collaborations shaping your path in the international scene, and in which direction do you see it all going from where it is now?

Ramona: The beautiful thing about having a record label is that you can connect with so many amazing artists worldwide. You belong to the same family. I am honoured by all the special music I receive to listen to every day.

Since 2020, Lescale Recordings has produced 42 digital releases and 4 vinyl (one on the way), but you know this well since you have supported my label from day one! I can never be grateful enough!

fWhen do you feel a musical arrangement or a full release is ready for publishing?

Ramona: In the past, I was never sure about anything… I had fears of all kinds and asked for help everywhere. Now, I know you shouldn’t think too much about it; perfection does NOT exist. Music is like wine; when you think you’ve finished a track (a feeling that’s hard to explain in words, but after years of experience, it comes naturally!), you let it ferment for 4-5 days and then listen to it again! If you still like it, then it’s time to start mixing; that means it’s ready!

fWhat are your plans for Lescale Recordings and yourself this year? Are you working on new music or preparing fresh releases for the label?

Ramona: The following Lescale vinyl is a VA and is available for pre-order. It includes a track I made in collaboration with master Floog (Premiesku), in which I used my voice again. I’ve really gotten into it, lol.)

And there’s also a digital VA that will be released on Lescale soon, which includes another of my tracks in collaboration with two other awesome artists, Lowris and Ja Kub.

fWe know you started to study the piano at an early age. What made you choose electronic music, and what was the journey like throughout time?

Ramona: I didn’t have an easy childhood; the less time I spent at home, the better… and that’s where I discovered the world of nightlife, with all its shades. The figure of the DJ fascinated me so much; it represented everything I wanted at that moment. To tell something, to be listened to, without fear, through music. Besides, electronic music is produced by electricity! What could be more electrifying, I wondered?

By the way, studying the piano has helped me, especially with the sound design I’ve been working on.

fIn 2019, you visited Romania and performed at the 25th edition of the Sunwaves festival. How did it feel to play here, and what significance does this experience hold for your career?

Ramona: That year, I played twice at SW. It was one of the most formative experiences of my life from every point of view. Solid organisation; I have so much respect and affection for them; they always welcome me with open arms, making me feel at home. It would be so exciting to play there again.

fFinally, what’s your favourite track lately and why?

Ramona: Recently, I played Lindstrom – I Feel Space (Original Version) often; it’s an old track, and I love the title, the vibe, and the texture.

Madame Bazar EP is out now on Bandcamp.

Ramona Yacefsoundcloudfacebook, instagram, Lescale Recordings

Words by Ramona Yacef, AndreiB, Cristina & Andrei

About feeder insider

feeder insider is a series of interviews that explore the universe surrounding music and visual arts while connecting the local to the international creative scene. 

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