YAZ's name has been buzzing around more informed pop circles for a couple of years now, and for very good reason. A potential future superstar of North African, British, and Eastern European roots, she's preparing to release a debut EP later this year. With a sound that seamlessly blends pop and R&B, infused with confessional storytelling and an ear for a tune, she's ready to turn all that potential into something tangible.

Growing up in a bustling household where "music has always been a big part," YAZ was surrounded by a cacophony of sounds and cultures. "I'm from North West London, and I come from a big family - very loud and vocal," she reflects - a rich background that not only shaped her as an individual but also laid the foundation for her eclectic influences.

Her journey into music began unconventionally. As a child, YAZ was shy yet brimming with creativity. "When I was a kid, I would always have a diary that I'd never finish. I always loved writing," she admits. Recognising her hidden passion, her mother took a decisive step. "I was shy, so my mum put me in a Saturday school where I would go and dance and sing and act," she recalls. Initially, it felt like facing her biggest fear. "I secretly loved it so much and didn't want to mess up."

But it was in this environment that YAZ found her calling. "That time in my life was so instrumental, and it was clear pretty quickly that that's what I wanted to do," she says. Embracing her newfound confidence, she took to the internet. "I started a YouTube channel when I was 13, and it just started to grow. I was so young," she reminisces. Putting her music online became a pivotal moment. "I started sharing some of my songs on there, and I must have been 16 when my first music manager approached me about a song I posted on SoundCloud."

This early validation propelled her forward. "I had a few studio sessions and started writing, and it felt like my dreams were coming true," she beams. However, the path wasn't straightforward - when is it ever? - and stardom didn't immediately becon. Still, it lit a spark. "Things always work out differently than you might think, but that experience just gave me the confidence that I could really do this." Determined and inspired, she dedicated herself to her craft. "From there, I would write music every day after school and practice with my friends."

In 2022, YAZ made a splash with her debut single, 'Mr Valentine'. The track's origins are humble yet heartfelt. "I initially wrote 'Mr Valentine' at home to a beat I found online. That's how I would make all my music before I started working in the studio," she explains. "This particular producer, Kevin, I would write to all of his beats. 'Anymore' was also produced by him. I got to meet him when I went to New York, and it was surreal to have never met somebody I'm so musically aligned with and had already released my first songs with."

The song wasn't initially intended for release, but as ever, the magical forces of the internet took hold. "I recorded the song and posted a TikTok to it, thinking of it as something I wasn't planning on putting out," she recalls. "When it started picking up, I worked with Atlantic Records to put it out. It was a surreal time, and I'm so grateful for that song and how it propelled me to start releasing."

Since then, YAZ has been immersed in the creation of her debut EP, a project that's been both challenging and rewarding. "These past two years have felt like five," she acknowledges. "I've learned so much about music and the industry and have so, so much more to learn. Looking back, I'm grateful for every step of it; making this project has been fulfilling in every aspect."

With the EP now complete, anticipation is building. It's now "finished and on its way," she confirms. There's still work to be done, though. "Right now, we're planning a few things and finishing designing some little pieces to the puzzle."

The creation process was anything but A-to-B, a fact that YAZ embraces. "Creating this EP has not been a linear process at all, and I'm glad," she reveals. The songs span different periods of her life, each capturing a unique moment. "I wrote the first track when I was 16 on the piano, another song in New York at 20, and another one in my car." Working with a variety of collaborators further enriched the project. "I'm so lucky to have been able to work with some of my favourite producers on these songs, where every person I've worked with has brought so much to this."

Interestingly, nothing on the EP was put together with their eventual home in mind. "The songs weren't written with any intention of 'fitting into a project', which is why I feel like each one stands on its own," she explains - an organic approach that has resulted in a collection that's both diverse and deeply personal.

Her latest single, 'American Girls', showcases a different facet of her artistry. "[It's] the most 'classic pop' song on the EP. It was actually the last song I wrote for it," she notes. The track brings a brighter tone. "The EP felt like it needed one last song that was more carefree and light-hearted. Once we made it, it felt too fun to leave out - and a good juxtaposition to some of the more emotional or feisty songs on the tracklist."

The inspiration behind the song was both spontaneous and personal. "The day I wrote 'American Girls' with my friend Orlando, we had a super clear intention. I wanted to make a cheeky, girly, fun, 'head boppy' pop song with a strong bass line," she shares. Circumstances added a unique twist to the songwriting process. "At the time, my boyfriend and [Orlando's] girlfriend were both in America, and so we naturally ended up writing about that," she laughs, highlighting the playful jealousy and longing woven into the song. "Playing with the feeling of missing them and also being a little jealous that they're away."

The energy in the room was electric. "I remember after we made it, we sat in the studio with the producers and just played it on loop dancing; we were all so excited about it," she recalls fondly. The instant connection she felt with the song was undeniable. "We wrote it over two days, and after the first demo, I couldn't stop playing it in my car with my friends, and that's when I knew it had to be a single from the EP."

"My hope for this song is for it to just be an outlet of positivity and confidence for whoever is listening," she says earnestly. "I love it so, so much and can't wait to perform it live."

When it comes to songwriting, YAZ doesn't limit herself to a single theme or style. "I write about almost everything I experience; it feels like a good way of navigation and helps me process how I feel in the moment and how my experiences shape me," she reflects. Her approach is introspective yet accessible, allowing listeners to find pieces of themselves in her work. Musically, she's drawn to certain elements that define her sound. "Production-wise, I love strings and a bass. I'm inspired by a lot of pop and RnB," she says, with diverse inspirations that make complete sense when you look at the music she creates. "I listen to a lot of Michael Jackson, Destiny's Child, Earth Wind & Fire, Jamiroquai, Bill Withers, Carpenters, The Supremes," she lists enthusiastically. "I love 60s and 70s music; I'm sure they all find a way into my own music somehow."

Looking to the future, YAZ is eager to get out and connect with audiences beyond the studio. "I'm excited to start performing my music live," she says with palpable excitement. Live performances hold a special place in her heart. "Building on the foundation that is this EP with more music. I'm so grateful I get to do this, and hope I get to continue doing it for a long time."

As the release date approaches, she feels a mix of anticipation and fulfilment. "Top to bottom, this is me. I love every song, every lyric," she shares. The process has been transformative. "Making this has taught me so much about myself and music; it's been a joy."

For those looking to follow in her footsteps, YAZ offers heartfelt advice. "I'm still at the beginning of my journey as an artist, but if I were to give any advice, maybe to the younger me - and it's cliché - I would say to be yourself in the most genuine possible way, always," she advises. Authenticity, she believes, is paramount. "Don't look for confirmation or permission from anybody to do it, just do it. Life's too short not to."

YAZ's story is one of self-discovery, passion, and the relentless pursuit of a dream. Her music is a reflection of her life's journey - unfinished diaries turned into songs that resonate with authenticity and emotion. There's no filtered, idealised persona or smoke-and-mirrors here; YAZ stands out by simply being herself. ■