Yushh: The ‘Shine A Light On’ Mix

Up next in the series is a producer, dj and label boss who we've been keeping an eye on for some time now. She's channeled a path for herself, showcasing music across the spectrum of UK bass, techno and beyond.

As the founder of the Pressure Dome label she has been responsible for the release of music by the likes of Joseph Craven, Mish, Syz and more. As a producer she herself has also appeared on the label and has also released music via Be Told Lies and Sci-fact Records. Her music has been widely supported from a number of UK based artists and she has found herself at home amidst the evolving leftfield bass and techno scene which is as crucial and prominent as ever. 

We felt that now was the perfect opportunity to showcase her distinct talent in the booth and once lockdown is over we expect to be seeing a whole lot more of Yushh, an artist very much on the up. 

Listen and read the interview below:

Please introduce yourself… Who are you, where are you and what are you?

Yewww, I’m Jen and I DJ and produce under the name Yushh. I run a record label called Pressure Dome which is moving onto it’s fourth release and also work in label management helping look after a few other labels. I usually live in Bristol but I’m currently back at my parents in St Agnes, Cornwall for lockdown SZN. I’ve got a doggo and live on my own so it made sense to make the move down until all the craziness has subsided.

What does your music sound like? Can you draw what you think it sounds like for us (an image from the old internet is acceptable)?

I think this picture sums up the music I produce pretty well – trying to be hard but actually being cute and soft at the same time, people have said my music sounds a bit conflicted in that way. I have a deep appreciation for electronic music as sound art while also loving a clubby bass bobbler so I think part of the conflict comes in trying to produce something that satisfies both of these criteria… I think I’ve still got a long way to go to achieve that but maybe one day.

Where was the mix recorded?

I recorded the mix a few weeks ago when I first got down to Cornwall. It was a difficult one as felt a bit torn realising I wasn’t going to be back in the club for a few months while having this playlist of bits I’d been putting together for this mix which definitely had a club focus. I decided to just go with my original plan, hopefully it’s interesting enough to be enjoyed in different contexts.

What would be the ideal setting to listen to the mix?

I listened back to it on a run the other day which worked alright – chugged out warm up into some quicker bits halfway through to give a little energy boost then down again to coast through to the end. Hopefully it will be the soundtrack to some Friday night lockdown sesh-wans.

What should we be wearing?

Full lycra for both

What would be your dream setting to record a mix: Location/system/format?

In general I want to achieve different things with different mixes and think that would impact on all of the above. For a heavier dancefloor mix, best place would be the club, 2000s and a 900/92, a lucid crowd, good booth, stocked USB for lots of options. for something more abstract and explorative I might plan a little more, play some records and take my time so a more relaxed setting would be appropriate, maybe a BBQ, surrounded by friends, few tins. I’m pretty lucky at the minute location wise – the spare room at my parents overlooks the field where they keep their four alpacas and we’re pretty close to the beach so it’s nice and relaxing here.

Which track in the mix is your current favourite?

Hard to pick but 38tc by Thoden is a current fave among me and mates so definitely wanted to include. It’s a great crossover track, with hints of classic dubstep while also hitting that underground ‘bass music” sound without being too bait and has some nice emotional qualities too. I hate trying to put a genre on certain tracks, think maybe we’re all a little reluctant to put things in a box after what happened to dubstep over the pond.

If you could go back to back with any DJ from throughout history, who would it be and why?

Martyn. Just such consistency for so many years and his mixes are so full of energy while also being really explorative. I’d do well to keep up. 3024 label output is just incredible too – Anunaku and Yak absolutely killing it at the minute.

What was your first DJ set up at home and what is it now?

I used to mix a bit round mates houses when I was learning at first. It was only about 3 years ago I invested in my first proper set-up – Technics 1200 mk5’s and Pioneer XDJ-RX. People hate on controllers but geeeees, that controller has put some hours in. Being able to mix digital and vinyl and fuck about with the FX at home has definitely given me more confidence with my DJing.

What’s more important, the track you start on or the track you end on?

Both can be important but I suppose depends when/where you’re playing and how much impact you want to have. The first track can be important if you want to make a point of you starting your set. I have a few faves – Guava – Can’t Catch me on Control Freak Recordings has got to be up there. It’s great because you mix it in then before the first drop there is a bit that drops to complete silence. I really like looking at people’s faces, them thinking I’ve flopped the first mix then it dropping into some wigged out garage, always a winner. If I’ve been playing a really heavy, high energy, peak time set, I generally like to try and keep the energy but maybe something a bit more emotional or beautiful to finish things off and leave people feeling all warm and fuzzed out. Seb Wildblood – Leave It Open is a great one for this. Super pretty arps and vocal pads but still 145bpm and really nice energy in the track.

What were the first and last records you bought?

I can’t remember the first record I bought but Datassette ‎– Cagney XOR Lacey EP was one of the first things I picked up on discogs. wonky, intricate IDM electro, still a firm fave. Last record I bought was YS – Music Angel on Pace Yourself. Super good, versatile release.

If this mix was an edible thing, what would it taste like?

Banana bread, my isolation diet.

If it was an animal what would it be?

The tiger that ate Carol Baskins husband.

One record in your collection that is impossible to mix into anything?

I find the Toma Kami on Livity – Sharp Tool In The Shed a tricky one, the percussion in the intro is super swung and syncopated, always trying to confuse you. I haven’t had confidence to try that one in the club before. Same with some of Ramzi’s stuff and Upsammy but once you know your tracks well enough there is usually somewhere you can thumb them in.

Upcoming in the world of…

Spring/Summer 2020 – Cancelled  Bring on 2021.

Anything else we need to discuss?

I’m hosting a weekly radio show – every Tuesday 3-4pm on 1020 Radio during lockdown. I did the first couple of weeks, trying to play different bits to what we usually do on the monthly label show. Last week was an ambient to pop to footwork to jungle werk-out and I’ve got some mates joining me over the next few weeks with the challenge of being a explorative as possible so I’m excited to see what people come up with! I’ve got a couple of bits coming out on a couple of compilations – one on Control Freak Recordings and Corrupt Data. Heavy crews on both so super happy to be part of these and hopefully should raise a bit of money for the NHS if you wanna check and support.

Follow Yushh on Facebook HERE.