Two years after the release of the mighty ‘Acid Mellow’, Berlin-based producer Yulia Niko makes a welcome return to Get Physical with her brand new EP, Molly & Sally. Featuring the enchanting and meditative vocals of her long-time friend Coro Coro, plus remixes by Mihai and SIS, Molly & Sally is unusual and absorbing in equal amounts, and offers just the right amount of jacking we need to get us through.
Born in Russia but with roots now firmly based in Berlin, we sat down with the Watergate resident to talk music, health and how she’s navigating the current global situation.
WWD: Your new EP ‘Molly and Sally’ is coming out on Get Physical, who also released your 2017 breakthrough, ‘Zurich’ – can you tell us about your relationship with the label?
Hi everyone. I hope you are all safe and healthy. Firstly, I want to thank Get Physical for such meaningful support. The team convinced me to stay in Berlin a couple of years ago, instead of Barcelona, and every year I realise more and more that it was the best invite I’ve accepted. The label has an excellent reputation and a long history of good quality releases. We have a great relationship too. They’ve invited me to play at some of their showcases before. Always fun timezzz.
WW: The EP features ‘Coro Coro’, alongside remixes from SIS and Mihai Popoviciu – how did these collabs come about?
Caro (Coro Coro) is my close friend. I crashed on her couch for two months before I found my first shared flat in Berlin. We met in Colombia at a festival I was playing at and she was doing body arts. A super tiny German girl with such a powerful vibe.
A year ago, she moved back to Dusseldorf and told me that she wanted to sing. I laughed and was really sarcastic about it but asked to send her ideas anyway. When I heard ‘Molly & Sally’, right away I knew what I wanted to do with it. When the track was ready, Mihai’s name came on my mind, and he agreed to do it. I only planned to do one remix then one night I was going through new tracks and found few records by SIS. I thought he would be perfect for this project. He is also German and his style suits the Turkish synths parts.
WWD: You already head up TochnoTechno, but last year also launched the imprint Libe Vibe, can you tell us the story behind it and why you decided to launch?
Libe Vibe was created to support young artists. It explores the relationship between the vibe and energy, a sonic experimentation that will bring new and old sounds together collectively. I keep spreading those good vibes, and my label, with tiny steps is flowing forward.
WWD: You were born in Russia and have lived in various locations around the world, but are now based in Berlin. What does the city offer you that others can’t?
I probably discuss this topic at least once a day (usually with a taxi driver). After living in Moscow and New York City, Berlin isn’t as congested and there are parks all over. It’s the biggest city in Europe with a population of more than 3,5 million people but honestly, you feel like you live in a village with all the hidden techno venues.
WWD: You’re a resident at Watergate – how would you describe your sets and what the crowd can expect when they come to see you?
I want to use this question to help Watergate. Right now, clubs are facing a big problem with paying rent to keep the space for us to come back and dance. If you have ever been to Watergate or wanted to check it out, this is a legendary place and it’s so much fun to party there. Please help us to SAVE WATERGATE – donate here https://www.startnext.com/en/save-the-watergate
WWD: Last year was a pretty hectic one for you tour-wise. Were there any dates in that stood out as special?
Luckily, every gig was great. Day Zero Tulum in January was so good. It was a blessing.
WWD: The current global situation has had a huge impact on the music industry, what would you say are the biggest changes you have had to make personally and professionally?
It’s a great opportunity for a lot of art to be created. Maybe this is meant to be. I get excited thinking about all the music that will come out after this break. Can you imagine what producers could make whilst being locked in the studio? Focused and fresh, without feeling tired from working or travelling.
WWD: Have you found any creative ways to stay connected to your audience during isolation?
Yes and it’s impossible to stop now! I’ve stayed connected with everyone on Instagram. In these circumstances, all I want is to give support to anyone who needs it. Each day I come up with something new, for example, last weekend I offered to be an entertainer to whoever wanted me, like wishing people a happy birthday. It was so much fun. I had so many requests from all over the world. I’ve never had such beautiful feedback as well.
WWD: How have you been able to maintain your health and mindfulness, as you’ve had to adapt over the past few weeks?
At the beginning, I had insane paranoia every day if I felt a headache coming on or something in my throat. I diagnosed myself multiple times with Corona Virus lol, but obviously, I don’t have it (thank God). It’s shocking that something like this is happening in the 21st century.
I’ve made ambient-style mix, which was a dream come true. Then I realized it’s time for me to relax and learn. I’m doing Deepak Chopra meditations, reading books, experimenting with music and oh yes, finally, I’ve started to learn German. Busy bee. No time for drama, stress, and panic.
WWD: Can you tell us about any other releases you have coming up?
I have a lot of music that is waiting to be heard. My next release is dedicated to my mother whose name is Fatima. It includes a remix by Priku on Crosstown Rebels. Then after a fantastic record called ‘Manifesto’ on Watergate and many more. You will be the first to know about it!
Stay home x