Why you should be listening to the fusion sounds of Yaya Bey
Each week Soho House’s resident music expert Dom Chung reveals the new bands, tracks and artists you should be listening to right now. This week, it’s ‘Remember Your North Star’
Friday 21 October 2022 By Dom Chung
Dom Chung is Soho House’s Head of Music, so it stands to reason that when we thought about starting a new weekly music column, he was the first person who sprung to mind.
Every Friday, Chung will be here revealing all the bright new artists he’s been booking to perform at the Houses and the best new music he’s been listening to. Consider him your new guide on your journey into melodic enlightenment.
This week, it’s Yaya Bey’s dub-meets-jazz-meets-Afrobeat sounds that are living in his ears rent-free.
Who and what are you listening to this week, Dom?
‘Yaya Bey’s latest album, Remember Your North Star.’
Where did you discover her?
‘The Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter is one of R&B’s most exciting new storytellers. Her new album was released earlier this year, and crept into my consciousness through her ability to link her ancestral past, while navigating both life’s hardships and joy through the soundtrack of music.’
What is it you love about it?
‘Bey seamlessly explores a fusion of soul, jazz, reggae, Afrobeat and hip-hop, and has a varied story to tell throughout.’
How would you describe her?
‘A modern-day Erykah Badu.’
Which are the best tracks/ albums/ live performances to listen to?
‘Remember Your North Star has a varied selection of tracks, ranging from the more upbeat ‘Pour Up’ and ‘Alright’ to the laid-back grooves of ‘Reprise’.
If you had to pick one of her tracks to listen to on repeat, what would it be?
‘I love the dubbiness of “Meet Me In Brooklyn”.’