Interview
Yakes is a multi-genre DJ originally from San Diego, CA. He got his start DJing while studying abroad in Bangkok, Thailand with a residency at Grease Nightclub. After returning back to the US he became a regular opener at shows across San Diego and provided support for some EDM legends including: Nero, Dillon Francis, Datsik, Troyboi, Great Dane and more. After a few years playing local shows around SD, Yakes moved back to Asia in 2017 and began to focus on more of house and tech-house. With a home base in Saigon, Vietnam, Yakes was able to DJ clubs around Asia including: Thailand, Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia, and extensively in Vietnam.
What have you been up to?
Been traveling and exploring a lot this summer. Did a nice road trip through Canada in August that ended at Shambhala Music Festival in BC which was awesome. I’ve been to at least 30 music festivals by now and I think Shambhala might be my all time favorite.
Tell us a bit about the mix!
Put all my favorite songs at the moment into this mix, most of them underground. This genre of trippy experimental bass music has sparked my love of sleuthing through soundcloud to find the most next level songs again and I was happy to get to share some sounds with people who appreciate the same. I chopped and double-dropped a few songs throughout mix to add my own flavor.
Where are you at when you’re not behind the decks?
This has been my first summer in the PNW so I’ve been out exploring the best nature spots around Canada, Washington, and Oregon.
What are you listening to when you’re not in the mix?
Rufus du Sol, 90s hip-hop, Sublime, Kid Cudi, Greta Van Fleet.
What are you up to next?
Going to Rezz Rocks at Red Rocks in Colorado this weekend so I’m super stoked to check out that venue and see Peekaboo for the first time. Been out of the DJ scene for a while now since moving to Seattle so hopefully I can start playing some shows around here in the upcoming months!