Know Your DJ - Yehno

Interview

1. How did you get started in DJing? What’s your journey been like so far?

I started out making electronic music in FL Studio 2.7—so yeah, a long time ago. It wasn’t until around 2006 that I considered DJing as a way to play the music I was creating. I fiddled around with Traktor, mixing my favorite breakbeat tracks with my own productions, but I didn’t really play out much—just a couple of “live” sets of my own stuff. Around 2008–2009, I started getting inspired to DJ more seriously. That’s also when I met Gordon, and we started what became Botnek.

2. What genres do you usually play, and which ones are your personal favorites?

It really depends on the mood—always does, haha. Personally, I gravitate toward hypnotic techno, progressive, and dub-influenced sounds. I always try to find ways to bring the energy up.I grew up not going to clubs, just listening to music on headphones. So when I eventually started playing big EDM shows, I felt like I skipped over a certain musical path that I'm now revisiting. These days, I enjoy playing music that could be considered “headphone” music, but making it functional for a club setting. That balance is what excites me now.

3. What does DJing mean to you? How would you describe the role and its responsibilities?

Not to sound too cliché, but to me, it’s all about the journey. I used to listen to mix CDs from Sasha & Digweed, Hybrid, Jody Wisternoff, the Global Underground series—just zoning out while drawing or doing homework. Mixing tracks felt like creating new pathways of sound. The role of a DJ, to me, is to create an experience—to bring people with you on that sonic journey. I don’t think of it as a responsibility in a rigid sense. It’s more like an opportunity to connect.

4. Who are some of your favorite producers right now, and why do they inspire you?

So many: Cahl Sel, Otto Taimela, Louf, Tom VR, Priori, Elsa Hewitt, Martinou, Djrum, Anthony Linell, Mattheis, Vril, Barker, Emptyset, Rezo Glonti... and Actress, of course. What draws me to them is their sound design and confidence in their vision. They take me to new places sonically, and that’s what I value most in music.

5. If you could only play one track for the rest of your life, what would it be and why?

Bit of a cheat, but I’d say the live version of Underworld – Cowgirl/Rez from Everything, Everything (Live). That track cracked my world open when I was 14 or 15. It was my entry point into club music and made me start following a different path. I'd probably just make my own edit and play that forever.

6. What’s the most bizarre situation you’ve encountered while DJing, and how did you handle it?

Probably someone requesting Taylor Swift while I was playing full-on big room electro EDM. That was... something.

7. Can you share some of your favorite memories from past gigs?

One of the most special moments was opening for Moderat. Meeting them and sharing the stage was a huge career highlight. I told myself after that: everything else is just cherries on top of nearly 20 years of work.

8. Have you ever had a set go completely wrong? How did you manage to bounce back?

Oh, for sure—USBs not loading, brutal mixes, you name it. I’m not great at hiding my mistakes either—I usually just laugh because I assume everyone noticed. But honestly, most people don’t, and the trick is to fix the issue quickly and move on. I’m still working on not making a big deal out of it, though, haha.

9. How do you stay connected with your audience and fans outside of your sets?

I kind of don’t. Social media has never really clicked for me, and I admire those who do it well. I prefer in-person conversations at shows and events. When I post online, it’s usually an afterthought.

10. When you’re not behind the decks, what kind of music do you usually listen to? Any guilty pleasures?

Pretty much the same stuff I’d play out if the vibe fits. Lots of downtempo and ambient when I'm out and about. Sometimes when hanging out with a close friend who has an extensive vinyl collection, we’ll throw on old school country over beers. No guilty pleasures for me—I don’t think that exists. If it resonates with you, that’s enough.

11. What’s your current DJ setup? Any favorite tools or gear you swear by?

I have a DDJ-1000 that I bought toward the end of COVID, and I love it. It’s not set up at the moment due to space, but I’ll get it going before the May 10th show .I’ve always used Pioneer gear—mostly out of familiarity. Would love to try other gear, but financially, it doesn’t make sense right now.

12. How do you go about discovering new tracks and shaping your sound?

My sound is shaped by whatever I’m enjoying at the moment—it’s kind of an intuitive filter. I dig through Bandcamp, SoundCloud, and check what my favorite artists are playing or buying.We didn’t have underground record shops growing up in Dartmouth, so I spent most of my time digging online.

13. If you could host your dream party anywhere in the world, where would it be, and what would the vibe be like?

Honestly, the May 10th show in Halifax is a dream in itself. It’s my hometown, with people who love the music like I do. Sure, I could say Fabric in London or somewhere iconic—but as I get older, I value the connection with my local community more.

14. What’s something unexpected or surprising about you that fans wouldn’t guess?

Probably everything, since I don’t post much online, haha. But seriously—I work a regular part-time retail job and enjoy my life now more than I ever did while touring. Touring was amazing in many ways, but it took a toll. My tastes shifted, and I didn’t want to make big festival music anymore.

15. Are you a cat or dog person?

Definitely a cat person. Nothing against dogs—I just grew up with cats, and they match my temperament. I have an 8-year-old black cat named Mitzi, and she’s a big part of my life.

16. Favorite cuisine?

Depends on the mood—but I’ll never turn down a bowl of pho. That’s my desert island meal. Wildcard pick: jerk chicken.

17. Favorite drink?

A tall glass of ice water on a hot day—or a beer. Simple pleasures.

18. Favorite place/travel location?

I have a soft spot for the Pacific Northwest, especially Seattle—I lived there for a few years and made great friends. Tokyo blew my mind when we played there. Also, taking the ferry from Hong Kong to Macau—wild times.

19. What advice would you give to someone just starting their journey as a DJ in today’s music industry?

Have fun. Don’t be too hard on yourself. Be honest and true to your word.“Partying” is fun, but it can easily become a habit. I wish I had more awareness earlier to take better care of myself and those around me. That said, every experience helped shape who I am today. Follow your own path—with a gentle and curious mindset.

20. What’s something exciting or new that’s happening in your life that you can share with your audience?

I’m moving into a new place in Halifax! First time living on that side of the harbor, so I’m pumped to finally attend events without spending $$$ to get back to Dartmouth. I’m excited to be more active in the community and meet more music lovers like myself.