A Guide to Brighton with Yonaka in Brighton, England
Yonaka calls its music “dark pop” and that’s exactly what you get from a band whose name translates to “the dead of night” in Japanese. Based in Brighton, this young band is currently touring across the UK after spending the summer recording new music and playing festivals. In this interview, lead singer, Theresa Jarvis talked to us about songwriting inspirations and her pre-show moment of zen.
What is the best thing about Brighton? The beach in the summer and the fact you can pretty much walk to any destination in a short time.
What is the worst? Walking through The Lanes in the summer – PACKED!
What is a perfect day in Brighton? Not working, sitting around in the sun (when there is sun…).
What’s it like being a band in Brighton? It’s great, there’s some really talented people here (like everywhere, I guess), but you’re closer as Brighton is quite small.
What inspires your songwriting? My mum, pain, love, past experiences.
What’s your favorite way to interact with fans, before, during and after the show? I rarely talk during the show as I almost tap into a dark side of myself, which kind of doesn’t allow me to open my mouth when I’m not singing. We love speaking to people before and after though, it’s a lovely thing and we’re not scary and easy to chat to.
Photo: @edmasonphoto via @yonaka_music
Do you have any pre-show rituals? Kinda just stand still and breathe and remember that this is what I want to do for the rest of my life. Then jump and shake a lil bit and feel the adrenaline.
How do you get oriented in a new city? Usually I just go with it and accidentally find things rather than use a map, which I’m awful at.
Which bands/artists are you listening to these days? Recent stuff is a lot of MØ, Tame Impala, Kendrick Lamar, Kanye, M.I A, and older acts like Jeff Buckley, The Shargri-las, etc.
Photo of Brighton by Matt Martin.
Name:Yonaka
City:Brighton
Favorite place to eat?
Favorite place to drink?
Local tip?
Come in the summer!
If someone was visiting, what must they do?
Come in the summer.