Meet Yuki Dreams Again: On New Single and A Playlist For You
Photo: William Arcand
Meet Montreal’s emerging artist, 23-year-old Yuki Dreams Again. Known as a sonic shape-shifter and for crafting sounds steeped in electronic, alt-pop, and R&B inflections, Yuki Dreams Again is back following the launch of his career last September after producing music for more than six years.
His sincere lyrics coupled with his charismatic vocals and love for music is no coincidence. Yuki’s real name is Samuel Bocan Biddle and is the grandson of Jazz icon Charlie Biddle, making him exposed to an abundance of music growing up. His desire, however, to create music came in 2014 when he became interested in the technical and production side.
Today, Yuki Dreams Again is sharing his single “Cold World” in which he collaborated with SORAN and Zach Zoya in a “frenzy” recording session where they wrote and recorded it within a day.
The head-bobbing track is elevated by catchy hooks, hyperactive arrangements, and unsparing production. “Cold World” features razor-sharp vocals with a pulsating flow and configuration that harness a sense of freedom from the daily grind and hustle.
Yuki says this about the single: “[The track] is about minding your own business but mostly letting loose and ditching the “overthinking monster” inside.”
The song highlights Yuki’s singular sound you’ll want to keep looking out for after you’ve finished listening and it shows -- Yuki Dreams Again’s two previous releases “Too Fast” and “Endlessly” were featured on several playlists such as Spotify’s Fresh Finds: The Wave, Metropolis, Outliers as well as Apple Music’s CTRL-ALT.
Now, he plans to release his debut EP in summer 2021. So, while we wait for more content from Yuki Dreams Again, he gladly put together a playlist for Unpublished.
Photo: William Arcand
The songs I chose for this playlist are definitely influenced by the vibes out here in Montreal. It's winter and we have an overnight curfew so you have to find ways to stay sane and vibe at home.
It starts with “Only You” by the Nigerian singer Steve Monite. The song sets the tone and played at high volume, you can’t stop yourself from dancing.
Then we switch it up a bit, with “Girl Blunt” by Leikeli47. My girlfriend showed me this song a couple weeks ago and it’s been on repeat since. I love how Leikeli47 has her own lingo and flow.
“Ting Tun Up” by Skiifall and YAMA//SATO is one of my favorite releases in a while coming from my hometown of Montreal. The song and production are super refreshing.
Then we go on with the introspective “Wasted” by NNAMDÏ. I discovered this song in the movie Malcolm & Marie. As soon as I heard it, I immediately shazamed it. This one has a special place in my heart, I put it on repeat, close my eyes and picture myself in another dimension.
“Fue Major” by Kali Uchis is just a smash! The melody is unique and refreshing. PARTYNEXTDOOR is one of my all time favorites so to see her collaborate with Kali Uchis was pretty exciting. While listening to that one, you need to light up candles and burn incense.
Then we have Frank Ocean’s “In My Room.” I didn’t like it at first, but it grew on me sooo badly. It really fits the vibe of being stuck inside. The next one is "sons & critique freestyle" by Baby Keem. This song hypes me up so much. I like the internet, but it can be a weird place where everyone has such strong opinions on things. The “you a critic boy shut the fuck up” line hits me every time. That’s how I feel sometimes.
We’re closing with Lil Tjay’s “Mixed Emotions” that’s been on repeat for a couple weeks now. It’s still as good as the first time I heard it. Lil Tjay is on a roll right now, it seems so effortless for him to write such good songs.