After having her working life turned upside down by Covid, Lauren Hannan - aka YINYANG - decided to take matters into her own hands.

The Northern Irish musician, who worked in the music industry, taught herself how to produce music and grew her passion project by writing every day to cultivate her unique sound. Now, it’s her full-time job.

The alternative hip-hop star is one of the acts playing the Eastbound festival next month, so we caught up with her to learn more.

1. What’s the music that you listened to growing up, that you still listen to today?
By proxy I’d hear a lot of The Prodigy, Faithless and Alanis Morissette growing up, which now I definitely still listen to. That’s the cool answer... the other answer only comes out after a few drinks and karaoke. 

2. In three words, describe the minute before you walk on stage.
LET'S F*****G GOOOOOO ☺

3. How do you wind down after a gig?
I find it really hard and haven’t quite mastered it yet, but recently I was feeling unwell the same day I had a show. On stage I wore what looked to the normal eye to be a suit, but it was actually a pair of silk pyjamas. I had a couple of Dark Fruits after the gig then went home already ready for bed, so that was class. No one knew. That could be the trick.  

4. What’s the one song (by another artist) you wish you’d written or recorded first?
This changes so often, at the moment I’d say ‘Toxic’ by Britney (because the production is insaaaane) or ‘Wish I Didn’t Miss You’ by Angie Stone because it’s beautiful. Sorry, that’s two - I can’t choose. 

5. What is your pet peeve?
People who don’t like cats. 

6. Name one record, one book and one film that everyone should hear / read / see.
‘Alive In The Septic Tank’ - Clarence Clarity
‘4.48 Psychosis’ - Sarah Kane is probably the most mind bending book I’ve read, even though it’s a script really. 
Both ‘Kill Bill’ films - Tarantino. 

7. Pick the director and lead actor(s) for a biopic about your life.
It would have to be Tarantino, he’s the king so he’d really jazz it up.
Lead Actor… if I’m being honest, I’d probs be cheeky and ask Tarantino if I could do it.

8. You’re ordering take-away, what do you get?
Half salt and chilli chips, half rice, curry sauce with peas, onions and mushrooms in it, beansprouts, prawn crackers, some kinda fizzy pop. Unbelievable. 

9. Describe your perfect day off.
It would be sunny, so probs go to the beach and jump in the sea, or do some kind of water activity like surfing or paddle boarding. Light a fire on the beach and hang out. I’m kinda wholesome. 

10. Tell us, in one sentence, why we should come to your next gig (whenever it may be.)
Because it's not just a gig, it’s a SHOW I’m putting on with crazy lights and everything.  Next shows are 3rd Feb Belfast, 26 Feb Dublin. 

BONUS QUESTION: Recommend a podcast and tell us why we should subscribe to it.  
Pretty into the Lex Fridman Podcast at the moment cause he seems like a cool guy and it’s interesting to fall asleep to. 

**********

YINYANG plays Dublin’s Grand Social with Really Good Time, Ruti and Jack Cullen as part of the Eastbound festival on February 26th.