A Quick Chat with Younique
"Lately" originated from a freestyle session. Can you walk us through that creative moment and how it shaped the final track?
Whenever OKUYU and I get in the booth, it’s always a vibe. We focus on making music that feels good to us first, and that’s why we believe our records resonate with others. I remember we were just chilling in the lounge when I turned to him and said, “Dude, Play with Me was a vibe, let's make another one.” From there, it all sparked off a single piano riff. We spent about an hour throwing around melodies until we had a rough structure and a solid idea in place.
My verse went through a bit of tweaking over the next few sessions, but the hook and OKUYU’s verse stayed almost exactly the same from that first freestyle. Once the melodies were locked in, we started shaping a narrative that felt true to both of us, that moment when you finally build up the courage to ask someone out. As the production evolved, the track really came into its own world, but the heart of the song, the feeling we started with never changed.
Your previous release, "Play with Me," garnered over 200,000 streams and international radio play. How does "Lately" build upon that momentum?
"Play with Me" will always hold a special place in our journey. It was the first track that truly took off and received an overwhelming amount of support. With over a year since its release, we knew it was time to follow it up and keep the momentum going. "Lately" is the kind of track you can vibe to when you're in love, and since love is timeless, we knew it would connect. Our fanbase has also been calling for another soulful collaboration between OKUYU and I so when they ask, we deliver.
How do you and OKUYU balance each other creatively in the studio? What makes the collaboration click so effortlessly?
A mantra I always stick to in the studio is, "always aim for the highest timeline." It’s a mindset that keeps me striving for the best possible version of any track. Working with OKUYU makes that process effortless. He shares the same drive to elevate the art and push boundaries. Beyond that, our years of friendship give us a natural chemistry that translates into the music. On both "Lately" and "Play with Me," our voices blend in the chorus, creating a layered vocal style that really seems to resonate with listeners on a deeper emotional level.
How important is visual storytelling (like cover art, videos, social content) in building the world around your music?
There are definitely mixed opinions when it comes to assets beyond the music itself. In today’s landscape, where short-form content dominates, there’s often pressure to sacrifice meaningful long-form content for quick, catchy clips. Personally, I sit somewhere in the middle. I believe a balanced approach is key—short-form content offers reach and frequency, increasing the chances of being discovered, while long-form content allows for depth and connection once people are tuned in.
For me, everything I put out has intention. My brand is rooted in world-building, where every piece of cover art, video, or outfit contributes to a larger narrative. I’ve created a concept called the “Youniverse”, which follows a character traveling across planets, each representing a different genre.
“Lately” lives on SOULTRON, a planet where rhythm becomes emotion. It’s slow-burning, sultry, and poetic, a sanctuary for the heart and soul. When Younique visits SOULTRON, you’ll find him in satin or silk shirts, velvet pants, and pearls. It’s all part of building a Youniverse where music isn’t just heard, it's experienced.
What advice would you give to artists trying to find that balance between creative freedom and making something people can connect with?
Always make music for you! If it resonates with you, there’s a good chance there’s an audience out there ready to connect with it. I see a lot of artists chasing trends, but to me, that’s not a sustainable path. My creative process comes from a child-like sense of play and that kind of freedom disappears when you try to fit into a formula. So lean into the idea that your best work happens when your only goal is to make YOURSELF fall in love with the song.