YANA Butterfly Effect | DJ

Growing up, did you always love music?
I have always loved music. I used to dance ballet, and I played piano when I was growing up. I never watched TV, love reading, studied a lot, and was in professional powerboat sport “Formula Future” competed internationally but I always listened to music. At night when I went to sleep as kid, I used to put on the headphones and just listen to music to transform into my imaginative world. It helped me relax.

How did you get your start in becoming a DJ?
I used to volunteer for a company called The Good Ones. The focus was on curated events to bring like-minded people and facilitate discussion and unique connections. The owner and my current best friend Carolyn complimented me on my music taste and eventually offered me an opportunity to open for one of the fundraisers.

I had a week to learn how to DJ. I went to the Guitar Center, bought my first equipment and watched YouTube videos. This led to my first residency at the Chalet Bastille Kitchen in Boston.

I understand that you have your degree in Biology and work during the day doing clinical research. Can you tell us more about that?
I work for a biotech company that’s focusing on precision genetic medicine for the rare disease Duchenne Muscle Dystrophy. It’s a disease that is primarily manifested in males. In simple terms, the muscle tissues convert to fat. DMD is a fatal disease. We’ve been working on how to help those kids and we’ve made a lot of progress. This project has been my baby. I have put my heart and soul into it. And of course, it’s connected to movement and dance. It’s my dream for those kids to be able to dance and enjoy life through movement and musical expression.

Why did you choose The Butterfly Effect as part of your branding?
The theory of the butterfly effect speaks to a metaphysics concept - how a small change in one dimension can cause a tornado (significant change) in another dimension. Meaning small actions can have great impact.

My goal with music is for people to get connected with their soul, to get kind of an emotional openness, and to leave maybe a little bit freer and a little bit more of a different person. Some people have commented to me that attending one of my shows was like going to church.

You seem to have a love for fashion, where did you get your sense of style?
Thank you, I have always loved fashion and getting dressed up. I think I got it from my mom. She has excellent taste. It just comes very naturally.

Do you prefer playing in a larger venue to a huge crowd or something smaller and more intimate?
I prefer larger venues because of the massive energy exchange. It’s an absolutely an amazing experience. I also don’t mind smaller venues, which are more intimate and can offer a connection with the audience. However, I love the feeling in a large venue where the audience is in sync, it is a scientific concept that people feel better when they’re listening to the same sound wavelength and get energized from each other as a union. As an artist, it’s your job to make sure you establish connection with the audience and that you are present and performing for them.

How do you stay inspired and keep your music fresh and innovative?
You just need to keep your eyes, heart and ears open. Be open-minded and not get stuck in one direction and to see what’s out there but of course staying authentic is the key.

What would you consider the highlight of your music career so far?
Probably the highlight of my music career was opening for the artist Black Coffee in St.Pete, Florida. The biggest audience I have ever played, probably 3,000 to 4,000 people in a stadium setting. It was very impactful!

What do you do for fun?
I have a love and appreciation for art, I go to museums and galleries to get inspired quite often. I also spend a lot of time on weekends reading through my collection of art books. I have a tradition of bringing an art book from places I have traveled to. I love to understand the meaning behind the art and what message the artist had tried to convey and see if it resonates with me or if it unveils new perspective. It is like a search with music!