INTERVIEW: Yafania releases new music video

Vancouver-based artist Yafania is an eighteen-year-old newcomer who’s already captured attention with her emotionally compelling and memorable sound, demonstrating a level of talent that goes well beyond her years. As a singer-songwriter, she found her true voice through music, offering an authentic expression of her own artistic identity.

Known for her hardworking, perfectionist nature, Yafania pours her heart and soul into every aspect of her music, allowing her savvy and kindness to shine through her pop-focused rock sound. Making her entrance in May this year with her debut single “Front Row,” the next month she dropped an alternate, sped up version of the track.

Now she brings us her latest outing with her third release titled “The Right Guy,” a bright and breezy track that marks the beginning of an exciting new chapter in her budding career. “The Right Guy” serves as the first piece of a larger body of work, one that promises to unfold in a series of interconnected visual and musical themes.

In this song, Yafania embraces her signature dreamy indie pop style, threading lush melodies with personal, poignant lyrics. The song’s theme revolves around the quest for the perfect connection, the longing for love that is both idealistic and personal with Yafania’s ability to explore such themes in a relatable yet individual way showcasing her songwriting maturity.

With upbeat vocals, bouncy rhythm and intricate electric guitar dashes, Yafania’s delicate voice glides above the arrangement to spin instantly catchy melodies carrying heartfelt lyricism, resulting in a charming pop rock sound. Flowing with an infectious chorus and jangly guitar tones and airy instrumental textures, “The Right Guy” offers a delightful jam that’s guaranteed to put a smile on your face.

Accompanying the release of the single is a cinematic music video that brings Yafania’s romantic vision to life. The video stars Pearce Joza, a Disney actor known for his roles in popular films and TV shows, who portrays Yafania’s love interest. Shot in a series of breathtaking settings, the video follows their evolving relationship, from the initial spark of their meeting to a captivating cliffhanger that leaves viewers wanting more.

We caught up with Yafania to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “The Right Guy” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with Yafania below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

From a young age, I was wonderstruck by the world of music itself. I would constantly create songs and sing them around the house, keeping the fact that I wrote them to myself. One of my earliest and sweetest memories is of me as a child, twirling around the house, singing my own little songs while my family would listen in and even try to join in as well.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

My musical inspirations are Taylor Swift, The Cranberries, and The All-American Rejects. From their storytelling to their edge and emotional depth they’ve shown that blending narrative-driven lyrics with emotional energy is key, something I strive to capture in my own music.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

For me, the inspiration comes simultaneously from both the music and the visuals. I’m passionate about both music and filmmaking, and blending those two worlds together through storytelling in my videos is the best way I’ve found to express myself creatively. As I’m writing a song, I immediately start to see the imagery for the music video, which then helps guide the direction of the track itself. Often, the lyrics serve as a blueprint for the video. For “The Right Guy,” the lyrics capture the essence of a ‘dream romance’. As a hopeless romantic, I think many of us long for that cinematic love story with the perfect person.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

There have been so many amazing moments this year, but if I had to choose, it would be releasing “Front Row” and “The Right Guy.” The response to “The Right Guy” has been incredibly heartwarming. “Front Row” also continues to be a debut I’m proud of. The love and support I’ve received from the listeners and viewers has been so genuine and sweet. It’s such a special feeling to know that the music is resonating with people in a meaningful way.

What do you love about the Vancouver music scene?

What I love about the Vancouver music scene is how much hidden talent there is. It’s full of hidden gems that are just waiting to be discovered, and it feels so special when you find them. There’s also such a wonderful mix of genres, with indie rock being one of the main ones, but there’s something for everyone. It’s a strong community of artists and I’m proud to take part in it.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Whether you’re on the go, strolling through a park, relaxing in a café or walking home from university or school, I want you to feel like a hopeful romantic. My goal is to create melodies and lyrics that stick with you, capturing the emotions that inspired them. No matter where you are, I hope my songs bring a sense of connection and a little magic to your day.

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I believe that something has continued to remain from the beginning of my musical journey up until now is that I’m always authentic. I’ve written in different ways in the past, but dream-romance-pop has currently been a direction my music has been ushering towards at this point of my journey. It allows me to tell visual stories that blend fantasy with real-life feelings, and it gives me the freedom to be both vulnerable and imaginative as an artist.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

There are many artists out there and I believe that the right collaboration will come together naturally when the time is right. That being said, I heard that the All American Rejects are releasing new music again, and I love their sound!

How did you find making your new single “The Right Guy”?

I wrote the song in half an hour but it took a long time to record. The process was organic, everything from the lyrics to the melodies and came together so naturally. The first verse was hard to pinpoint for me because with each variation I felt that it was getting farther and farther from what I knew it should be. I spent a lot of time revisiting and refining that part. I eventually found the proper sound and it ended up sealing the composition. Now that it’s out, I can look at the struggle with the first verse melody proudly, seeing how the final melody ended up making the song even stronger, adding a layer of depth to the final version.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

Ultimately, the message is about staying hopeful and believing in the possibility of finding your “right person,” even if the path to them is unpredictable. With “The Right Guy,” I wanted to capture the excitement and vulnerability of searching for that perfect connection, the kind of love you dream about but experiencing. It’s about that hopeful feeling of wanting to find someone who just gets you, someone who feels like they were meant to be in your story. At the same time, I wanted to show that love isn’t always straightforward. It’s a justification song at its core, where you’re essentially trying to convince yourself that you have valid reasons to want to be with the person you love. There are moments of uncertainty and doubt, but that’s what makes the journey so special.

Did you enjoy making the music video for the song?

It was one of the most profound experiences of my life. Working on the music video for “The Right Guy” with Director Said Khallaf and DOP Darcy Muenchrath was truly an honor. I felt deeply involved in every step of the process, which made it even more meaningful. Both Said and Darcy shared my passion for the song and were committed to capturing the beauty of this story in every shot. Others always hear creatives talk about specific moments in their projects when they say they wish they could go back and savor the experience more, but I truly felt like I was enjoying every part of it. From the storyboards to filming and all the aspects that come with it, I would do it all over again in a heartbeat, and I couldn’t have asked for a better team to share that journey with.

How was it working with Pearce Joza for the video?

Working with Pearce was a truly rewarding experience. While filming “The Right Guy,” I was deeply immersed in the production process and also trying to balance my role as both the artist and an on-screen partner. Acting is one of his main crafts, and he was incredibly sweet and supportive throughout. I remember the day before we shot the school scenes, he eased some of the initial pressure I was feeling. If I could describe him in any way, I’d say he’s an artistically driven person and that shines through in the final video.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

We live in a time that’s enriched with so much music. Maisie Peters, Matt Maltese, Manëskin, Taylor Swift, JVKE and Livingston are all on my playlists.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I want my music to be an experience. Through the lyrics, the compositions and the music videos itself, I want my music to be absorbed in chapters, as different entries as to who I am as a person. I write about moments and the realizations that hit at every moment. For “Front Row”, that moment is reaffirming your loyalty to the person you love and for “The Right Guy” that moment is the evolving realization of why the person you love is right for you. That’s the way they’re meant to be listened to.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

I love this question! I’d choose Livingston, Madison Beer, and myself. It would be fantastic to perform at a large stage but in completely unexpected weather, like a winter festival. A winter festival where everyone is bundled up for the snow with their puffer jackets and mittens, if we somehow could manage to keep our temperature safe and music gear functioning in those conditions.

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow your footsteps?

Success is not just about the destination; it’s about the connections you build and the experiences that shape you as an artist. Your small victories are stepping stones whether it’s a performance, a recording session or a lesson learned from a setback, it is all a part of your growth. As you evolve, you’ll attract others who resonate with your vision and be able to determine which of those people will follow you on your path. I’ve found that the key people who believed in me from the start continue to support me and that encouragement has been invaluable.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

I want my music to be experienced in chapters, and “The Right Guy” serves as the first, though it’s far from the end of the story. Even though I could hint to an angelic revelation, I believe the best stories are the ones where you don’t know what’ll happen next.

Watch the music video for The Right Guy below