Yves, your new single “Another Day” has just been released. Can you tell us about the inspiration behind this track and how it came to be?
As usual, I sit behind my piano and look for a chord progression. Then I search for a vocal melody. With this vocal melody, the words ‘another day for love’ immediately came to mind. Since English is not my native language, I have been getting help with the lyrics from a friend for years. Then I was looking for a singer, and I fell in love with Maryne’s voice. She recorded the vocals for the track… and it was a wrap
You mentioned that you composed “Another Day” four years ago but only recently found the perfect sound. What was the journey like to find that perfect sound?
Even with experience, I can’t always tell if a song is good, but I can now tell when it’s not great. For this track, I had an amazing vocal and a beautiful chord progression, but I couldn’t find the right version. I must have made 20 different versions… slower, faster, different styles, but I was never satisfied. So, I let it rest for a long time. Six months ago, I revisited it, and finally, I found what it was missing… it all comes down to tiny details
“Another Day” captures the essence of summer and love. How did you go about incorporating these themes into the track?
Honestly, I don’t really think when I’m composing a song. I never know where it will take me; I just go with the flow. This time, it led me to a summery, energetic sound that ultimately fits the music. Maybe that’s why I didn’t release it earlier; I didn’t have that summer vibe
Reflecting on your massive hit “Rise Up,” how do you feel your music and style have evolved since then, particularly in “Another Day »?
I hope so, because as Einstein said, “Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance, you must keep moving.” The same goes for music. That’s why I question myself every day, learn something new daily, and work with other people. The young producers I work with push me to surpass myself, and that’s amazing.
Your tracks, including “Another Day,” often feature rhythmic piano and infectious vocals. What draws you to these elements in your compositions?
As I mentioned, I always start my compositions on the piano, but often it’s just a starting point, and then I arrange them differently. However, this time, I felt the piano was fitting and needed a vocal over it. I also compose tracks for clubs without vocals, but this one felt a bit more commercial to me.
“Rise Up” topped charts worldwide and became a defining moment in your career. How do you feel about the legacy of that track and its impact on your career?
I owe everything to this song. It propelled me to the forefront of the scene. Without it, I don’t think I could have made a living from music for the past 15 years. I’m still amazed that people keep requesting it, so I always have to play it in my sets.
You’ve taken a brief hiatus from the spotlight before returning with “Another Day.” What have you been working on during this time, and how has it influenced your new music?
After “Rise Up,” I toured extensively around the world. But first and foremost, I’m a composer, so I wanted to slow down and return to the studio. I worked on many different projects, not at all related to dance music (rock, pop, etc.). Now, I am full of energy and inspiration for dance music again. Additionally, I had a daughter and wanted to see her grow up.
Your new single is set to be the soundtrack of the summer. What do you think makes a song the perfect summer anthem?
Music needs to be joyful and sexy, and the lyrics should be easy to remember. However, music isn’t an exact science, so I never know if people will like it. I haven’t yet found the secret formula
You have a strong global following. How do you think your international success with “Rise Up” has influenced your approach to creating “Another Day »?
I created “Rise Up” by following my instincts, just to have fun. After such success, I tried to recreate the same “recipe,” but I never succeeded. In recent years, I stopped overthinking and just made music based on my feelings, without any expectations, just for my own enjoyment. I believe that’s the best approach
With the current trends in house music, how do you ensure your music stays fresh and relevant, as seen with “Another Day »?
I listen to new releases every week, and it inspires me a lot. It’s important to stay up-to-date. In recent years, house music has made a comeback, bringing back the groove, which is where I come from. There was a long period of EDM, which I liked, but I couldn’t produce it well.
You’ve released music on your own label, Millia Records. How does having your own label influence your creative process, especially with tracks like “Another Day »?
It allows me to be more free, to make music that I feel without any stress, and also to release tracks from young artists that I like. However, I still sign songs on labels. I have several that will be coming out soon.
What can your fans expect from you in the near future? Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations following “Another Day” that you’re excited about?
So, I always have a lot of projects in mind. I’ll continue releasing plenty of dance tracks while also working on other musical projects. Most importantly, I’ve found the desire and energy to hit the road again.