Yerko Arancibia / Yerko
Tell us more about your release?
“Motions“, my debut release, is a deeply personal milestone that marks the moment I broke free from a decade of fear and self-doubt to reclaim my creative voice. Inspired by my time living in Mexico, where I was immersed in its vibrant energy and cultural richness, and by Montreal’s diversity and world-class music scene, this track bridges global influences. With Afro deep house grooves, hypnotic arpeggio synths, jazzy horn elements, and soulful vocals, Motions captures the dynamic tension between calm and chaos—a reflection of my inner journey. Completing this track became a testament to resilience and the transformative power of music to heal, connect, and inspire.
What initially sparked your passion for music, and how did you decide to pursue a career in the industry?
I’ve always known I was a creative person and that my path would have to reflect that. Growing up in a chaotic environment, music became my escape—it saved me in so many ways and gave me a sense of purpose. I knew early on that this was my calling.
The moment everything clicked was at my first rave when I was 17. I was blown away by the energy of house music and how it could transport you to infinite realms. Experiencing that power firsthand solidified my passion for music and made me realize that this was more than just a love—it was the path I wanted to dedicate my life to.
Can you share a memorable moment from your music career that made a significant impact on your artistic journey?
A defining moment in my music career came 10 years ago when I placed in the top three of a production competition for the Alchemy Music Festival in Torino, Italy. I was flown to Italy, where one of the other top three contestants was Enrico Sangiuliano, now a legend in the techno world. Sharing that experience with someone who would go on to shape the genre was both inspiring and eye-opening. It marked the beginning of my journey as an artist and planted the seeds for my creative evolution.
As an artist, how do you approach the creative process? Do you have any specific rituals or methods to get into the creative mindset?
As an artist, my creative process is deeply intuitive and sensory-driven. I approach music as a way to translate emotions and experiences into sound, often starting with a feeling I want to capture rather than a technical idea. I’m particularly attuned to how music shapes perceptions—both consciously and subconsciously—so I focus on creating sounds that evoke motion, depth, and connection.
To get into the creative mindset, I rely on rituals that ground me. I spend time in nature, as it has always been a source of inspiration and reflection for me. Sometimes I’ll start with a single rhythm or melody that mirrors my internal state, then layer it with textures and elements until it feels like it’s telling a story. The process is a mix of structure and spontaneity—building from a foundation while letting the track evolve organically.
What is your connection with Cafe De Anatolia?
Cafe De Anatolia resonates deeply with my artistic vision because of its commitment to blending global influences and creating immersive musical experiences. Their ability to bridge diverse sounds and cultures aligns perfectly with my mission as an artist to connect and inspire through music. Collaborating with Cafe De Anatolia for the release of Motions feels like a natural fit, as their platform not only showcases innovative sounds but also fosters a sense of unity across borders—values that are at the core of my work.
What do you believe sets your music apart from others in the industry? What makes your sound unique?
What sets my music apart is the way I approach it as a tool for exploration and connection. I see music as a way to shape minds, guiding listeners toward heightened awareness while keeping them fully immersed in the moment. Every track I create is an opportunity to evoke introspection and offer a new perspective on life itself—all while making people move. I focus on crafting immersive soundscapes that not only inspire physical movement but also hold listeners in a state of flow, where rhythm and melody create a shared, transformative experience. At least that’s what I try to achieve.
How do you handle challenges or setbacks in your music career? Is there a particular experience that taught you valuable lessons?
Challenges and setbacks have been integral to my growth as an artist. For a long time, fear of imperfection held me back from finishing or sharing my work. Overcoming that was a turning point for me, and I’ve learned to see challenges as part of the creative process rather than obstacles.
One pivotal experience was deciding to reach out to a mastering engineer for my debut track, Motions. It may seem like a small step, but for me, it symbolized letting go of perfectionism and trusting others to contribute to my vision. That experience taught me the importance of collaboration and the value of finishing a project, even if it’s not “perfect” by my own standards.
Now, when I face setbacks, I remind myself that every obstacle is an opportunity to learn, evolve, and refine my craft. Challenges fuel creativity and resilience, and they often lead to unexpected breakthroughs.
Collaboration is a crucial aspect of the music world. Have you collaborated with other artists, and if so, how has it influenced your musical direction?
Collaboration has been a transformative part of my journey as both a DJ and a creative director in the entertainment industry. Beyond music, I’ve worked with artists across disciplines—music, performance, and visual arts—which has given me a deep appreciation for blending distinct creative visions into cohesive and meaningful projects.
In my DJ career, I’ve shared the decks with talented local Montreal artists, each of whom has inspired me in unique ways. Among them is the renowned duo Hicky and Kalo; Camilo, one half of the duo, has been a pivotal figure in my journey, serving as both my sound engineer and mentor. Collaborating with him to finalize my debut track Motions was a transformative experience that taught me the importance of trusting others to enhance my vision.
For me, collaboration is about pushing boundaries, discovering new perspectives, and creating something greater through shared creativity.
“Motions” by Yerko, Cafe De Anatolia released on 02.01.2025 via Cafe De Anatolia