Groundwork, sister column of hit student radio show ‘The Dig’, is an exciting new digression aimed at exploring music, art, lifestyle, and culture at a more foundational level.
What is Groundwork?
Groundwork, sister column of hit student radio show ‘The Dig’, is an exciting new digression aimed at exploring music, art, lifestyle, and culture at a more foundational level.
Biweekly, Groundwork will offer things like ‘Blueprints’, our handy thematic name for an artist spotlight – we’ll be digging into Nilüfer Yanya this time around, an indie-rock artist who I think is on the precipice of a seriously big break. Our portfolio will be diverse, also including gig reviews (we’ll call those ‘Fieldwork’), and quick-fire emerging artist compilation pieces: ‘Breaking Ground’.
Working with ‘the Dig’ team, we hope you’ll be reading and listening in tandem. One week, you might read an in-depth artist spotlight in ‘Blueprints’, and then enjoy their best hits on ‘the Dig’ afterwards. In turn, Groundwork might feature or expand on themes debuted on the show, creating a symbiotic relationship where great reading leads to great listening.
Eventually, Groundwork will contribute to a far-ranging ‘the Dig’-branded bid at University of Bath Student Media Group ownership. Watch this space. This might be quickly followed by world domination, where all media you consume will relate to ‘the Dig’ in some way. Writers welcome!
Blueprints: Nilüfer Yanya – a jazzy indie-pop synthesis
Born in London with Turkish heritage, Nilüfer Yanya has been releasing music since 2016.
Yanya’s music can be defined by an understated yet emotional vocal performance, combined with contrasting, textured instrumentation. In almost every song, the layers of instrumentation are quite striking, with Yanya’s voice sitting gently atop. Production at points is intentionally rough; buzzing and grinding, adding a layer of grit. For instance, in ‘Method Actor’, sporadic guitar sections have a certain hoarseness to them, coming in suddenly during brief vocal pauses – a powerful contrast, culminating in a satisfying combination towards the end of the track. Rhythms feel restless, even rapid at points, but often get broken up by periods where other instruments fall away in the mix, like in ‘Midnight Sun’ where only loosely-tuned, abrasive guitar remains alongside vocals.
Yanya’s latest album, ‘My Method Actor’, released last year to critical acclaim, and generally provides the most enjoyable first-listen experience (although PAINLESS still remains my favourite). As I mentioned, it’s scratchy, groovy, and understated at points. Perfect for autumn listening.
Yanya makes music that slightly defies genre – blending indie-rock grit with soulful, jazz-inflected vocals in a way that feels undeniably satisfying. If you’re like me, and tend to fixate on specific artists for months at a time, this music is fantastic for repeat listeners. Each time, something new will be revealed to you, making the experience particularly rewarding. If you’re suffering from a lack of texture this autumn, Nilüfer Yanya is a perfect antidote.
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Your Toolkit – three essential tracks to start your deep dig into Nilüfer Yanya.
Method Actor – ‘My Method Actor’
One of the most popular songs from her latest album, offering buzzing guitars, and a slightly nervous vibe. Groovy jazz drumming percolates throughout. Catch ‘the Dig’ this week to hear this one live.
Like I Say (I runaway) – ‘My Method Actor’
At her most industrial, with heavily processed looping guitar. Powerful vocals with sharp, emotional lyricism define the track.
Midnight Sun – ‘PAINLESS’
Another fan favourite, this track is vocal-heavy, highlighting Yanya’s cool and breathy voice. It somehow sounds both nonchalant and commanding. The track builds to a satisfying conclusion of explosive shoegaze-y guitar.
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Thank you for reading! We hope you’ll be listening to ‘the Dig’, running 21:00-23:00 every Thursday. Please do reach out if you’d like to write for Groundwork!