Artist Spotlight: YOUNA
First of all, congratulations on your debut with Armada! How did it feel when “Dopamine” finally came out, and can you tell us a bit about your creative process behind the track?
Thank you so much! This track is especially meaningful to me because from the very first time I tested it in front of a crowd, the reaction was explosive. While producing it, I focused on two main hooks: the cinematic percussive hits and the driving lead synth. For the second drop, I wanted to bring a twist with a slightly different synth melody. I also considered keeping the same structure as the first drop, but in the end, the variation in the second drop gave that unexpected lift and made me want to dance the most, so I knew that was the right choice. It really captured the spirit I wanted the track to have. As the song started to take shape, the word “Dopamine” stuck in my head. To me, it perfectly reflects what the track is about: the detailed and well-balanced essence of melodic techno, the driving energy inspired by peak-time techno, and the explosive intensity influenced by EDM.
Please introduce your upcoming releases, the tracks you’ve been working on recently, and where you draw your inspiration from.
For the second half of this year, I’m planning to release tracks that carry a slightly different character from my previous work. Up until now, I’ve mainly focused on melodic techno, but now I’ve been opening up to other genres, including peak-time, and recently I’ve been drawing inspiration from mid-tempo, drum & bass, and old-school EDM. In the past, I tended to shape my tracks within the boundaries of certain genres, but nowadays I prefer to freely combine the sounds and elements I love, without being constrained by genre. Looking back, I realize I’ve always been drawn to aggressive, dark, driving, and dramatic sounds and progressions. So now, my focus is on expressing those sounds and stories I truly resonate with, beyond any specific framework. I’ve also been expanding each track’s theme into visual imagery and storytelling, which adds another layer of excitement to the creative process. Because of that, making music feels more enjoyable than ever, and I’m genuinely excited to see what kind of sounds I’ll be able to share next year!
Your upcoming track, Serotonin, is about to be released. What can fans expect from the sound and energy of this track, and how does it work in your sets?
While experimenting with intuitive and powerful melodies that could elevate emotions, I sketched the main synth melody, and in that moment, I envisioned a dancefloor where everyone was connected as one. I wanted to capture that collective positivity and sense of liberation. In my sets, I usually use this track as a weapon during the transition from the early boost-up section into the mid part. When the build-up ends and the second drop hits, the crowd always responds exactly as I had pictured in my mind—dancing together in perfect unison, exchanging that positive vibe. That’s exactly what I intended, and it always feels like such a moving moment.