YOJI

Born in London and later raised in Suffolk, Yoji is a soulful pop/ R&B singer, pianist and award winning songwriter. Fearlessly Yoji writes her songs as though they are extracts from her diary, heartfelt, honest and depicting fragments of her life and has won song writing awards such as Fame Music & Coffee House Sessions, iluvlive and Vodafone Future Breakers. As young as 5 Yoji began creating songs in the play ground and when she turned 8 she took up classical piano lessons to compliment her musical interests. Growing up in a family of artists Yoji felt supported to be expressive and creative with her music and image. Her mother a fashion graduate from St. Martins and painter was influenced by the Japanese designer Yohji Yammato whom Yoji is named after. While attending Goldsmiths as a Popular Music Masters student Yoji developed her production skills which is where she self produced and recorded her third EP Retro Romance alongside singles 'Hiding Place' & 'Head Can't Be Turned'. Previously YOJI brought all the feels with ‘Satellite’, a metaphor for being there for each other in a digital age and a reminder to stay connected with friends. Teaming up with The Samaritans YOJI raised awareness for mental health. Yoji’s songs have been played nationally on Capital FM, Heart FM, 6 Music and she’s gained great support locally from BBC Introducing. Recent highlights include performing at the O2 Arena to a20,000 capacity as a support act for Kool & The Gang at the Electric Soul Festival. Yoji honed her craft by regularly performing in top music venues in central London and the West End. Like many artists the current circumstances have been a challenge but Yoji has virtually joined in with shows such as playing live on BBC Radio 4 Today Show during the first lockdown and online festivals with Talent Banq, Music Crowns and Café Nero. Yoji’s singles also featured in two recent national BBC Introducing Mix Tapes including The Hot List & The Drive Home From Glastonbury.  

YOJI says: “Retro Romance is a soulful classic celebration of love and passion for life unravelling my experiences of true love. I am inspired by artists who write music with a deeper meaning and I have learnt so many life lessons from artists such as Alicia Keys, Lauryn Hill & Jill Scott. I hope my songs can resonate with listeners and make them feel connected through our shared experiences”.