I was really lost when we started working on the song and was skeptical that I would be able to concentrate enough to actually write something that resonates with me. I wrote it on the verge of a breakdown. I kinda had to start my life over and find out what I actually wanted to do with it. “Back Seat” is my intuition, the voices that live in the back of my head, that only I can hear. They made me ask myself questions I needed to be asked.
You always know the answer, you just don’t like it sometimes and chose to ignore it.
Y A N A
THE RELEASE
Rising alt-r&b singer Y A N A returns to Stereofox with a new single, called “Back Seat” – an upbeat take on toxicity & emotional exhaustion.
The hypnotic blend of sweet, airy vocals over a Kaytranada-like beat and playful basslines is produced by her frequent collaborator Gena (who’s also behind their joint album Under My Skin, released in 2023). The track pulls listeners into the emotional turbulence of a relationship where control is slipping away, leaving them stuck in the metaphorical back seat.
Y A N A has collaborated with the legendary Japanese duo Snowk and earned placements on Spotify’s Electropolis and Happy Stroll, as well as support on Soho Radio London, Ones To Watch. Gena was part of Stereofox’s Bulgarian Beat Wave compilations, featured on CLASH Magazine, KCRW & more. Their previous joint release “Fast Lane” was also added to Deezer’s R&B UK editorial.
With “Back Seat”, Y A N A & Gena fuse infectious grooves with deeply personal storytelling, pushing the boundaries of modern r&b. A must-listen for fans of Kaytranada, KALLITECHNIS, and Syd.
THE ARTIST
Y A N A
Y A N A is one of the most interesting up-and-coming singers in Sofia – the way she blends smooth r&b singing & subtle rapping is outstanding. She’s a vocal coach and is a solid part of the local music scene, often collaborating with other vocalists like Leena & producers like Gena and Trombobby. She’s also opened live for JMSN & has worked with the legendary Japanese electronic/r&b duo Snowk.
- Opened live for JMSN
- Featured on Spotify's Electropolis & Happy Stroll
- Worked with Japanese r&b/electronic duo Snowk & UK producer Akassia
- Supported on Deezer's UK R&B editorial
Gena
Founding member of the most prolific hip hop act in Bulgaria for the past 13 years – So Called Crew. Gena is a champion of the classic hip-hop sound, movie fanatic & all-mighty sample being. He's part of Stereofox's Bulgarian Beat Wave compilations (featured on CLASH, KCRW), produced Y A N A's Under My Skin album & half of Leena's Labyrinth of the Subconscious LP (both available on vinyl).
- Part of Stereofox’s highly-acclaimed Bulgarian Beat Wave vol. 1 compilation, featured on BBC 1, CLASH Magazine, Bandcamp frontpage, KCRW, etc.
- Featured on Deezer’s R&B UK editorial for his work with YANA
- Sold-out vinyl campaign for Leena’s debut album Labyrinth of the Subconscious (distributed worldwide via Fat Beats)
