[INTERVIEW] With Tsumyoki, Always Expect the Unexpected

Tsumyoki (aka Nathan Joseph Mendes) or simply as Yoki, is an Indian rapper, singer, audio engineer, songwriter, record producer and artist from Goa, India. His stage name defines “vision, productivity and a positive mindset”.

He is the first Goan music artist and the youngest member at age 19, signed by DIVINE‘s record label, Gully Gang Records in 2021. He is also featured in Goan Insider’s 50 Most Influential People of 2021.

Tsumyoki has recently released his newest album ‘A Message From The Moon’ with the title track “It’s Aight”. Check out our interview below where he hints at a special collaboration coming soon!

Please introduce yourself to the readers of HypnoticAsia. 

Hi HypnoticAsia! My name is Tsumyoki (Sue-Ma-Yoki). I’m a musician from Goa, India & I’m signed to a record label called Gully Gang in India.

How did you get into music? Inspirations?

I got into music for the first time when I wrote a diss track to my friend in 10th grade a couple of years ago & that’s how I first stepped into music for fun. Then I realized I can actually write rhymes. My inspirations are XXXTENTACION musically, he’s really helped me heal with his music & another inspiration is my mom which inspires me to work hard every single day .

Is there a track you would recommend for those who want to check out your music?

I think all my music is incredible haha, but to answer the question – “Perfect Life ” could be the right entry point to my catalogue.

You have a new album entitled “AMFTM” (A Message From The Moon) that was just released! Tell us all about it.

It took me 3 years to make this album and it’s about the emotions I felt during this time. I’ve dealt into my past relationships, my pain, a lot of trauma that I’ve addressed & it’s my first studio album with Gully Gang and a start to the IPOP movement here in South Asia .

How did you decide which tracks would be included on this specific album?

A lot of trial & error, going b&f [back and forth] with my team on how to display my emotions in the best sequence possible to fit the narrative of the album.

The lyrics in the album seem vulnerable with some tracks even giving a haunting feel due to the melody. However, just reading the tracklist wouldn’t give the listener that idea. Are there any stories behind the song titles in this album?

There are some stories that I don’t want to reveal what exactly it means because I’d prefer the audience to perceive it their own way! 

You have a few collaborations on the new album. Is there an artist you would like to collaborate with that you have not had the chance to work with yet?

I’m dropping a deluxe in September & have a dream Collab – I’d suggest the listeners to follow me on Instagram to keep in touch and know who that is!

You handle the songwriting, production, and recording of your music. What is your process like for all parts?

So I have a melody in my head, then go to my piano / ukulele then lay down the chords for that melody and then fits words into the same & then go to my software and produce it along the way & finish a song.

The music video was filmed for the track “It’s Aight”. Why was this track chosen for the music video?

This whole team decided to choose this track because it’s the most unique song that had the most potential to tap the international market. Filming the music video was quite fun & there was ofc[of course] the kissing scene which was the most challenging but turned out very comfortable with the model & the scene that actually pops off in the music video!

If you were not doing music, what do you believe you would be doing instead?

I think I’d be a salesman because I’m very good at talking on spot & at selling things & I used to sell things back in 11th & 12th grade so I think I’d be a terrific salesmen.

What can we expect to see from you in the future?

With Tsumyoki always expect the unexpected to happen because he always switches genres based on mood – be it rap, Pop, funk / Rock.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to do music?

Just as long as you’re enjoying the process you’re doing the right thing! Don’t force yourself to produce hits, just make music you love and the hits are automatic! 

This or That:

1. Coffee or Milk Tea?
   Milk tea any day 
2. Brunch or Lunch?
   Lunch any day 
3. Eating only ice cream for the rest of your life or Never eating ice cream again?
   Never eating ice cream again 
4. Morning or Night?
   Morning because of the Gym!
5. Movies or Games?
   Games because it’s much more interactive!