The release of YAMATOMAYA’s latest track, “Endless,” via Magik Muzik and Black Hole Recordings, marks a significant milestone in the Japan-based artist’s career. As she prepares for a series of new releases and the upcoming rollout of Amo Recordings, the project serves as a testament to her evolving identity within the trance and EDM landscapes. For YAMATOMAYA, this period of growth is defined by a deliberate approach to artistry and a commitment to authentic discovery.
The Evolution of Musical Discovery
Reflecting on the shift from traditional media to the modern streaming-first workflow, YAMATOMAYA notes that the process of finding music has become both more accessible and more personal. Before the dominance of digital platforms, discovery was a tactile, often serendipitous experience involving radio, television, and physical record stores. While the convenience of the internet has expanded her reach, she emphasizes that the core of her process remains rooted in patience and personal instinct.
“Before streaming, I used to discover music through TV shows and radio,” she explains. “If I heard something I liked, I would go to music stores and try to find it. It was not instant like now, so the whole process was part of the experience. That feeling of finding something on my own is still important to me today.”
Crate Digging in the Digital Age
In an era where algorithmic recommendations often dictate listening habits, YAMATOMAYA views modern crate digging as a process of curation rather than accumulation. She consciously avoids the charts, preferring to follow specific artists and labels that align with her creative direction. This intentionality allows her to maintain a consistent sound while exploring deeper, more meaningful sonic landscapes.
“For me, crate digging today is about staying true to my taste and going further into sounds that inspire me,” she says. “I do not really check charts, because those tracks are already everywhere. Instead, I focus on artists and labels that feel close to my style. I only play music that truly inspires me.”
Trusting Intuition Over Algorithms
While she acknowledges the utility of modern tools, YAMATOMAYA remains wary of over-reliance on technology. She advocates for a more organic approach, where the atmosphere of a setting—whether a cafe or a public space—informs the emotional resonance of a track. By prioritizing her intuition, she ensures that her sets remain a reflection of her personal journey rather than a collection of data-driven trends.
“When I hear music in places like cafes or on the street, I pay attention to how it feels in that moment,” she adds. “I try to remember the atmosphere, along with the track itself. I also trust my intuition when I choose music. That helps me keep a natural way of discovering music.”
As she continues to build momentum with her upcoming projects, YAMATOMAYA’s philosophy serves as a reminder that even in a world of unlimited access, the most powerful tool for an artist remains their own taste and the patience to cultivate it.