Polar Youth
Polar Youth is an artist/producer from Belgium.
The multi-instrumentalist artist caught the attention of the renowned DJLefto who gave Polar Youth her first big performance opportunity in 2014. In the same year, the Belgian producer has been awarded for the “Most Promising Artist” at the Red Bull Elektropedia Awards.
Polar Youth unveiled her new single “Secrets” on March 1st. The electro-pop single features vocals from New York City-based artist ÊMIA.
''Secrets” was written in the middle of a complicated breakup. It was one of the first times I admitted and clearly articulated how I felt about a long-term relationship that wasn’t working for me anymore. I think it’s easy to want to hold on to something that takes so long to build. But when you’re letting go, it just happens no matter how hard you try to fight it. And through “Secrets”, I really dove into that feeling,” explains ÊMIA.
With this latest single, the 23 year-old is designing an incredible musicality, leading her to be one of the most promising female producers in the music industry.
Polar Youth will be releasing her debut EP later this year.
“Secrets” is now available on major streaming platforms.
Photo credit: Guillaume Kayacan
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
Hi! My name's Elisabeth. I'm a 23-year-old girl from Belgium and I've been producing since I was twelve.
What's your story?
When I was younger, I learned to play the guitar and the drums. When I was 12 years old, I discovered FL Studio. I've been producing every day since that moment. At the beginning I just saw my music as a hobby. I was more focused on school and my friends, but the older I grew, the more I realised I really wanted to live off my music. That's why I stopped studying and started my project Polar Youth in 2014 and it's the best decision I've made in my life so far. The same year, Red Bull Elektropedia awarded me the 'most promising artist 2014' and I'm still grateful for the boost of confidence they gave me.
Growing up, what were you passionate about?
I was passionate about a lot. My music, my family, my friends, school... But I never stood still about any of it. It's only when getting older that I realised how important my family and music had been for me.
What or who introduced you to the musical path?
There are a lot of musicians in my family so I guess it's in my genes. For me, it just came naturally. I guess the only trigger I can think of is the music my parents listened to. It really shaped the music I make now.
When did you start making beats? What was the biggest challenge when you first started?
When discovering FL Studio at 12 years old, I was so happy but I had no clue how it worked. The biggest challenge was wanting to write down my ideas but not knowing how. I messed around with loops and samples and watched a lot of tutorials, which helped a lot.
When did you start making music professionally?
It was around late 2012 that I really started looking into making a career in music. At that time, I had a really lame artist name (Mary Trappins) but I did receive positive reactions about the music I released at the time. I'm pretty sure you can still find some tracks on Youtube. It was then in late 2013 that I decided to change my name into Polar Youth and I haven't looked back since then.
What gave you the confidence to become an artist and release your original music?
I just really wanted my music to be heard, I wanted to be able to touch people with my music: even if it's just one person, the satisfaction I get from it is the best feeling ever. I also had no idea how the music business worked so I just thought, why not throw myself into it and we'll see what happens.
You recently released a new single called "Secrets". What's the story behind this song?
In ÊMIA's words: ''Secrets was written in the middle of a complicated breakup. It was one of the first times I admitted and clearly articulated how I felt about a long-term relationship that wasn’t working for me anymore. The scariest thing about that whole process was re-adjusting what I thought my life was gonna look like in the future. It was hard turning my back on something that meant (and still means) a lot to me. I think it’s easy to want to hold on to something that takes so long to build. But when you’re letting go, it just happens no matter how hard you try to fight it. And through Secrets, I really dove into that feeling.''
At what point did you realize ÊMIA was the right fit for this track? How did you guys meet?
I actually specifically made that track for her. I discovered her on Soundcloud and was immediately inspired by her voice and by her style. I made a basic beat and sent her a message through Soundcloud, she replied with excitement so I knew we would get along right away.
What can you tell us about your upcoming EP?
In the past I've had my struggles because I was comparing myself with other artists, which works both an inspiration and a confidence killer. With this EP I was able to be 100% myself, which is why I'm SO excited to share it with everyone.
How do you choose your collaborations? What are the things you are looking for when working with artists?
I don't often work with other producers. I'm more interested in finding good vocalists. I just roam around on Soundcloud for hours. The one thing I really don't care about is how big their audience is. I will always invest myself 100% in someone I believe in. There aren't specific things I'm looking for, as long as you can touch me with your voice and your story, I'll gladly work with you.
What do you like the most about making music?
The fact that I can express my emotions to strangers without having to say one word. Without knowing me personally, that I'm still able to touch them with my music.
What equipments and softwares do you usually use?
I have a very basic setup. I use my laptop and my Mackie speakers and an external sound card. I also have a microphone if I want to sing in some ideas.
What makes a good producer?
'Good' is such a broad word. Being a good producer starts with being a good person. Being a good producer is more than just having experience and talent. A good producer is someone who is confident in their work, someone that respects the music industry and the people in it.
What advices would you give to new producers?
Don't be too much influenced by other people. The most important thing about your music, is that YOU love it yourself. As long as you're proud of your work, nothing can stop you.
How do you want to be remembered for?
The bubbly producer that makes music she likes, enjoying every second of it.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Staying in the topic of music, if every country would start pushing their own upcoming talents more, I think the world would be a better place.
What biggest lessons have you learnt as a human being and as an artist?
Nothing comes easy. The most beautiful things are the ones you have to work the hardest for.
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