Vyce Blank: "Music is the reflection of my inner journey"

Yakob, also known as Vyce Blank, is a producer and DJ based in Berlin, Germany. Throughout his career, he has been fortunate to receive support from influential figures such as Bart B More, Sarah Wild, Tomorrowland Academy, RSO, and LIEBESKIND BERLIN, an acknowledgment he is deeply grateful for. As a co-writer on prodby_lou’s remix of "Spaced Out" by IVOXYGEN, which was played by Trancemaster Krause at Airbeat One, Yakob was able to showcase his versatility and deepen his appreciation for open and creative collaboration. This support has been a vital driving force in his artistic journey, helping him to shape a unique and authentic sound and to live music as a sincere expression of himself and life. He is now proud to present his upcoming EP – X‘O.

"X‘O" marks an important milestone in your career. What was the creative process behind this EP, and what message did you want to convey through these tracks?

My friends were definitely the biggest influence on this EP. I didn’t produce it in a fancy studio at all. Most of it was made at one of my best friend’s places, which felt more like a co-working space for creatives. We had countless joyful but also deeply philosophical late-night conversations there, and those moments helped me understand myself better and reconnect with my creative process behind "X‘O".

For me, this EP is about trusting the process of healing and reflecting my journey through psychotherapy. I wanted to share that story in the hope that listeners feel a little less alone and more connected, to themselves and to each other.

This EP simply wouldn’t exist without the most important part of it all, my loved ones.

You’ve received support from influential figures like Bart B More and Sarah Wild, and collaborated on notable projects. How have these experiences shaped your style and musical evolution?

At the beginning, my style was definitely all over the place. But through meeting so many different kinds of people, I started wanting to capture the uniqueness of every single encounter.

That opened my perspective a lot, especially musically. I was introduced to and inspired by many genres: Dutch House, Disco, Pop, Warehouse, Techno and more, and learned to appreciate what makes each of them special.

I think it’s almost inevitable that my sound is a mix of many influences, probably also because of my cultural background. But at the core of everything, I’ve always been deeply fascinated by the raw and analog energy of House Music, especially Classic House. That’s the kind of music that truly resonates with me and keeps me going.

As a co-writer on the remix of "Spaced Out" by IVOXYGEN, you’ve explored various genres and collaborations. How important is it for you to maintain such musical openness?

To be honest, I sometimes find it quite challenging to create something for others that I’m fully satisfied with in the end. But working on the chord progression for Lou, basically the backbone, of the "Spaced Out" remix helped me realize that there are so many different tastes and flavors out there, and that’s exactly what brings people together through music.

Collaborations like this really helped me expand my perspective and appreciate music on a deeper level. They taught me to listen differently and to understand that it’s not always about my own vision alone.

In the end, it’s about living in the moment and learning to overcome your own ego.

Berlin is known as a global hub for electronic music. How has the Berlin scene influenced your sound and artistic vision?

The Berlin club culture welcomed me with open arms, especially as someone who often feels out of place or like a misfit. It showed me that I can truly be myself and that there are spaces without prejudice or projections, where people can exist freely and love openly.

That experience inspired me to create something that feels emotional, soft, freaky and groovy at the same time. Musically, you can hear this in the raw and analog textures, the atmospheric layers, background rhythms and subtle melodies that shape the experience differently every time, sometimes even unconsciously.

With "X‘O", I wanted to create something that resonates with people who feel the same way I do, who want to let go of looping behavioral patterns and move toward a more empathetic way of being.

Looking ahead, what are your goals and what new directions do you want to explore after releasing "X‘O"?

I definitely want to educate myself more about club culture, because there’s always something new to learn, both musically and culturally.

Sound-wise, I want to keep incorporating elements from different eras and perspectives, while maintaining an emotional and raw core, kind of like finding my own mesotes, a balance between extremes.

On a personal level, I want to feel more again, really live life and enjoy moments with my loved ones. I believe that through this, I’m slowly getting closer to my sound, my identity and who I truly want to be.

xoxo

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