Yijia’s new single ‘Yi The Sun’ is a spellbinding fusion of futuristic trance and ancient tradition, a track that feels both celestial and deeply rooted. Drawing from a rare field recording of the Yi ethnic minority of Southwestern China, this London-based Chinese artist transforms heritage into a radiant act of reclamation. This symbolic homecoming is made even more poignant by her later-in-life discovery that she is, in fact, part Yi herself. Paired with this theme of identity are lyrics that paint a vivid post-apocalyptic vision of returning to Earth after generations away. Yijia questioningly sings, “Hey, hello, is anyone home? I’ve been gone for too long.”

This hauntingly ancient and boldly futuristic track is built on pulsating club beats and ambient psychedelic textures, set in contrast to the rippling waves of tradition-inspired melodies. It’s no wonder that Yijia says that this single is like “taking my ancestors clubbing.” This is also an insight into the artist’s upcoming album TU, a project weaving folk heritage with modern sonic exploration which promises to transcend borders, memory, and even time itself.

“This song is inspired by the traditional Indigenous music of the YI ethnic minority group from the Southwestern part of China. I was really drawn by this particular field recording a musician friend sent me, and later on I took a DNA test and it turns out I’m more than a quarter related to the Yi ethnic minority, despite not knowing that growing up and being disconnected with the culture and language. The lyrics of the song are a post-apocalyptic setting of returning to your home on Earth after being away for a long time, and having this fusion of futuristic ambient psychedelic trance beat on top of an old traditional song. Sometimes I refer to this song as taking my ancestors clubbing.”

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