Yonas Prayudhi is a passionate Singer, Songwriter, and Musician based in Surabaya, Indonesia. He is a one-man band who writes and records all of his music. In addition to singing and songwriting, Yonas has a knack for melodic guitar, audio engineering, and more.
When he isn’t creating music, Yonas Prayudhi enjoys taking pictures and currently is an active photographer. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in English Literature.
As a creative and multitalented musician, Yonas aims to create music that inspires others. His very first EP is entitled “Emotional Harmony” and he recently released a single track called “Sixth Sense.”
Exposed Vocals: So tell us your story. Where did you grow up? What made you decide to become an artist?
I grew up in Bondowoso, Indonesia. It is a small city located in East Java Province. I just following my passion. I can’t stop playing music, so I will continue writing music until the end of my life.
Exposed Vocals: What do you think about online music sharing? Do you ever give your music away for free? Why?
Online music sharing is a great way to make yourself heard by other people. I give my first EP for free. It helps me grow both my offline and online presence.
Exposed Vocals: Since everyone was a start-up once, can you give any smaller or local bands or artists looking to get gigs and airplay some tips?
All you need is relation. In this social media era you can easily find them on Facebook or any social media platform. Maximize the potential of social media.
Exposed Vocals: Do you ever make mistakes during performances? How do you handle that?
I think every musician ever make mistake during performances. I just practicing every day to avoid mistake as much as I can. Practice make perfect.
Exposed Vocals: Do you tour? Anything interesting happen on tour that you think our readers would enjoy hearing about?
Currently I am not on tour.
Exposed Vocals: Where do you usually gather songwriting inspiration? What is your usual songwriting process?
I don’t have any specific source for my inspiration. I just listening many musicians as much as I can. There is also nothing special in my songwriting process, basically I just grab my guitar and start singing. In that process suddenly I make new song or sometimes two songs.
Exposed Vocals: Do you have a band website? What online platforms do you use to share your music?
Yes. It is my personal website http://www.yonas.rocks. I use Reverbnation to share my music. It is a good platform.
Exposed Vocals: What are some really embarrassing songs that we might find on your mp3 player?
I usually listen to rock music, but you might find one K-Pop song on my playlist which most rock music artist won’t listen to.
Exposed Vocals: If you were given half a million dollars and a year off, what would you do? How would you spend it?
Probably travelling. I love travelling.
Exposed Vocals: Any planned studio upgrades? What are you working with now?
Not yet, I am working with Cakewalk Sonar as my basic DAW. It works good. So, I don’t need upgrade.
Exposed Vocals: How do you find ways to promote your music? What works best for you?
I read it from music blog. So far, Facebook, YouTube and Reverbnation is perfect combination.
Exposed Vocals: If you could perform anywhere and with any artists (Dead or Alive) where and who would it be with? Why?
Hayley Williams. She is gorgeous.
Exposed Vocals: So, what’s next? Any new upcoming projects that you want to talk about?
I am working on new EP to be launched in 2017.
Exposed Vocals: If you weren’t making music, what would you be doing?
I work as Audio Engineer on an Explainer Video company. So I play with audio in daily basis. I also work as freelance photographer. I enjoy capturing people’s precious moment.
Exposed Vocals: Do you remember buying your first album? Who was it? What was going through your head?
I bought MR Big Album when I was in middle school. I thought they are awesome and I want to play music like them. Then I start learning guitar after that.
Exposed Vocals: How do you juggle the rest of your responsibilities while trying to stay ahead in your music life?
Basically all of my works are in creative industries. So it goes hand in hand. Most music gig are in the weekend or at night, I don’t find any difficulties splitting my time.
Exposed Vocals: What should fans look forward to in 2016?
They will often catch me perform with Guitar Warbler. It is a moving event held by guitar enthusiast based in Surabaya, Indonesia.
