Exploring the Alternate Universe with Ygo Ferraz of Ysanygo
Photo by: Miguel Herce
Ygo’s one of the coolest kids I know in the music scene. He started out making his own stuff at a really young age. He along with his sister Ysa has been making really good music for the last 2 years. Let’s know more about the duo, and the gear Ygo uses onstage.
How did you start making music and playing the guitar?
I started playing guitar when I was 10 years old. I learned classical guitar first, but I'd play electric from time to time. I started making the music last 2016. I began producing with GarageBand on an iPad 2.
Photo by: Andrea Genota
How did Ysanygo start out?
Ysanygo started out back in 2017 when Ysa joined a songwriting competition at her school. She had lyrics and a melody, but no musical accompaniment. I happened to have an electronic track which I produced a few months before the competition. We decided to use it for her song.
Sadly, we didn't win the competition. A few days later, we thought about posting the song on major music streaming platforms just for fun. Everything else followed after we uploaded it, and we decided to take this musical endeavor seriously!
“Always play with emotion. It really changes the way you sound! It gives your riffs more life and feelings. As you play, it's like you're telling a story.”
Who are your main influences? And how did they inspire you to play better?
I listen to Phony Ppl, Tom Misch, Daniel Caesar, Mura Masa, and Passion Pit, to name a few. Their chord choices and guitar riffs heavily inspire the way I produce music. I always look for that "oomph" in music that makes your face melt.
Photo by: Andrea Genota
Tell us more about your music.
Ysanygo is a duo composed of my sister and I. We don't really restrict our music to one genre, which is why we call ourselves a "no-genre" duo. Last March, we released our latest single entitled "Even in an Alternate Universe", which you can find on Spotify, Apple Music, and other music streaming platforms! We post our schedule every month on our social media pages (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram).
Tell us about your guitars. Which is your favorite one and why?
My first ever guitar is a Suzuki classical guitar which was a Christmas gift from my parents. I probably learned almost everything with that guitar. I still use it till now, when I want to compose a song.
My second guitar is Steven Harris Les Paul. It was a birthday gift from my parents! I had it since I was in sixth grade. I used it for a while at gigs.
My third guitar is a Manuel Rodriguez Caballero II classical guitar. I use it for guitar class and recitals.
My fourth guitar is a Squier (Standard) Telecaster. I still don't know the specific model, though. At the moment, this is my primary guitar for shows.
Photo by: Kae Antido
Let’s take a look at your pedalboard and other gear. What effects do you use live?
I use a Digitech RP55 Multi-FX pedal and a Line 6 Relay G30 wireless system. I use reverb, chorus, wah, and dirt (overdrive) for live performances. I also use a laptop with an Akai MPKMini Mk II (running on ), an iPad, a Focusrite Scarlett, and a mixer aside from the guitar gear I have. What amps do you use at home and live?
I use this really old Greg Bennett practice amp at home. I like using Twin Reverb amps for live performances.
What are you listening to right now?
You may be surprised! I'm listening to a lot of K-pop and K-R&B right now. There's something about their music that I really vibe with. Their songs are composed and produced really well since Korean artists really value musicality. I enjoy listening to artists such as Zion. T, Twice, and DEAN, to name a few.
Photo by: Miguel Herce What advice can you give to your fellow guitar players and musicians who want to play like you do?
Always play with emotion. It really changes the way you sound! It gives your riffs more life and feelings. As you play, it's like you're telling a story.