We had the good fortune of connecting with Yasmine AZAIEZ and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Yasmine, why did you pursue a creative career?
As a child, I was always very creative, but rather shy. For some reason, I felt most confident performing, whether it be singing, acting out fairy tales or dancing. Like most children do, I began the violin at the age of four. Luckily my teacher recognised that I had musical ability and encouraged my mother to stand by me and practise. Since then, it has become my entire life. I have never thought about doing anything else which would make me happier.

Being on stage and sharing your energy ( and receiving from others) is one of the most fulfilling aspects of making music. Since then, I also discovered how music could help others, so I began performing to raise money for impoverished people in Tunisia, and created the Yasmine Azaiez Animal rescue. I would have never been able to do this humanitarian work if it wasn’t for my love of musical expression.
I am so fortunate to have such a wonderful human beings who helped me pursue my artistic goals, and supported me through all the times I felt unworthy of my goals.
I feel so fortunate to be an Arab woman in this industry and hope to continue to inspire the young people of North Africa to pursue their dreams as well. That is what motivates me even more every day.

I later

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
It has taken a lot of sacrifice to be where I am today, and I haven’t even achieved a fraction of what I want to leave behind on this Earth. I went to the prestigeous Yehudi Menuhin School when I was eight until the age of eighteen; a strenuous boarding school which nurtured young talented individuals to excel on their instruments. It was not easy being away from my family at such a young age in such a small environment . Sometimes I wish I had had a more normal childhood and spent more time with my little sister. However, I am very grateful to have passed the exam to go there. I received wonderful vigorous training and got to work with some of the best Classical musicians in the world.
But something always felt as if it was missing from my life. I loved to interpret incredible works of Art, but at heart I was always an improvisor- Essentially a composer in real time. In my spare time until even two/three in the morning I would sit with a flashlight and manuscript paper composing and trying to record melodies on my phone without waking up my room-mate.
My big Click came when I was sixteen and was invited to play in Cairo Opera House with the world Renowned Oud player Naseer Shamma. For the first time, I got to improvise on stage with incredible musicians who were far more experienced than me. I was up there, playing his beautiful compositions which were influenced by middle eastern, Jazz and flamenco sounds thinking- this is it. this is what has been missing from my life. This is my purpose.
It was the New England Conservatory in Boston fueled the desire . To everybody’s dismay, I changed my major to Contemporary Improvisation and re started my life. Funnily, I was still performing classical music until my junior year on tours, sometimes studying for my Jazz/world music exams on planes which was a trip. But I was distracted, it just didnt make me happy anymore.
Since I had been performing for so long, I already had had a network of contacts and festivals, so it was as if I had go start all over again. I am so proud of what I have achieved since then, and felt finally at home when I started performing my own music.
Ive learned to create my Own sound, which was the hardest to do since I had been conditioned to sound Classically Perfect since I was a child. After years, I created a sound where I play the violin with some classical technique with Arabic and Jazz influences. All I ever wanted was for people to hear my first note and go- Thats Yasmine, like they do with the greats, and Im slowing getting there { I hope!} I try and write music that either spreads a message of awareness, or brings a sense of Happiness, Especially in my album AFRICA.
It’s the kid in me I guess, who never grew up.

The biggest challenge I think I have had to overcome is being a North African woman in this industry, especially in my late teens. Being a young woman in the improvising territory, I always felt as if I had to work twice as hard so that I could be taken seriously. Unfortunately I feel as if not enough people talk about it. I have had some horrific stories that I prefer not to delve into in detail, but my advice for young women, don’t believe every promise that is given to you. Bring a friend or a guardian whenever you believe there might be a great opportunity waiting for you, and always stand your ground.

My message is-write that piece, post that video, bombard people with emails, AND WEAR HEELS DOING IT!

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I am proud to say that after a year living in Los Angeles, I am qualified to answer this question! sidenote- Please presume that we have a private helicopter, since traffic is.. well you know how it is. This would be a perfect day- Alright friend, lets begin with brunch at the Abbey in West Hollywood, then go take a stroll down Santa Monica so we can watch the street performers. Next, lets go to Venice Beach and give a few dollars to the person giving out free hugs, and the pianist who never fails to impress.
Put on your comfiest shoes and lets go hiking in Topanga Canyon. Get ready to be inspired by the magical views of the mountains and the ocean from Malibu beach.
For some reason we didnt have to time to eat lunch, we must be starving. Highland Park food trucks are the place to go to taste all the joy.
Next, lets go to comedy show at the Laugh Factory, and catch a cool concert at either the Lodge room or Catalina Jazz club.
For a late night Dinner, we are heading to Koreatown to Dan Sung Sa, one of my favorite restaurants in the city.
If you are still putting up with my energy and haven’t fallen asleep after all those delicious rice cakes, lets go to an exclusive electronic event in Downtown.
Life will never be the same again.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My mother and sister who have stood by me through wonderful, the bad and the confusing. The renowned actor Raouf Ben Amor for recognising me when I was fourteen and encouraged journalists to watch my concerts. And lastly my wonderful friends, family and fans who have never failed to support my art. I love you all! Let’s not forget my SamSam, my rescue doggy who has travelled the world with me!

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yasmine.azaiezviolin/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yasmine.azaiez.music

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjgjxjYKNj1OHAEYf-hL0sw

Image Credits
Mehdi Hassine,

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