Name: Yaemulli

Where He’s From: South-East London

When He Started: “I got serious about pursuing music as a career towards the end of 2022.”

Genre: Alternative R&B/Rap

Files Next To: Laicositna, Arz, Bakar

Sounds Like: “I’d say it’s like yin and yang. I like to think of it as a sound of pain vocalised in a peaceful way.”

First Music That Inspired Him: “I’ve gotten this question a lot in label meetings and interviews, but honestly, I would say that my biggest influence would be life itself. Growing up, there was always reggae playing around the house, so I guess that shaped me in some ways. My favourite artists right now are probably Alex G, Memo Boy and King Krule.”

At just 19 years old, Yaemulli—or Yae, for short—is a poster boy for the duality that’s redefining the UK’s alternative music scene. Melancholic yet melodic, his sound pivots the line between the grind of everyday hustle and the exclusivity of mystery. His butter-smooth vocals glide across dreamlike soundscapes, creating a blend that’s both soothing and raw. As he puts it: “I make chill guy music.” Its energy perfectly matches his reserved personality, drawing listeners into his world without giving too much away. “Last year, my biggest achievement was being able to build a fanbase without any label support or management,” he tells TRENCH. Despite having just one official release on Spotify, a song titled “oh yea”, he’s already surpassed over 170,000 streams, which is a clear sign of his potential as he gears up to drop his first EP.

In the age of digital streaming platforms, being an independent artist comes with its share of challenges, leaving aspiring musicians on a constant search for a gap in the door to slip their foot into. Many have turned to social media, moving the grassroots approach online and trusting algorithms to push their music out to the masses. Only a few manage to break past the barriers to reach their target audiences. Yaemulli has been fortunate enough to be one of those few, carving out a space for himself in an oversaturated market. “I might have gotten my fanbase from TikTok,” he admits, “but my music is way bigger than that.”

Recently, we’ve seen a rise of newer artists exploring subgenres like ‘dream rage’ or experimenting with jerk beats, but Yae breaks away from these trends to take a more tranquil and evocative path. It’s difficult to pin down, but his work seems to flow effortlessly across genres like cloud-rap, indie and alternative R&B. Viral visuals of him on London rooftops, enveloped by the grey skies and smoking through his lyrics, capture the vibe of his moody and unique style. A man of few words, Yae lets his music do most of the talking, each track acting like a window into his mind. His journey into music has been one of self-discovery and experimentation, as you can tell from his earlier works. “The first song I ever made was called ‘Pain’,” he recalls. “It was a little generic, but if you know me, you’d understand the meaning behind it.” The moment he knew he’d found his lane came with “Sunday Chilling”. “That was the song that made me realise I make music for the soul.”

Even with a budding discography, Yae’s range is evident. “Sonder”, for example, with its ethereal beat and weary, brooding lyrics, hint at what a UK version of Lucki might sound like. Meanwhile, “So High”—built around a sample of “Silver Soul” by Beach House—features strained, high-pitched vocals that blend seamlessly with the dreamy backing track. No two songs sound the same, yet they’re all unmistakably Yae. In a sonic world that’s completely his, he manages to keep evolving throughout each snippet he teases. Themes like love, heartbreak and introspection are key features of Yaemulli’s music, putting him in the same league as artists like Arz, who he recently shared the stage with at a sold-out show at the Camden Assembly. With shoutouts from music blogs and link-ups with artists like Chy Cartier, Yae’s presence is being cemented. Describing himself as a “peacemaker” in the scene, his ability to connect with listeners, through the intimacy of his lyrics or by engaging with fans in TikTok comments, has created a tight-knit community around his art.

With his debut EP on the horizon, Yaemulli’s in a great position to expand his reach even further. Whether performing on stage or on a rooftop, he bares his soul with a vulnerable and relatable sound that keeps us wanting more. Lo-fi demos on SoundCloud have paved the way for a rising voice in alternative UK music. Yae’s journey might still be unfolding, but it’s already shaping up to be one worth keeping an eye on.