«I have a history of getting lost in memories and emotions», Yanni admits. «To the point where I become consumed with panic, anxiety and I can’t function properly or move on with my life». Produced by Yanni with his close friend Tiger Darrow, the song contains a dreamy, trippy soundscape and is darker and more emotionally intense than his previous singles. However, it still contains the pop/dance feel the artist has become known for. «As heavy as the lyrics may seem, I still want listeners to have fun, dance a little and let loose», he explains. «I hope to inspire a sense of celebration that comes with gaining freedom from the mistakes of our past». Yanni Burton’s «A Part of Me» is available now on Apple Music, Spotify and all digital platforms.
Filmed by Brian Thomas and famed dancer/choreographer Cassidy Noblett (who has toured the world with Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Katy Perry, among others), the music video for «A Part of Me» depicts the madness and dream like world Yanni sings about in the song. It was shot entirely in a black box with UV lights. «The idea was to turn off the lights and to expose the marks left behind from previous relationships; marks that you cannot physically see but the illusions and fantasies that still linger in the mind», Yanni says.
It features artists from the CDI (Commercial Dance Intensive) group, an elite program that trains the next generation of superstar dancers.
Yanni Burton grew up in Adelaide, Australia, and attended the prestigious Juilliard School in Manhattan where he studied the double bass. He holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in orchestral performance and is Producer and General Manager of the Salome Chamber Orchestra, where he has performed alongside a long list of celebrated artists including John Legend, Michelle Williams, Natasha Beddingfield and Rufus Wainwright.
Yanni describes his life today as much less chaotic. «At least it was before COVID-19 struck», he laughs. He has also found love. He and his fiancé were engaged last year and intend to get married in the Spring.
Yanni Burton’s «A Part of Me» are one of the challengers to the LGBTQ Music Chart this week, so if you want it on the chart, the only way is to vote.
You can follow him on Instagram @yburton.