Culture Clash: Black Yaya

Herman Dune songwriter on his tastes and obsessions...

It seems rather odd to talk about Black Yaya releasing his debut album.

After all, the songwriter – real name David Ivar – forms one half of beloved indie pop outfit Herman Dune.

But here we are, focussing on the songwriter's first full scale solo effort, with 'Black Yaya' due to be released on Monday (March 2nd).

An intriguing figure, David manages to squeeze all manner of obscure topics into his songwriting – an indie pop renaissance man, his literate yet emotive approach continues to thrill.

Probed on his tastes and current obessesions, Black Yaya becomes the latest entrant for Culture Clash.

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Book
John Darnielle – Wolf In White Van
I went from being a youth to being a man with John Darnielle (aka The Mountain Goats) as a soundtrack. Through the end of High-School and beyond, I've loved his lyrics. His songs almost always had a narrative, a strong story, which I always believed to be true (I found out later he made up most of it).

Wolf In White Van is his first novel, and it's a thrill to read. I was moved, scared and moved again all through this dark tale of solitude made of beautiful words…

Film
Darren Aronofsky – Pi
I love Darren Aronofsky. Pi is one of the best films I've ever seen, beautiful, deep. I want to write music for his films one day.

Gadget
Slip-N-Snip Folding Scissors
Made in the USA, I always carry them in my pocket (even through airport security). In case my mustache grows a little too long for me to enjoy the head of a beer, I can quickly and easily trim it anytime thanks to this genius piece of American design…

Album
Kyle McNeill – I Was Happy
Still haven't seen him perform around Los Angeles. What I hear is that he's a kid and that he is amazing. I got his record last year and can't stop listening to it. Sounds like Chet Baker meets Creedence to me, nothing like a kid.

TV Show
Jonathan Ames – Bored To Death
I despise TV. I never want to be around one, I never owned one. I have watched Bored To Death by Jonathan Ames though and have loved it, there's got to be a little bit of writing in moving pictures for me to love them.

Gear
Love my Martin-015
Gotta love a guitar that serves you so well.

– – –

'Black Yaya' is set to be released on March 2nd.

Catch the songwriter at the following shows:

March
4 London Rough Trade East
8 Bristol Start The Bus
9 London The Lexington
10 Coventry Tin Music & Arts
11 Manchester Soup Kitchen
12 Leeds Brudenell Social Club
13 Glasgow Mono
15 Hull Adelphi Club

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