Yb. Sucks: “I Don’t Recall A Time Where I Was Ever Wrong”
Meanjin artist Yb. makes music that’ll help you relax this festive season. His new mixtape, BULLETPROOF, is a five-song journey into his mind, though he describes it as an “anti-concept mixtape”. I’d start with opening track ‘ABOLISH UNREST’, a gentle collaboration with Eora artist LORA.
To mark the release of BULLETPROOF, Junkee caught up with Yb. to chat about his cryptocurrency-related regret, his obsession with Uber Eats, and how he finds himself comparing his musical journey to his peers. It’s easy to look at people around you and wish you were further ahead — but we’re all on our own journeys, that’s what makes it exciting.
Junkee: A mistake that turned into an opportunity?
I decided to release my first-ever song on Instagram (after months of overthinking) and it was only supposed to be seen by my close friends, but I ended up posting it to my main feed last-minute. The support was overwhelmingly supportive so I decided to make more and now I’m here!
It isn’t so much a mistake than it is a crucial last-minute decision that could have been a HUGE mistake.
Cringe quote you used to live by?
“Real eyes, realise, real lies”. I don’t even want to talk about this one. I really thought I was doing something there!
Worst advice you got and blindly followed?
“Don’t invest in Bitcoin, it’s so unreliable”. I let the millions slip away and for that I’ll never forgive myself.
The worst failure you’re up for sharing, and what you learned from it?
I used to trade my dignity for laughs and being liked. In retrospect, I learnt that you can only get so far with pleasing people who don’t really like you. Pick yourself up and find people who understand you and you’ll be alright.
Anything you used to be wrong about?
I don’t recall a time where I was ever wrong actually. I’m always right. Your boy can do no wrong!
Embarrassing internet habit?
I watch Good Mythical Morning religiously before I go to sleep. Why you ask? I couldn’t tell you (laughs). There is something about their dynamic that calms me.
Ideal morning routine versus actual morning routine?
My ideal morning routine would be waking up at 7am, having breakfast, having a shower and washing my face, responding to emails and then working on a song potentially. What my mornings actually look like is more: wake up at 10:30am, scroll through TikTok for two hours and realise I haven’t had anything to eat or drink and then lug myself out of bed.
Something very off-brand for you?
I feel like I’m telling on myself with this one but I’ll try and be as honest as I can be. Sometimes I really struggle with comparing myself to others. I’m definitely getting better but in an industry that can sometimes profit from competition, it’s hard not to feel behind at times.
Bad health decision?
I have a habit of forgetting or ignoring what my body needs when I’m doing something I’m really passionate about. I guess the bad health decision comes into play when I know I’m doing it but I’m doing nothing to fix it.
What do you waste money on?
UBER EATS. Someone needs to restrict my access to this app before I run my pockets dry for the 10th week in a row.
Worst procrastination habit?
I’m always scrolling through cooking TikTok videos when I’m supposed to be doing important things. I scroll for hours saving recipes that I may never make. I refuse to apologise.
Yb.’s new mixtape BULLETPROOF is out now.
Like our Sucks column? Check out our full catalogue of chats here.
Illustration credit: Matt Lauricella, @pigeonboyart