Yakawrath, also known as Fira, is an experimental psytrance musician and a 2D/3D artist from the Maldives. In the debut episode of Long Take – Life as an Artist, he opens up about his journey as an underground artist in Malé City, describing how the quiet of the night fuels his creativity. He likens his life to a sine wave, filled with highs and lows, but through it all, he remains devoted to a constant phase of creation, continuously pushing boundaries in both his music and art.

As a co-founder of the band Wagon Park in Sri Lanka, Yakawrath has released a diverse catalog of tracks, signing with labels such as Voodoo Hoodoo Records, Lucy Forest Records, and Nightmare 420 Crew. His music, recognized for its fusion of psychedelic soundscapes and pulsating rhythms, takes listeners on an immersive journey into the depths of their own consciousness. Fira is also the founder of Valu Records, a Maldivian label dedicated to showcasing underground electronic music from the Maldives and beyond.

A Podcast by Norient

Host: Thomas Burkhalter

Sound: Daniel Jakob, Melodies In My Head

Mix and Mastering: Daniel Jakob

Graphic Design (Cover): Pamuditha Zen Anjana

Editorial support: The Norient team + Rebecca Favale

Funding: Pro Helvetia, srks Stiftung für Radio und Kultur Schweiz

Thanks for listening!

Visit us on Norient.com, Follow us on Instagram, and help to spread the word.

For a more experimental listening experience, check out the highly produced podcast TIMEZONES on Norient. You can also explore Burkhalter’s latest project, Melodies In My Head, where interview excerpts are transformed into song lyrics.