Rinse at 30: An Interview with Yaz León

“Rinse at 30” revolves around issues of youth identity and familial racial clashes. This piece talks about reactions from certain people and what I feel is expected of me. However, I also wanted to leave space to highlight the lack of support and representation of the youth. Considering this song was written during a pretty frustrating period of time, it's fair to say that the lyrics are a bit cynical, a refreshing contrast to the calmer production approach. The song is chill and soulful with a twist of sarcasm to set the real tone. It felt right that I could write about my personal life, my heritage, and my experience having a family from different cultures in a way that might get people to actually listen. Because of this, the piece’s lyrics are the most important component, the melody arguably taking the back seat. Experiences differ, but I hope this song resonates with listeners from different backgrounds and walks of life.

Homegrown
Home bound
Home’s where I’m safe and sound, right?
Good job
Good wife
Sitting pretty with my cuffs locked tight
So proud of this culture capital
White picket fences and woke casual
You’ve got privileged opinions but you tiptoe
Like smoke seeping in through my window
Feels like it’s about time
Normally can’t speak my mind


When the week ends will you notice
Or will you go where the next show is
You tell me this is my home
But I’ve got no room to roam
So tell me now
Where should I go?


Won’t share
Won’t care
Talking shit you won’t say on air
Both Brown
And White
Ain’t never fit that rank quite right though
In the end of it all we’ve run out spaces
Gone from the news like our front page faces
Say I’ve been swept up over-sensitive
No healing cuz to you it doesn’t benefit
Feels like it’s about time
Normally can’t speak my mind


When the week ends will you notice
Or will you go where the next show is
You tell me this is my home
But I’ve got no room to roam
So tell me now
What do you know?


Rinsing history
Like you wash your clothes
Tell me what do you stand for
Do you even know?


Do you even know
Feels like it’s about
Time

As a Spanish/Iraqi born and raised in West London, Yaz León's heritage and home have hugely influenced her music. Her first single, “Rinse at 30,” revolves heavily around issues of youth identity and familial racial clashes. León's reasoning is to mix lyrical storytelling with topics of difficult conversations: "My personal life, my thoughts, my heritage, my home, are all wrapped up like a pretty gift. People only seem to listen when the information is presented in a way that appeals to them." This trickles down from her influences, citing George Benson, Erykah Badu, Lily Allen, and Amy Winehouse, all masters of their lyrical narration. “Rinse at 30” is soulful and sweet but still packs a punch through León's honesty, sarcasm, and humor. Although a newcomer to the industry, León has proven to be a fast learner, having produced her first song herself. Never one to sit idly, she has shown determination in truly getting her foot in the door.