Byron Yeates
DJ | Promoter
As the name suggests, Radiant Love is a collective, event series and record label that encourages free-thinking, self-expression and artistic exploration in an inclusive, safe space and across every aspect of its platform.
The same goes for the sound and attitude of Byron Yeates; co-founder of the collective alongside Amelia Emma Forrest and Jochem van Bruggen. The Irish DJ, promoter, booker and label manager hasn’t let the pandemic squash Radiant Love’s agenda and has adapted fairly quickly to the situation.
Catapulted into the German capital back in 2016 after receiving his first booking outside of Ireland, Byron landed straight into the throes of Panorama Bar, marking the beginning of his Berlin-based trajectory and an inkling to create something new. Shortly after a successful debut in the aforementioned club, Byron made a permanent move to the city and has since established said inkling, Radiant Love, as a multi-dimensional imprint.
Considering the collective is celebrated for channelling a certain kind of vibe, Byron’s sound mirrors a similarly tangible aura. Dreamy house, trance, breakbeat and a well-tuned ear for bouncing through a motley of soundscapes remain Byron’s staple as a selector, all of which can be delved into here.
Keeping the spirit of Radiant Love alive on HÖR Radio this year, Byron has maintained a connection with the collective’s fiercely loyal crowd via a monthly slot at the station. D.Tiffany, Dugong, Lawrence Lee and more have all contributed an hour of Radiant Love potency to the airwaves as special guests, not forgetting releases from Bliss Inc., Innocent Heretic and more over on the in-house record label.
The below memory goes back to a poignant Radiant Love party which Byron recalls in more detail, as well as sharing how he has navigated the year so far…
Where was this photo taken and why did you choose it? What was the music vibe at the time?
This photo was taken at the first and last Radiant Love this year in February (before lockdown). This was at the closing at around 11am towards the very end of the party before the lights came up. I chose this photo as it's literally the last moment of the party right before everything changed for the year.
How have you been over the last few months and what is life currently like in Berlin?
I've been okay, I've been up and down to be honest. It's been really good to have time off and focus my energy onto different things, but at the same time it's been pretty frustrating and challenging and kind of feels never ending. Life in Berlin is good, I'm happy to be here, especially during these times, I wouldn't want to be anywhere else.
You’ve done a string of mixes, looked after the Radiant Love label with releases by Bliss Inc., Innocent Heretic and more, and also played a handful of open-air parties in Berlin this summer; what’s kept you motivated despite the madness of the year so far?
I had a schedule of mixes lined up as it was supposed to be my first full year as a touring DJ. I was pretty bummed that everything was cancelled but it's been good to have some projects to dedicate my time to, especially with the record label. The next release will be out before the end of the year and everything we've released so far has/is being repressed.
What would your advice be for those who feel a bit lost at the moment, particularly those in creative fields of work?
I would try and use the time as productively as possible, try something you've always wanted to do or reach out to friends and collaborate. The one good thing about having this much time off is I've really been able to focus on producing, something I didn't have as much time to do before.
As a creative yourself, how do you feel about the future at the moment?
I feel unsure, I try not to dwell on it too much and just try to ride it out, keep busy and as focused.
What has been a source of calm/comfort for you throughout 2020 so far?
Making music and spending time with my partner and close friends.
Listen to Byron’s latest mix for Syntop Audio here and follow him below: