YACYNN

Early Beginnings

My musical journey began in a household vibrating with melodies. Though not raised by artists, my family’s deep appreciation for music shaped my early sensibilities. As a child, I found myself entranced by the evocative themes of anime soundtracks. By age 9-10, my parents had already introduced me to the sonic landscapes of progressive rock, the storytelling guitar work of Dire Straits, the atmospheric compositions of Pink Floyd, and the complex arrangements of Yes.

2010-2012: First Contact with Music Creation

At 13, a pivotal moment occurred when I first held a guitar, the weight of the instrument against my body, the resistance of the strings beneath my fingertips, and the resonance of that first chord remain etched in my memory. Something awakened in me that day, a conversation between my inner world and the physical manifestation of sound.

I threw myself into learning, absorbing techniques from online forums and YouTube tutorials. Guitar Pro software became my constant companion, its MIDI sounds and tablature guiding me through the architecture of music I admired. With each passing day, my technical proficiency grew alongside my hunger to emulate guitar virtuosos like Joe Satriani and Guthrie Govan.

2013-2015: Compositional Awakening

After three years of dedicated practice, a serendipitous moment changed everything, the accidental modification of a note in a MIDI file revealed to me that music wasn’t just something to be replicated, but a living medium to be shaped. This revelation opened a new dimension in my relationship with sound. Though lacking formal theoretical knowledge, I began creating intuitively, drawing from the rich musical vocabulary I had absorbed over years of attentive listening.

Recognizing my passion, I enrolled at the conservatory in my hometown of Oran. There, I discovered a community that spoke my language, the universal language of music. For three years, I studied solfège while immersing myself in collaborative experiences with fellow musicians. This period culminated in my first stage performance with a young rock ensemble, the electric energy of live performance confirming that I had found my calling.

During this time, I continued to develop as a guitarist while joining various bands. Each collaboration taught me new ways of musical communication and expanded my understanding of how music could be simultaneously mathematically complex and emotionally gentle. My early compositions were ambitious if somewhat unrefined, twenty-minute explorations that reflected my progressive rock influences.

2015-2019: Classical Training & New Dimensions

In 2015, seeking total immersion in musical study, I enrolled at the Institute of Classical Music. Drawn by a spirit of adventure, I chose to learn the oboe, an instrument whose distinct voice and orchestral role fascinated me despite my background in guitar. Many questioned this seemingly divergent path, but I was following an inner compass that urged me toward new horizons.

My four years of classical education transformed my approach to composition. I studied music theory and harmony while developing proficiency on the piano, an instrument that quickly became my second artistic voice. The piano offered a new perspective on musical architecture, allowing me to visualize harmony and melody in ways the guitar could not. I devoured the works of Chopin and Mozart, each piece revealing new possibilities for expression.

This classical foundation enriched my compositional palette, infusing my progressive rock and metal sensibilities with structural sophistication and harmonic depth. The intersection of these influences would later define my unique musical identity.

2017: Recognition & International Experience

In 2017, my dedication to improvisation, a skill honed through years of intensive listening and performance, earned me recognition at the grand national improvisation competition organized by the French Embassy. Jean-François Zygel, the renowned pianist, improviser, and professor at the Conservatoire National Supérieur de Musique et de Danse de Paris, served as the primary judge.

This achievement opened doors to extraordinary experiences: a masterclass at the Paris Conservatory under Zygel’s guidance, a collaborative concert with this master of improvisation, and an appearance on France Inter radio. These experiences validated my approach while exposing me to new heights of musical possibility.

2019: Formation of Reverse

In 2019, I channeled my growing passion for groove and jazz into forming Reverse, a trio completed by Tarek Bradai on bass and Djamel Djouami on drums. This ensemble became the vehicle for my evolving musical vision: creating instrumental music that speaks directly to the heart while engaging the intellect.

With Reverse, I explored the raw essence of groove, crafting compositions that served as narratives without words. My inspiration flowed from daily observations, social dynamics, and the seemingly mundane moments that, when observed closely, reveal profound truths. Each piece aimed to capture authentic human experience, making instrumental music accessible to audiences by connecting it to shared emotional realities.

2020: Deepening Theoretical Foundations

Seeking to elevate my compositional capabilities, I began studying harmony and counterpoint online in 2020. This focused study provided architectural frameworks for the musical ideas that had previously flowed intuitively, allowing me to explore orchestration with greater intentionality and precision.

During this period, my attention turned toward scoring for visual media. I immersed myself in the work of cinematic composers like John Williams, Hans Zimmer, and Ramin Djawadi, alongside video game composers Jeremy Soule and Motoi Sakuraba. Their ability to enhance narrative through sound convinced me of music’s power to transform the emotional impact of storytelling.

2022: International Expansion & Sound Design

2022 marked a year of significant expansion as I embarked on an adventure to Siberia, Russia. For twelve months, I studied the Russian language while teaching guitar and music theory at a private English-language school. This cultural immersion functioned as a creative pilgrimage, clarifying my artistic identity and aspirations.

Concurrently, I began studying sound design, mixing, and mastering, recognizing these disciplines as essential extensions of the compositional process. This exploration culminated in my book “Sound Elements,” a comprehensive yet accessible guide to sound design and music production.

The book emerged from my own journey as a self-taught musician confronting the technical challenges of sound production. By demystifying tools like EQ, compression, and reverb, I aimed to transform what many perceive as an intimidating technical field into an intuitive creative practice. “Sound Elements” embodies my belief that sound design is a universal form of expression where every detail contributes to a creator’s unique sonic signature.

2023: Album Releases

In 2023, I released my debut album “A Present from a Distant Future,” created with assistance from my brother Amine Tandjaoui, a trained pianist. This experimental work synthesized the diverse musical ideas accumulated throughout my journey, unified under the conceptual question: “Do you believe in the power of sound to shape our imagination?”

Drawing inspiration from science fiction, the album invites listeners to construct their own narratives within its sonic framework. An artificial intelligence character provides clues throughout, guiding the audience through hidden layers of meaning embedded in the compositions.

That same year, I followed with my second album “LIFE IN 2D”, structured as a ten-episode series chronicling a psychological journey through electronic and orchestral soundscapes. Each composition functions as a chapter in this abstract narrative, employing varied textures to explore the landscapes of consciousness and emotion. The album’s distinctive sonic palette reflects the complexity of inner experience, offering listeners an immersive journey at the intersection of sound, emotion, and imagination.

Present & Future Directions

Currently, I work as a composer across various projects, including French cinema and commissioned works. My collaborative experiences have expanded my versatility as an arranger and composer, allowing me to apply my distinctive approach across diverse contexts.

I am currently deeply engaged in the creation of my third album, “H.U.M.A.,” scheduled for release in 2025. This forthcoming work represents the next evolution in my sonic exploration, building upon the conceptual foundations established in my previous releases while venturing into new territories of musical expression.

Simultaneously, I am writing a book that explores the compositional process and conceptual architecture behind my albums “Life in 2D” and “A Present from a Distant Future.” This literary project, scheduled for completion in 2027, aims to illuminate the creative journey from a composer’s perspective, offering insights into the narrative and emotional intentions behind the music.

As I continue to evolve as a musician, composer, and sound designer, I remain committed to creating work that bridges technical mastery with emotional authenticity, music that invites listeners into immersive worlds where sound becomes a vehicle for imagination and self-discovery.