IDYLL have jumped into the wider pop music conscious with ease and tact since their alliance in late 2013, with a hyperreal aesthetic and aspirations for both dance floor and home listening success. Comprised of vocalist Angelina Lucero (featured vocalist on LOL Boys and Jerome LOL hits) and producer Jojo Yang, who began taking piano classes at the Manhattan School of Music at the age of 6, IDYLL has already garnered attention from The FADER, Gorilla vs. Bear, Complex, Dazed And Confused, Line of Best Fit and more.
Tell us a little bit about yourself and what you do.
Angelina Lucero: Singer. Songwriter. Dream weaver.
Jojo: I was born and raised in New York but I’ve lived in Chicago long enough to have developed a slight midwest accent. smh. I’m generally interested in eating and dancing.
Together, we’re IDYLL and we make music.
What are you currently watching?
Angelina: Recently flew through all three seasons of “Inside Amy Schumer”. Hands down one of the most brillant comedians/writers of our time. I’d pay for her to be my mentor and life coach. YAS QUEEN.
Jojo: Now that I’ve gotten Mad Men and Game of Thrones out of my system, True Detective! I’m still deciding whether or not I like the current season. I’m also forever waiting for the next season of Broad City — Ilana Glazer *swoooooon*.
What kinds of music/what musicians are influencing your work right now?
Angelina: CHICAGO. I am surrounded by people that inspire/influence me constantly. Right now I’d have to say GOD VOLUME 1 , Gel Set, Sophagus, Branqon. I could name so many but you can start by checking these out first. I’m so fortunate to know so many talented individuals.
Jojo: I’ve attempted to learn a couple Chopin piano pieces lately. The chord progressions and key changes are killin’ me — definitely great melody inspo.
What was the last show you went to that stuck out to you?
Angelina: 2008 My Bloody Valentine reunion tour. My ears are still ringing.
Jojo: I went to see The Knife for their last tour. The whole experience was comparable to a broadway musical. There was also fantastic crowd participation and I felt like I was being mesmerized by an amazing cult that desperately wanted to join.
What is your snack/beverage of choice when recording?
Angelina: I’m not really into eating while working on music but I’ll normally always have water on hand. H2O my dude.
Jojo: Flaming Hot Cheetos and Orange Fanta!
What do you do when you’re not working on music?
Angelina: Currently studying sign language or waiting tables because music does not pay them bills unless your name is Lorde, Rhi Rhi or Kanye. I wouldn’t have it any other way though. I will make music until I die. NAMASTE.
Jojo: I’m usually working at my day job. I’m a UX architect at an interactive consulting firm. I’ve also been trying to enjoy the rare Chicago warmth as much as possible, so you can find me riding around the city on my moped with my bestiez.
What are you really excited about right now?
Angelina: Eating vegetables
Jojo: Neoprene sneakers
If you hadn’t become a musician, what do you think you’d be doing?
Angelina: There is always room to do the things you love. I don’t believe anyone is “just a musician”. I’m a queer feminist, podcast nerd, non-fiction reading cat mom. I hope to spend the rest of my life learning and being good to the people around me.
Jojo: Hmm, welp, I’m not really only a musician so… I’d probably still be a boss lady at my day job cause it’s pretty awesome.
What are you listening to right now?
Angelina: The internet’s “ego death” has been in constantly rotation for the last week.
Jojo: Vince Staples, Tink, and a bunch of my labelmates!
Can you share one of the best or worst reactions you have gotten as a result of your music?
Angelina: Received an email from a 15 year old girl saying her best friend had just died and that her and her friend were fans of the band I was in at the time. We became friends and eight years later we still talk.
Jojo: My mother told me my music was “too repeat” but also very “coo”.