Adam Tashtamirov is no stranger to reinvention. Known for his ability to fuse electronic and hip-hop worlds into something cinematic, futuristic, and deeply personal, he continues to push boundaries both sonically and visually. With his longtime collaborator Leon Nikishaev, he now unveils LONG WAY. “PLEASURE” – an album that rejects quick fixes in favor of lasting meaning. Built on years of experimentation, the record draws from UK Garage, Hyper Beats, and industrial textures to create an immersive sonic universe that is as much an experience as it is an album. Beyond the studio, Adam is expanding his creative universe through film, fashion, and new technologies, always searching for ways to blur the line between music and multidimensional storytelling. We sat down with him to discuss his latest release, his artistic evolution, and why the future belongs to those who create without limits.
Hi Adam and welcome to Tanzgemeinschaft. How are you today?
Hey, thanks! I’m great, excited for this one.
You’ve just announced a new album together with Leon Nikishaev. What can you tell us about this exciting release?
.LONG WAY. “PLEASURE”
This album is about finding real, lasting pleasure instead of chasing quick highs. It’s been in the works for years and reflects the idea that true pleasure comes from dedication, vision, and things that actually matter.
This album is a combination of years of experimenting with sound and pushing the boundaries of electronic and hip-hop fusion. Leon and I have always aimed to create something that feels cinematic, futuristic, and deeply personal. We’ve taken influences from UK Garage, Hyper Beats, and even some industrial elements to craft a unique sonic universe. It’s not just an album – it’s an experience, and we can’t wait for people to step into it.
You’ve already built an impressive career. What motivates you now? What’s the next big challenge for you?
Thank you! What keeps me going is the constant evolution of sound and storytelling. I’m not just making music; I’m crafting entire visual and sonic worlds. Right now, my biggest challenge is bridging music with interactive experiences, whether through film integrations that I would direct, or new ways of engaging audiences beyond streaming. I want to take music beyond just audio – into a full-on sensory experience.
With your alias Yangshi, you’ve stepped out from behind the scenes. Do you see yourself pursuing more solo work, or do you always want to balance it with production?
Yangshi is my space for creative freedom. It allows me to step outside of collaborations and really experiment with sound and visuals in a way that’s purely me. But I also love working with other artists, because collaboration brings unexpected magic. So I see myself balancing both—creating under Yangshi while still producing and collaborating with artists who inspire me.
The industry has changed so much—especially in electronic and hip-hop spaces. Where do you see it heading next?
We are heading towards strong brands. It’s all about marketing. Look at 2hollis or Carti, they all doing great marketing moves, I feel like having the right marketing moves is the future for music industry
How do you handle creative pressure—whether it’s expectations from fans, industry standards, or your own perfectionism?
I used to struggle with perfectionism, but over time, I’ve realized that the best art comes from raw, unfiltered expression. I remind myself that every project is a step in my evolution, not the final destination. I also try to take breaks when needed—stepping away often brings fresh inspiration. And ultimately, I create for the love of it first. If it resonates with others, that’s a bonus.
If you could collaborate with any artist—living or dead—who would it be and why?
That’s a tough one! If we’re talking legends, working with someone like Carti, Travis or ASAP Rocky
AI and technology are reshaping music production. Do you see that as a tool for creativity, or does it threaten artistry?
I see it as a tool. AI can automate some aspects of production, but real artistry comes from human emotion and vision. Technology has always shaped music—from the first synthesizers to digital workstations—and AI is just another step. The key is using it to enhance creativity rather than letting it dictate the process.
Beyond music, do you have creative ambitions in other areas—fashion, film, visual arts?
Absolutely. I’m deeply involved in visual arts, directing my own music videos, and even working on cinematic projects for my music project. Fashion is another space that interests me—it’s an extension of storytelling. I want to keep building a universe where music, visuals, and aesthetics all come together.
Touring and the music industry can be relentless. How do you stay balanced and take care of yourself?
It’s a constant challenge, but I’ve learned that balance is key. Sleep, movement, and time away from screens are crucial. I also try to keep a strong connection to the creative process itself—if music starts feeling like just a job, I take a step back to remember why I started in the first place.
Where do you see yourself in five years—both personally and as an artist?
I see myself expanding beyond just being a producer or artist—I want to build something bigger, whether it’s a creative collective, a label, or a company that bridges music with tech and film. Personally, I hope to keep evolving, challenging myself, and staying inspired by the ever-changing world around me.
When people look back at your career years from now, what’s the one thing you hope they say about your impact?
That I pushed boundaries and created something truly unique. I want people to look back and say that my work wasn’t just music—it was an experience, something that resonated beyond the moment it was released. If my art inspires others to break rules and create fearlessly, that’s the best legacy I could hope for.
