Visions of the Future: Ojalá

Art Commission

Vision of the Future: Ojalá

Composition by Yaz Lancaster

Reflection

I am hoping for liberation 25 years into the future. I am hoping for safety and care for all life, which means the dismantling of oppressive structures and a turn toward compassion, slowness, connection, community, and reconciliation. Through my artistic practice, I seek to imagine and embody these possibilities, creating spaces where tenderness can exist with uncertainty and grief.

Ojalá is a drone composition that utilizes celestial electronic instruments and synthesizers, along with personal field recordings of people in my life who make me hopeful for the future. While the piece moves through moments of harshness – as I don’t believe in a reality devoid of conflict – it ultimately settles into sweetness. It’s through these intimate relationships and considerations that I believe we will carry one another into a world where we are able to thrive.

The expansive practice of Yaz Lancaster encompasses experimental electroacoustic performances, notated compositions, open format DJ-ing, music journalism, steel pan, collage-based poetry, collaborative work, and organizing DIY shows across New York City’s underground and nightlife scenes. Yaz frequently performs solo sets with violin/voice/electronics that comprise songs, improvisations, and composed music – aptly displayed on their sophomore album AFTER (PTP, 2025). They find joy in collaboration – they’ve worked with artists like Alex Zhang Hungtai, claire rousay, Dreamcrusher, KING VISION ULTRA, Nyokabi Kariuki, and OHYUNG. Yaz additionally performs as “death ambient” and hardcore DJ project “ medium.” in deep collaboration with creative partner gg200bpm. They are a member of socially-active PROTECT THE PEACE (PTP) artist collective; and founder/curator of the experimental performance series HEAVY HEARTS.

More at yaz-lancaster.com.

Vision of the Future: Ojalá

Reflection

About the artist

Vision of the Future: Ojalá

Reflection

About the artist