We recently connected with Michel Cisneros and have shared our conversation below.
Michel, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. We’d love to hear about when you first realized that you wanted to pursue a creative path professionally.
Music has always been a passion for me. To pursue music in ways I can push myself to reach a higher level is something I have always strived for; even as a young girl. As I continue to grow and keep collecting knowledge, I also keep moving forward in my career but also as a person.
Ever since I can remember, and even prior, my parents fed me music of all varieties and genres. They gave me toy instruments like the guitar and the drums to play with; a toy guitar was my first toy! I am grateful to them both for encouraging me to develop my music skills as I got older instead of shunning me like it wasn’t a true avenue. I joined chorus in elementary school, band in middle school, and music theory with guitar and piano in high school. After graduating, I continue to keep surrounding myself with music as a drummer and a bass player for two different bands.
Eventually I started getting more into dance music by attending clubs and music festivals. In time I realized I can too become a one lady band as a music producer and a professional DJ! The possibilities are endless and still are; and will be forevermore!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
My name is Michel Oyuki Leon Cisneros. Many of my personal friends call me Shelly; however, many know me by my artist name, Yoki Lion. I used my middle and first-last name to create my artist name because I wanted to always stay true to my name and to myself; in all that I do and accomplish. I am a DJ and a producer and I also maintain a production/event company, Party Animals Family. From DJ’ing at a wedding or birthday, to closing out festivals in and out of state, I love playing music and keeping any atmosphere lively. What sets me apart from others is my professionalism, my wide variety of music, how I cater and adjust to any crowd, and the technicality of mixing styles that I bring to the table. In my artist career, I am most proud of being one of the headliners at an out-of-state festival; it was an honor to be recognized in a state that wasn’t my own. If I could preface myself to any stranger, I would begin by saying that if they’re looking for a great entertainment service with a positive attitude — then look no further! I am true blue to myself and in all that I engage in; I ensure no one is disappointed.
What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?
The most rewarding aspect of being a creative artist is being able to connect with people I’ve never met through the power of music; to share and build great memories with people I’ve never met before but will now never forget. To be able to express myself in ways I can only express through music and then on top of it to be able to relate to strangers through music — is truly magical. It means so much to me as an artist to be seen as more than just someone who presses buttons; I want to be seen as more and in those moments where I am seen as a true artist through the connection of music is profound.
What can society do to ensure an environment that’s helpful to artists and creatives?
Sadly, our society doesn’t have as many resources as they should to support a creative ecosystem for artists and creatives. On the contrary, many schools defund the art programs first and it’s hard for any true artist to be able to do what they love and also live a comfortable life with art as their livelihood. However, I believe the best way that our society could, and should, do is encourage others to do what they love and love what they do and investing your time and money into the artists that you believe in. The stigma of a “struggling artist” wouldn’t be so prevalent if there was more of a supportive culture of buying from local artists. Buy that painting from your friend instead of buying the one out of 5.000 at a store, buy that shirt from that artist instead of online, listen to your friend’s tracks as well as those that you love on the radio. Those small steps would really help support the artists that you’re investing your money and time into versus the corporations that will still be standing without your investment.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://linktr.ee/yokilion
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/partyanimalsfamily/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/yokilion
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/Yokilionmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCx8ZKRyIpOITvm5dGmFLgDw