We recently connected with Yung Yana and have shared our conversation below.
Yung Yana , looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve worked on is the creation of Insatiable, a dinner series that combines my love for both music and cooking. As a singer, songwriter, and chef, I’ve always sought a way to merge my passions into a space where they can live in harmony and offer something unique to my community. Insatiable started as a vision to bring people together, not just through food, but through the power of music, culture, and shared experiences.
The backstory begins with a deep desire to create more than just a dining event—it’s a place where music and culinary art collide, where guests can not only taste something special but also feel connected to the performance and the atmosphere I curate. Each dinner is an intimate gathering that highlights both emerging artists and my evolving culinary expertise. It’s about showcasing how food and music can tell stories, provoke emotions, and build worlds that people can step into and remember.
What makes Insatiable especially meaningful is how it reflects my own journey as an artist. I’ve spent years cultivating my music and honing my skills in the kitchen, and now, bringing them together in a live, tangible experience feels like a culmination of everything I’ve worked toward. It’s an opportunity to push boundaries, explore my creative limits, and provide a platform for others to express themselves in new and exciting ways. Ultimately, it’s about community—the synergy between food, music, and the people who support and experience them together.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m Yung Yana—singer, songwriter, chef, and creative director. My journey has always been shaped by my deep love for both music and food. These two passions have guided me through my life and career, and it wasn’t until I realized I could combine them that I truly found my calling. That’s how Insatiable, my dinner series, was born—an intimate dining experience where food and music come together, celebrating the art of both.
As a singer and songwriter, music is at the core of everything I do. My work as an artist has allowed me to explore the emotional and creative power of sound, and I bring that same passion and energy into the culinary world. Over the last 12 years as a chef, I’ve developed a unique approach to cooking that blends global flavors with comforting, soulful meals. For me, food and music are deeply intertwined—both tell stories, provoke emotions, and connect people.
In my Insatiable dinner series, I merge these worlds in a way that is both innovative and intimate. While live performances aren’t part of the dinners yet, each menu is thoughtfully inspired by the sounds of various artists, with each dish reflecting the rhythms, moods, and themes of their music. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience where food and music enhance one another, creating a sensory journey for my guests.
What makes Insatiable stand apart is this unique fusion of culinary artistry and music. The sounds of the artists influence the flavors, textures, and overall vibe of the menu, offering a completely immersive experience. It’s about creating moments where both food and music come alive, offering guests not just a taste, but a feeling.
I’m most proud of how Insatiable has evolved from a simple idea to a dynamic platform where food and music coexist, bringing people together to share in creativity and culture. It’s become a space where community thrives, and where I can continue to explore my passions, not only as a chef but also as an artist.
For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want them to know that when they experience my work, they’re not just enjoying a meal or listening to music—they’re engaging in a world where both art forms are intertwined. Insatiable is about bringing people together around the joy of food and music, creating memories, and building connections that last. I’m excited to continue growing this unique experience, blending my love for food, music, and creativity in new ways.
How about pivoting – can you share the story of a time you’ve had to pivot?
There’s been a few moments in my life when I had to pivot, but one that stands out is the evolution of Insatiable. I had this idea in my mind for so long—this perfect vision of what it would be. I thought it had to look and feel a certain way, and I was so attached to this melody I created in my head. But life, as we all know, never plays out the way we expect it to. And I had to learn to adapt and let go of that illusion.
Instead of forcing everything to fit into that one image, I decided to take it one step at a time. I let go of the idea that it needed to be perfect from the start and opened myself up to where the journey could take me. It’s in those moments of letting go that you realize the beauty in what you’re creating doesn’t always come from rigid plans, but from flexibility and trust in the process.
And honestly, even my path into music wasn’t part of my original plan. It wasn’t something I thought I’d be doing, but I’m so grateful it found me. Now, I can’t imagine my life without it. Music has opened doors to new perspectives, new ways of thinking, and has given me the freedom to explore life in a different way. It’s funny how what we expect isn’t always what we need. Sometimes the detours end up being the most rewarding parts of the journey.
So, I’ve learned that being willing to pivot, to think outside the box, and to let go of the “perfect” picture is key. Life doesn’t always go according to plan, but if you stay open, you might just discover something far more meaningful than what you originally imagined.
What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?
Yes, my creative journey is driven by a desire to build a space where art, life, and creativity are celebrated in all their forms. I’ve always believed that art has the power to connect us, to tell stories that words alone can’t express, and to spark a sense of belonging. My mission is to create a community where we can come together, not just as artists or spectators, but as people who are passionate about life and all it has to offer.
Through Insatiable and everything I do, I want to offer a space that blends my love for food and music, and creates an environment where people can experience both the art of cooking and the power of music in a new way. It’s about sharing those moments with others, and giving them the freedom to explore their own creativity and passions. At the end of the day, it’s about fostering a sense of connection, where we can all feel inspired, uplifted, and understood, and where creativity can flow freely, without limits.
Ultimately, the goal is to build a community that celebrates each person’s unique artistic expression, while embracing the beauty in how those expressions intersect and come together. Whether it’s through music, food, or any other medium, I want to create a space where we can all come together to celebrate life, creativity, and the power of community.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.yungyana.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bustdownyungyana?igsh=dDNrOGpzMTZzbHA4&utm_source=qr And https://www.instagram.com/insatiable.table?igsh=Zmdwbnh5Y3Rtejd6&utm_source=qr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@yungyana?si=i2mdLsYUnWndWoit
- Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/yung-yana/1671476091
- Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3X85PoSPxHEh3CW7IXS6xA?si=7h_tRaA6RBWc-IsrbL_oaQ
Image Credits
Courteney Randle Elise Issac Tyrone