When describing the work of Lebanese artist Yara Asmar, a few words immediately spring to mind: atmospheric, melancholic, otherworldly, and, to the uninitiated, perhaps even unsettling. While Yara defines herself simply as a musician and a puppeteer, her work across both mediums strikes a delicate balance between vulnerable and the uncanny, creating layered, surreal worlds that are remarkably easy to get lost in.

Constantly exploring unconventional playing techniques, Yara focuses on unlocking the hidden timbres of her instruments, most notably the accordion and vibraphone. By droning the bellows of the former and bowing the metal of the latter, her music can shift from serene and calming to raw and visceral in only a few moments.

At Le Guess Who? 2025 in Utrecht, the Netherlands, we caught up with Yara after her set to discuss the rabbit-holes and obsessions that have shaped her aesthetic since childhood. It came as no surprise to find that Asmar is just as whimsical and pleasantly unusual in person as she appears in her art.

Watch the full video here:<br>

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