Yakupova

Yakupova is not a band that was formed; it’s a band that was inevitable. Growing up in the same house in Hamburg, the four Yakupova siblings—Emilia (16), Alina (14), Joleene (13), and Dustin (18)—always had a shared language. Music turned that language into a shield. Their basement, once just a place for storage, became a studio, a rehearsal space, and a sanctuary where the anxieties of the outside world could be processed through loud guitars and honest lyrics.

Biography

The band is a true democracy of chaos and creativity. Their process begins with Joleene (13), the primary lyricist, who fills notebooks with sharp, poetic observations of teenage life. Emilia (16), lead vocalist and band leader, structures these ideas into songs, shaping the core vocal melodies. Alina (14) is the sonic architect, building worlds with her guitar, from dreamy, shoegaze-inspired textures to raw power chords. Dustin (18), the anchor, not only provides the powerful drumming that drives the songs but also acts as the in-house producer, capturing the raw energy of his sisters.

Their debut album, “It’s Probably Fine,” (July 2025) is a product of this insular, DIY ethos. The title, changed from the original “Headlights,” perfectly captures the album’s sarcastic and defiant tone. Following distribution issues, the band pivoted to SoundCloud for Artists, releasing a 16-song deluxe version to reward their earliest supporters.

Achievements

• Independently wrote, produced, and released their 16-track deluxe debut album, “It’s Probably Fine.”
• Cultivated a significant and dedicated international fanbase, with early data showing surprising traction in South Korea and Vietnam.
• Built a 100% independent, anti-corporate brand ethos, making “music for people, not for playlists.”
• Successfully manage all creative (Emilia), lyrical (Joleene), and business/production (Dustin) operations in-house.

Sound & Style

Yakupova’s sound is a product of a shared musical upbringing, defined by a lo-fi, DIY, and raw authenticity. It’s cinematic, grainy, and emotional, balancing a sarcastic, anxious energy with a defiant spirit.

Their style is characterized by a mix of:

• 90s Alternative & Grunge: The angst-ridden power and heavy dynamics of bands like Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins.
• Indie & Shoegaze: Atmospheric textures and emotional depth inspired by Wolf Alice and My Bloody Valentine.
• Pop-Punk & Riot Grrrl: The high-energy, defiant attitude and catchy hooks from acts like Blink-182 and Bikini Kill.
• Modern “Sad Girl” Indie: The lyrical honesty and bedroom-pop intimacy of artists like beabadoobee and girl in red.

The band’s debut album, “It’s Probably Fine,” is a testament to their raw talent and clear vision, capturing the sound of a new generation.