GS: Where did you go to college? What did you study?
CY: I went to UC Davis and studied computer science. While in college, I had a keyboard in my apartment, but really just played for fun, always too nervous to play in front of anyone. After graduating, I finally picked up the acoustic guitar since it always seemed like such a fun instrument. I ended up working in the high tech industry in San Francisco.
GS: Tell us how you got into singing and songwriting.
CY: I never in my dreams thought I would be a singer songwriter, but it sort of happened upon me. My father passed away from a rare disease almost 10 years ago. It was such a difficult time for my family and I that many changes were in store for me. Shortly after he passed, I realized my day job was not really making me happy and I ended up making a career switch in the nonprofit field. While this was going on, I just started writing music. I think many of my songs, including the title song off the new album, have a definite focus on my Dad. So, I suppose I started writing a little later in life than many others and just thought I would try to sing. The first several times of going to open mics were horrible, but I just kept going back and eventually got more and more comfortable.
Curt Yagi performs at a 2009 New Year’s Eve party at the Westin St Francis Hotel in San Francisco in front of a crowd of thousands.
GS: Are you able to support yourself through your music? If not, what’s your day job?
CY: No, I still have my day job of running a San Francisco nonprofit called Real Options for City Kids (ROCK – see www.rocksf.org). I am fortunate that as the Executive Director, my schedule is fairly flexible as long as I can get my work done. I really am fortunate to have a day job that I love and have always thought that if my music took off, I would ideally like to stay involved with ROCK.
GS: What are some of your other passions?
CY: Obviously, my day job is a very big part of my life and it often feels like I’m not working. Other than that, I like to stay in shape by running, playing soccer and even helping coach my high school wrestling team.
GS: Are you married? Any kids? Significant other?
CY: Not married and no kids, but a girlfriend.
GS: What has been your most memorable performance to date?
CY: I think my first CD release party was probably my favorite so far as I had so many family and friends who came out. It is always great to have such good support at an event. Other than that, I have played this guys home in Los Gatos, CA a couple times. He has a huge backyard and hosts music festivals there from time to time. He happens to be a big fan and always has us perform. It is such a great mix of families and everyone always has a great time.
GS: Are you at work on another album?
CY: No, just trying to release this one. It has taken a while to complete this album and for a while I wasn’t writing. Now that I am about ready to release, I have started writing again. However, I think it will be a bit before I put out a third album.
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