Yttling Jazz and Yukimi Make Jazz Feel Dangerous Again on “Distant Star”

“Distant Star” sounds like two artists meeting exactly where they should. Not in the past. Not in nostalgia. Right now.

Björn Yttling has always lived between worlds, but this track feels like him fully letting go of the genre rulebook. Yttling Jazz builds a foundation that is loose but intentional, driven by percussion that feels physical and slightly unhinged in the best way. Toms thump, tap shoes click, brass sways in and out like it has somewhere better to be. The groove never settles, which is the point. This song moves because it wants to.

Then Yukimi steps in, and everything sharpens.

Her voice is unmistakable, but here it feels lighter, more playful, and more curious than what we are used to from Little Dragon. She does not overpower the arrangement. She dances inside it. Her delivery floats above the brass and rhythm like a thought you cannot shake, guiding the song emotionally without forcing it into a pop structure. There is warmth in her tone, but also distance, which fits the title perfectly.

Production-wise, “Distant Star” is rich without being crowded. Bass clarinet and trumpet add texture instead of drama. Piano lines drift rather than demand attention. Every choice feels made by people who trust the listener to stay with them. That trust pays off.

Culturally, this track lands at a moment where genre boundaries feel more irrelevant than ever. Jazz does not need to sit quietly anymore. Pop does not need to flatten itself to be accessible. “Distant Star” lives in that middle space where experimentation still feels inviting. It is for listeners who want to move but also want depth. For people bored with algorithm-safe music and ready for something with personality.

This collaboration works because neither artist plays it safe. Yttling Jazz does not water down jazz. Yukimi does not lean on familiarity. “Distant Star” feels alive, curious, and slightly unpredictable, which makes it exciting. It is not chasing trends. It reminds people that music can still surprise you.