Canal Street Dreams: The Yoshi T. Interview – Detailed Summary

Episode Title: The Yoshi T. Interview on Canal Street Dreams
Hosts: Eddie Huang and Natashia Perrotti
Guest: Yoshi T.
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Platform: Free preview available on YouTube; Full episode on Substack

1. Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of Canal Street Dreams, hosts Eddie Huang and Natashia Perrotti engage in a lively and candid conversation with Yoshi T., a rising artist and creative force. The discussion delves into Yoshi's musical journey, his collaborations, personal background, and the intertwining of their creative lives with their roles as parents.

2. Bringing Yoshi T. onto the Show

The conversation begins with Eddie and Yoshi reminiscing about how Yoshi became a guest on the show.

• Natashia: "Natasha was listening to their music...[and] kept sending him [Yoshi's Instagram]."
  (Timestamp: 01:40)

• Yoshi: "This is my racist observation..."
  (Timestamp: 06:08) – Reflecting on group dynamics and individual personalities within his music circle.

Eddie shares how a simple interaction on Instagram led to Yoshi's appearance on the podcast, highlighting the organic way creatives connect in the digital age.

3. Yoshi’s Music Project and Group Dynamics

Yoshi discusses his music group formed during high school at LaGuardia, emphasizing their unique approach to making music.

• Yoshi: "We flipped and sampled viral sounds and songs and then just rapped four bars over it."
  (Timestamp: 03:07)

• Eddie: "We're about to drop the actual album, and people seem excited."
  (Timestamp: 03:40)

The group, consisting of friends from LaGuardia, has fostered a collaborative environment where each member brings their unique talents, such as production and live instrumentation.

4. Musical Style and Creative Process

The hosts and Yoshi delve into the distinctive style of their music, often described as "slacker rap" with honest and relatable themes.

• Yoshi: "It's just our life... very honest and true."
  (Timestamp: 02:42)

• Eddie: "It's very, like, hip hop, alternate alternative hip hop, probably."
  (Timestamp: 18:10)

They discuss their creative process, which involves spontaneous writing and recording sessions, allowing for authenticity and spontaneity in their music.

5. Personal Backgrounds and Upbringing

The conversation shifts to the hosts' and Yoshi's personal backgrounds, highlighting their diverse upbringings and family influences.

• Eddie: "I was born in LA, my parents moved from Japan... my dad started working at the sushi restaurant called Sasabune in LA."
  (Timestamp: 12:40)

• Natashia: "My family did restaurants... roast beef sandwiches, pizza shops... first generation American."
  (Timestamp: 14:34)

Both Eddie and Natasha hail from families deeply rooted in the restaurant business, shaping their perspectives and entrepreneurial spirits.

6. Education and Its Impact on Creativity

Eddie shares his experience attending LaGuardia, a performing arts high school, and its influence on his musical aspirations.

• Eddie: "LaGuardia is like a very performing arts school... I always loved hip hop... been obsessed ever since."
  (Timestamp: 16:22)

• Natashia: "The process of having to apply is crazy... especially performing arts schools."
  (Timestamp: 15:32)

They reflect on how educational environments can both nurture and challenge creative ambitions, with LaGuardia playing a pivotal role in Eddie's artistic development.

7. Upcoming Music Releases and Performances

Yoshi provides insights into his group's upcoming projects and performance schedules.

• Eddie: "June 6 is when the first single comes out... we're about to milk the rollout."
  (Timestamp: 18:48)

• Yoshi: "We did a show at Little Hector's underneath the High Line... partnering with Posh for events."
  (Timestamp: 19:24)

The hosts encourage listeners to attend their free shows and support their burgeoning music careers.

8. Favorite Local Spots and Community Connections

A significant portion of the conversation revolves around beloved local eateries, bars, and community hubs in New York City.

• Yoshi: "Tabetomo has great Jiro ramen... Annex is across the street."
  (Timestamp: 21:15)

• Eddie: "Forget Me Not is a favorite spot... Kiki's for authentic taverna-style Greek food."
  (Timestamp: 21:57)

These venues serve as backdrops for their creative gatherings and performances, reinforcing the tight-knit artistic community they are part of.

9. Parenting and Raising Children in Creative Environments

Natasha and Yoshi touch upon their experiences as parents, particularly how their children interact with their creative lifestyles.

• Natasha: "Our son... loves to ball... you will never see him without a basketball in his hand."
  (Timestamp: 12:11)

• Yoshi: "He’s 20 months old... he can throw, shoot, dribble a little bit."
  (Timestamp: 12:23)

Their children are portrayed as integral parts of their lives, seamlessly blending with their artistic and entrepreneurial endeavors.

10. Reflections on Friendships and Accountability

The episode concludes with heartfelt reflections on long-term friendships and the importance of having a support system.

• Yoshi: "There's this MK Asante book called Buck... She could sing my song when I forgot the words."
  (Timestamp: 28:37)

• Eddie: "I want people to call me out... it's good to have people in your life that hold you accountable."
  (Timestamp: 28:35)

They emphasize the value of genuine connections that withstand the test of time, providing both support and accountability in their personal and professional lives.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Yoshi: "It's just our life... very honest and true."
  (02:42)

• Eddie: "LaGuardia is like a very performing arts school... I always loved hip hop."
  (16:22)

• Yoshi: "We flipped and sampled viral sounds and songs and then just rapped four bars over it."
  (03:07)

• Eddie: "You have to... have people in your life that hold you accountable."
  (28:35)

Conclusion

This episode of Canal Street Dreams offers an intimate look into Yoshi T.'s life as a creative artist navigating the music industry alongside his friends and family. Hosts Eddie Huang and Natashia Perrotti provide a welcoming space for Yoshi to share his journey, emphasizing the importance of community, authenticity, and personal growth. Listeners are treated to a blend of personal anecdotes, musical insights, and reflections on maintaining meaningful relationships amidst the bustling backdrop of New York City.

To listen to the full interview and gain deeper insights into Yoshi T.'s creative process and personal journey, subscribe to the full episode on Canal Street Dreams Substack.