Bernard Yagee shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Hi Bernard, thank you for taking the time to reflect back on your journey with us. I think our readers are in for a real treat. There is so much we can all learn from each other and so thank you again for opening up with us. Let’s get into it: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Integrity, without a doubt. As an artist and a human being, integrity is the foundation of everything I do. It’s what keeps my art honest, my relationships meaningful, and my path clear—even when things get hard. Intelligence and energy are powerful tools, but without integrity, they can be misused or misguided. I’ve seen how far people can go just by being real, by standing for something—even if it costs them. I’d rather lose an opportunity than lose myself.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a Lebanese-born singer-songwriter, producer, and guitarist based in Los Angeles. My journey started back home in Lebanon, where I was raised in a single-mother household, surrounded by war and economic uncertainty — but driven by a deep, undeniable love for music. At 18, I left everything behind and moved to LA to pursue my dream. Since then, I’ve performed over 120 shows, released songs that have reached over 400,000 streams, collaborated with international labels like Revealed Recordings, and even appeared on a billboard in Times Square.
What makes my brand unique is that it’s built on authenticity, emotion, and storytelling. My music blends heartfelt pop, folk, indie pop, and cinematic EDM — weaving together acoustic roots with electronic depth. I aim to connect with people through lyrics that reflect love, loss, resilience, and the human experience. Whether it’s an intimate guitar ballad or a festival-ready anthem, I want my audience to feel understood, seen, and moved.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who taught you the most about work?
My mother taught me the most about work — not through lectures, but by living it every single day. Growing up in Lebanon, I watched her carry the weight of the world on her shoulders without ever complaining. She worked multiple jobs, sacrificed everything, and gave all she had to make sure I had the chance to follow my dream. Her work ethic wasn’t just about survival — it was about love, strength, and the belief that something better was possible. Every time I’m exhausted in the studio, questioning myself, or pushing through challenges, I think of her. She taught me that real work is showing up with heart — even when no one’s watching.
Do you remember a time someone truly listened to you?
Yes — there was a time when I felt truly heard, and it wasn’t by a person. It was by God. After moving to Los Angeles, I went through one of the hardest chapters of my life — recovering from heart surgery, far from my family, overwhelmed by fear, doubt, and loneliness. I reached a breaking point where I had no one to turn to, so I just prayed. I let it all out — the pain of growing up without a father, the pressure of chasing a dream against all odds, the weight of everything I was carrying. And in that silence, I felt something shift. I felt peace. I felt heard. It wasn’t a voice or a sign — it was a presence that told me I wasn’t alone. That moment changed me. It’s why I pour my soul into my music — because I know what it means to be broken and still feel seen.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. Is the public version of you the real you?
Yes — the public version of me is the real me. What you see in my music, my performances, and even on social media is who I genuinely am. I’ve been through too much to pretend or put on a mask. Growing up in Lebanon, facing war, loss, and challenges most people don’t see, I learned early on that being real is the only way to survive — and to connect. When I sing about heartbreak, hope, or healing, it’s because I’ve lived it. I don’t try to be perfect or fit into a box. I want people to feel like they know me — because in a way, they do. My art is my truth, and I want my audience to feel like they’re not alone in theirs either.
Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people tell the story of someone who came from a small country with a big dream and never let go of who he was — even when the world tried to change him. I want them to say that I made people feel something real, that I stood for truth in my music, and that I inspired others to believe in their own voice. I hope they remember that I loved deeply, gave everything I had, and turned pain into purpose. That I didn’t just chase success, but used every note, every lyric, every stage to bring light into dark places. And above all, I hope they say I made my mother proud — because none of this would’ve been possible without her.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bernardyagee.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bernardyagee/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Bernard-Yagee/100087976298736/?_rdr
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjRYOilWZKK8n83P7ArgR9w
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0Bjov8cf7WRRVnjDHhn6VE?si=Zk9i1wXlRDqLhH71KwKu2g
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/bernard-yagee/1558972266
Image Credits
Brandon Law
