What is Big Yen?

Yen, in Chinese, is a lifelong yearning or desire. In this case on their newest release, the "Big Yen" is to inspire thought, question norms and habits, live in the moment, and incite an energetic movement of bodies who like to rock.

What's your Big Yen?

punkadelic is the newest EP from San Diego based trio Big Yen.

Co-Produced by George Spits (Slightly Stoopid, Damian Marley & Nas, Llammabeats) this release from Big Yen features cosmic perspectives and positive philosophies that permeate into punk rock grooves, melodic hip hop verses, and energetic reggae ska beats.

Big Yen adds some of a different flavor to the California music scene in order to not just be another one of the same. In fact, no two songs are similar on this project which pivots from punk, reggae, ska, hip hop, and jazz influences. Tongue in cheek humor is contrasted with introspective insights and even an interstellar love letter.

It's like Jerry Garcia smoking a J with Tribe Called Quest: there's some unexpected choices being made in these pairings and yet, in todays scene where parameters of genres are more or less set in stone, that's what's refreshing to hear: Something new that also pulls from older things we love. In this way Big Yen uses punk rock, reggae, and hip hop to inspire stepping toward the highest expression of self. Goosebumps guarenteed.

This type of band could play Cali Roots, a Warped Tour, and open for Beastie Boys in the same month and it would be musically appropriate.
Big Yen shows there's no need to pigeonhole musical tastes because of "markets", "genres", or commercial labels of any kind.

James Frolio & the boys have sold out shows on both coasts and have plans to follow up this heavier rock EP, with a hip hop single produced by Little Stranger.

Big Yen is James Frolio (guitar and vocals), Bryan Prusiensky (Bass), Jordan Starke (Drums).