Ancient Sami chants fused with raw rock energy. 139–173 BPM.
Yoik is a genre that fuses traditional Sami chanting with rock instrumentation, originating in the UK around 1977. It features powerful vocals over guitar, bass, and drums at tempos between 139 and 173 BPM.
The defining artists of Yoik — the names that shaped the sound. Tap to hear on Spotify.
The classic anthems and current essentials that define Yoik.
Yoik is characterized by repetitive, melodic chanting that can be both guttural and nasal, often with a hypnotic quality. The instrumental backing typically features driving guitars, steady basslines, and rhythmic drums, creating a raw, earthy sound.
The rhythm is often straightforward with a strong backbeat, but can also incorporate complex polyrhythms. The overall feel is energetic and trance-like, with the vocals taking center stage.
Yoik emerged in the UK around 1977, blending the ancient vocal tradition of the Sami people with the energy of rock music. The genre was pioneered by artists like Wimme Saari, who brought Sami joik into contemporary music.
Over time, Yoik evolved to incorporate elements of folk, electronic, and world music, while maintaining its core of throaty, melodic chanting. It gained international attention through festivals and collaborations with non-Sami musicians.
Culturally, Yoik is deeply tied to Sami identity and nature, often honoring animals, landscapes, or people. It serves as a modern expression of an indigenous tradition, preserving and revitalizing Sami language and heritage.
How Yoik is built — drum pattern, swing, and the sounds you need.
When producing Yoik, focus on capturing the raw energy of the chanting. Use close-miking for vocals to preserve the subtle nuances of the joik. The drum pattern should be steady, often with a 4/4 rock beat, but can include syncopation. BPM typically ranges from 139 to 173, giving a driving feel.
Guitars should be distorted but not overly heavy, leaving space for the vocals. Basslines are simple and repetitive. Consider adding reverb or delay to the chanting for atmosphere, but keep the core sound dry. Samples of nature (wind, water) can enhance the cultural context.
Press play here, or open the playlist in Spotify. Best for Cultural exploration, High-energy workouts, Meditation with rhythm.
The playlist is hosted on Spotify and plays through its official player. The guide — sound, history, artists and tracks — is put together by Dropo, and every artist and track links to Spotify so you can check it by ear. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. How Dropo is made →