UMI'S MUSIC ON INTENTION AND PURPOSE

BY DENISE MALLABO

PHOTOGRAPHER: ZACH ARQUILEVICH, PRODUCER: JESSE ZAPATERO, FASHION STYLIST: SOFIA POPKOVA, MAKE-UP: KASHA LASSIEN, HAIR: NINA J @ SIXK LA, PHOTO ASSTS: VIN STRATTON, MEI KOBAYASHI, SOPHIA CARRASCO, FLORIST: FLORAL N5

In an intimate conversation with the soulful and introspective UMI, we uncover the depths of her music, which is rich with purpose and intention. From the playful beginnings of crafting songs in her childhood bedroom to her evolution into a powerful voice within the alt-R&B landscape, UMI's journey 22is a testament to the healing power of music. Drawing inspiration from the tranquility of nature and the complexities of human emotion, her work resonates with a sense of peace and understanding, aiming to offer solace to those who listen.

As a little girl, she would spend hours in her room acting out performances, rather than playing dress-up or with other toys. “I would build a fake studio in my room and pretend to record music or pretend to be on the radio. Music has always been a part of me,” the 25-year-old singer says. However, similar to others who had aspired to achieve a certain identity in the future, Umi had a strong desire to pursue a career as a doctor. It just so happened that fate had different plans for her, but she’s still smiling due to the thought that she still ended up able to combine her two loves: music and healing through her music.

Silver earrings + ring by Christine Bukkehave, Leather bracelets and corset by 0770, Jacket and pants suit by Beeombi, Black Square tip boot with square block heel by Jonak

Umi hopes that each and every person who listens to her music finds some measure of solace in it. She describes the music she makes as feeling like a breath of fresh air, warm soup, or a walk on the beach—things that make you feel comforted. The word Umi, means “ocean” in Japanese, a significant natural entity that often attracts individuals seeking tranquility. “My songs make you feel free and present,” she adds. Her latest EP talking to the wind, which she did independently after leaving a major record label, is her “journal” for the past two years. She describes it as “super intimate.” “I think for everybody, the past two years have been intense and there's a lot of changes. In order for me to navigate that aspect, I spent a lot of time outside and in meditation,” Umi shares. She gained a great deal of grounding and insight from her surroundings by meditating in nature for a period of time.

In this interview, UMI delves into the intricacies of her creative process, revealing how her multicultural heritage and the influential sounds of Sade and SZA shaped her musical identity. With her latest EP, *talking to the wind*, UMI ventures into a more intimate and reflective territory, using her dual linguistic prowess to express emotions that transcend the boundaries of language. This release marks a pivotal moment in her career, showcasing her growth as an artist and her commitment to authenticity.

Amidst discussing her inspirations and the evolution of her sound, UMI shares insights into her collaborations, including an unexpected yet harmonious partnership with BTS's V. This collaboration highlights her global appeal and the universal language of her music. As UMI continues to navigate the independent music scene, her dedication to crafting songs that speak to the heart and soul remains unwavering, promising a future filled with more soul-stirring and purpose-driven music.

What made you realize you wanted to write and release music?

One was Sade, my dad would listen to a lot of Sade when I was growing up. Her voice is unique, the feeling is unique. I want to make music that makes people interested to listen. When I was in high school, when Sza dropped her Ctrl album I remember that was really big. I don't remember anyone write music like this and I want to be free enough to talk about whatever's on my heart.

As half-Japanese, how essential was it to incorporate Japanese language into your music?

It is so important because sometimes I feel like I can't explain everything that's on my mind with just English, and I need Japanese to express my full feelings, my full thought. To know two languages is so cool. There are just some words that don't exist in other languages, and sometimes you can just use one word to express something but in other languages, you need an entire sentence to explain that same word. It's fun to use both, it makes your writing and your brain move differently.

Would you consider having more songs that are in Japanese?

Oh definitely!

You recently released “Wherever U Are” with Kim Taehyung, also known as V from BTS. Could you please explain to us how the collaboration came about? What has been your most favorite about collaborating with V?

It's so random. He tagged me on Instagram because he liked my songs. I sent him a DM saying "thank you so much for sharing" and I was with my mom at that time and she said to ask him if he wants to make a song with me. So, I sent him a message saying "I would love to make a song together, if you're interested, I'm here" and then I threw my phone across the room because I got nervous. And then I checked my phone a couple of hours later and then he said "I would like to make a song together." And then that's how the song came to be. We worked on it all over the internet. It was cool. We used all different types of languages to communicate out different visions and my favorite part, I think all ARMY feel it but he's such a genuine person. He really cares about people, he has so much love in his heart. He loves soulful music. I just remembered being inspired by his passion. When he puts his mind into something, he's going to do it. He put his mind into making this song and he did it. He just makes it happen and that's awesome. I kind of see a lot of myself in him too. He does what he wants; he's free-spirited.

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You have been releasing songs since 2017 up until now. What has been the most significant evolution in your music creation process? What have you intentionally improved on and what have you ceased from doing?

Since 2017, I was less in my head and more in my heart, so when I make music I really don't think if it's going to be popular or it's what people want to hear. I'm more of what is honest for me, what is true to me. If I didn't do that, I don't think I wouldn't be able to do "Wherever U Are," I wouldn't have made a lot of my newer songs, so that's a big thing. Feeling, less thinking and I'm clearer about my purpose and my intention and I think intention makes everything more powerful. I know why I'm making my music and who am I making it for, it makes everything light up more.

You recently independently released your EP titled talking to the wind. What are the advantages and disadvantages of releasing music independently in your opinion?

First things first, the music industry is changing right in front of our eyes and we're all watching it happen. I think the coolest thing about being independent is that it's your money so it's also in your time and you can do things your way. It's nice to be creative because songs like "Show Me Out" that song came to me the day I'm supposed to turn in my project. And because it's independent, I can be like "I need another two weeks." It can give you more freedom to flow with your creativity but also, it's your own money, it's your own investment, which the other side of it is, you're taking a huge bet on yourself. When you're an artist, your life is a 360 job. It's not like you can turn it on and turn it off, especially when you're independent. You have to be really prepared to invest and believe in yourself. You have to be brave and committed.

Can you describe the inspiration behind the songs as well as the entire album?

We speak, just like animal speak and how everything speaks, I like to speak to the wind and the wind would tell me a lot of things that help guide me. Each song are different things that I learn from the wind, "Why Don't We Go" is me learning how to let go and plan my whole life and to know what's going to happen in order to be happy. "Happy IM" is me learning you don't have to overthink love and you don't have to overthink happiness. Each song goes to a different growth I have and my intention is just to be transparent with people, "I went through this, did you go through this too? I hope that it brings you peace." If you feel like you have to go outside, even if you're stuck in traffic listening or you're stuck in a taxi, you put the EP on, it feels like you’re already outside.

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Which song from your latest ep resonates with you the most and why?

It depends on the moment. Right now, I'm super resonating with "Happy IM." There's something about spring coming soon.

How eager are you to go on tour soon? What do you want your fans to take away after witnessing you perform live?

I'm so excited. The moment I stepped off the stage in the Philippines, I was already planning when I was coming back. That was one of my best shows ever because the energy was crazy. People in the Philippines know how to have fun and they know how to feel free and they love to sing. That's honestly the best gift as a performer is when that crowd gives that energy back to you. I want people to feel free, I want people to remember that they can be themselves. As a performer, I'm going to go on stage fully myself to let people know that if I can scream out of nowhere, I can scream, if I want to dance, I can dance. I want people to leave thinking "Oh, I haven't done that in a minute" and I want to keep doing that.

What can we look forward to from you this year with regards to your music?

People can expect more music from me. I'm working on my album right now. There's going to be a lot of cool artist friends who will be on it, really cool collaborations from all over the world. People can look forward to me performing more. People can look forward to me sharing more of my meditation experiences and tracks. If they want to learn to create more peace, they can expect more of that from me.

If you were a book, what book would you be and why?

I will be a pop-up book! Everybody loves a pop-up book. They're so fun. I'm super into comics right now. I'm going to bring my comics with me on tour.