umu: “I believe in the power of autobiographical music”

The singer-songwriter talks about the rock icons who inspire her, cures for writer’s block, her latest single, and more!

For those who have not heard your music before, how would you describe it to them? How would you finish the sentence “umu is ___” or “umu’s music is ___”?

“umu’s music is full of odds and ends that you will need to use at least once in your lifetime.” Most of my music is written for myself. However, all of my stories exist for everyone who has been through the same [things]. I believe in the power of autobiographical music. 

Who or what first inspired you to pursue a music career?

A friend of mine [who] goes by the name “Corduroy.” She’s a great musician. She said she wants to stop being a musician, but I think her life is already a piece of art. 

How have your music tastes changed over time and influenced your own music?

Ever since high school, I’ve listened to tons of old and new rock music. I think that’s when I started having a sincere taste in music. Oasis, David Bowie, Mazzy Star… of course, Amy Winehouse and Avril Lavigne, too. They influenced me in so many ways.

What skills or hobbies are you currently developing?

I’m about to become a host of my own podcast, because I always look for a new method to share stories with people. It’s going to be fun. And I try to be skillful with instruments. Even just studying the parts of drums helps me a lot better when arranging tracks.

Please describe your newest single, “Dishes,” and how it differs from your previous songs.

“Dishes” is a break-up song about an ex who always nagged me about washing dishes. But it’s actually not about being nagged; it’s about the memories when I wasn’t loved and didn’t love properly. Like dirty dishes, stains of unpleasant memories remain in my heart. Fun fact: After the release of “Dishes,” I accidentally bumped into my ex, and I realized I no longer cared about him. What a day!

Please talk about each of these songs:

“lost and found”: This was my debut [single]. I don’t think I knew what I was doing back then, but I enjoyed all the firsts, and this song still means a lot to me. Sadly, very much like the lyrics, my besties disappeared, but now I have new best friends, so [I’m] not sad [anymore].

“THE PARTY SONG”: This was the first project I worked on with [the company] ENAMEL. This was really fun! But the day before shooting, I was too nervous and got sick. I almost stayed up all night and had to go straight to the studio early in the morning.

A song from Notes: This album is quite different from other albums. As I think about it now, the whole process of making it was a kind of therapy. I was having a hard time back when I made this album, and I wanted to release all the difficulties I had on my mind through Notes. “bus” was actually written with [the “Notes” app] on the bus [ride] back home. 

Any song from new days: I tried a bit of a different genre [with] this album. [For example,] “Now” has more upbeat sounds and edgy lyrics. The most fun part was making the [“Now [Side B]” music video]. It was all filmed with a small camcorder and iPhone. Me and Leia, my boss, filmed and edited it together.

Is there any specific meaning behind which of your song titles are in all-uppercase letters and which ones are in all-lowercase letters?

Frankly, no! Actually, what I care about almost as much as music [are the] visuals and designs. The reason I chose my name, “umu,” is because it’s symmetrical. I wanted to use uppercase letters when releasing “THE PARTY SONG,” though. The song is for the misfits, so I wanted to throw my biggest hat into the ring, if that makes sense. Oh, and I [am] influenced by Billie Eilish a lot. That could be the reason [why I chose uppercase letters], too.

What is your advice for songwriters who feel stuck?

I feel stuck too! Just kidding. I think expanding [your] amount of work is important. In my opinion, walking to your desk is always a big start. If you can set a specific time every day [to write], your capacity and productivity will naturally grow. And sometimes resting is a way to find new music. Go for a walk, look at the trees, [and] treat yourself with a good cup of coffee, because you deserve it. And don’t forget to take notes when you find good inspiration! It all starts from small habits.

What is one career goal you have already accomplished and one career goal that you are still working towards?

When I made it onto an outdoor Spotify advertisement last year! It was thrilling to see people’s reactions to it. But there are still so many goals I need to achieve. Performing at music festivals, [having] more shows, collaborating with new musicians… I’m looking forward to all of these new missions. In addition, I’ll be releasing a Christmas song at the end of this year!

Lastly, is there anything else you want to say about yourself or your music?

I’m steadily making new albums and feeling grown inside and out, as a musician and also as a human being. This is all because of you. I’m grateful for the listeners and everyone who has come along with me. I want you to keep your eyes on me. I want to show you how far we can go!

Check out umu’s newest single, “Dishes,” here, and keep up with her on Instagram here!

Answers have been lightly edited and condensed for clarity. Photo courtesy of ENAMEL.