UMI

As a performer who effortlessly exudes a low-key combination of sweetness, smarts and vulnerability, UMI is most definitely BFF material for any fan of contemporary R&B. The Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter—who was born Tierra Umi Wilson in 1999—got her start in music while still in school, self-releasing songs that paired her thoughtful lyrics and warm vocals with beats she initially found online. Her music soon developed into a more sophisticated brand of neo-soul steeped in influences like Erykah Badu and Lauryn Hill, yet it didn’t lose any of its easygoing charm. After her gorgeously wistful indie single, “Remember Me”, racked up millions of streams in 2018, she signed with J.J. Abrams’ Loud Robot label and toured with Conan Gray. Released in 2020, her six-song EP, Introspection, is further confirmation of what makes her exceptional. On songs like the richly textured title track and playful “Pretty Girl hi!”, UMI infuses her music with a spirit of joy and effervescence while revealing the contents of her heart in lyrics full of love, hope and healing.