In music, there is currently an unforeseen era of ‘lil’ mumble rappers and the symphonic marriage of emo, rock and hip-hop.
This also comes with the constant boasting of new age emotional boys or the lovingly donned “sad boy” label. Music culture enthusiasts predominantly approve and appreciate these male artists who are melding genres that relate to the angsty part of ourselves that never died in middle school, but simply evolved.
It is important to note that this sudden emergence of men in their feelings has already been done and with perhaps more sickening dexterity by the most divine in the music world: sad girls and Frank Ocean, of course.
To honor those who have come before us, we must acknowledge a sad girl artist who is kicking ass and making me cry this week, UMI. The Seattle-bred artist is easily one of the most charming women on the internet with anime-based visuals, home-produced music videos and Soundcloud roots. Her lo-fi tracks and delicately sharp harmonies envelop listeners into feelings of self-discovery, melancholy, love and nostalgia.
UMI’s top track is her profoundly heart wrenching single “Remember Me,” with 150,000 plays on Soundcloud and over 2 million views on Youtube. The song navigates growth after first love and the burning request to remember the youth and innocence of that bond, as well as the feelings that ensue from laying close.
”Cause I’m getting older, know that I’ve changed,” she sings. “And I can’t go back now, nothing’s the same. But I won’t forget how you called my name. Will you remember me?” The ode to growth and sincerity tugs at feelings of needed closure, which hits you in that one spot.
Also, coming from her 2018 portfolio, UMI’s debut EP, “Interlude” features four devastatingly beautiful tracks: “Nostalgia,” “Midnight Blues,” “This Universe” and “Frequently.” Encapsulated in laid-back production, UMI seamlessly conveys themes of feeling worthy, drowning in hopeless infatuation and thanking the universe through colors and simple statements. The EP is an emotional rollercoaster, to say the least. Her honest and poetic word choice illustrate familiar stories for those who wear their hearts on their sleeves.
“Interlude” by UMI is now streaming on Soundcloud.
Without a doubt, her most sad girl track comes from 2017, where UMI romantically dictates redemption and self-assurance with “Happy Again.” While her work pulls out feelings that, perhaps, you didn’t even know you had, she compensates with tracks of hope to pick you off the floor.
“Every time I wanna cry, I see the light inside of you,” she sings. Every night, I hurt inside, but somehow I will make it through, cuz I’m gonna be happy again.”
Another piece that will help you get out of your gloom and be a person again is “Friendzone,” which incorporates high-energy production of the apparition of “The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s” character Navi.
Should you listen? Yes, in a sad mood or not.
With a wholesome artistic personage that makes you Drake-out in a whole different heart, UMI is notable addition to R&B worthy of support. Her music can be streamed out Soundcloud, Youtube, and Spotify and is active on her Instagram and Facebook.
Miranda Moses can be reached at entertainment@collegian.com and on Twitter @mirandasrad.
