Seattle-born and LA-based singer-songwriter, UMI, channels a sound that resonates with the spiritual core. The 24-year-old artist recently released her EP, talking to the wind, a heartfelt exploration of introspection distilled into just four songs. UMI beautifully produces each song, representing the connection between her creativity, independence, and her love for nature. Her lyricism delves into themes of love and happiness, expressing her gratitude for life's blessings.

This EP truly captivates me, with each song resonating deeply with the fluidity of life and spiritual interconnectedness of one’s self. Her calming vocals seamlessly blend with the production, creating an atmosphere of tranquility and composure. A standout track for me is “happy im.” She sings “Happy I’m falling for you, happy I let myself too,” capturing how she creates her own happiness by allowing herself to experience love and all other facets of life. Additionally, she embodies her cultural roots as she switches singing between English and Japanese. Japanese culture also ties into various principles of zen and simplicity.

Not only does UMI’s music depict her everyday mindfulness and her minimalistic lifestyle, but it implements listeners into a meditative experience. If you haven’t already, I highly recommend giving this EP a listen — it provides divine inspiration and valuable wisdom.

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