With her second album and debut for Epic Records, LA-via-Seattle songwriter UMI leans into her capabilities as a lyricist without losing focus on her penchant for blending genres as diverse as indie-folk and R&B. Aptly titled people stories, the collection was inspired by accounts told to her by her fans as well as friends and family, together creating a tapestry of perspectives that ultimately wind up unified as a singular, distinctly human voice. “We all live very similar lives,” she shared upon the album’s initial announcement, “same colors, slightly different hues. I find that to be very comforting.”
With the record dropping today, UMI shared a less narrative-driven story with us: a walkthrough of her perfect day in her adopted hometown of Los Angeles. After a morning trip to the beach with her dog Lexie, the artist details family time, meals, and inspirational trips to the local bookstore, all before capping an ideal day off with a gig and a night out on the town. Check out her photos and captions below, and listen to people stories here.
The perfect day would begin at the beach, around 10 a.m. (like my song). One of my favorite things about living in LA is being close to the beach. When I swim, I feel I recharge my body and my thoughts disappear. I started surfing a few years ago, and I really enjoy that, too.
I might bring my sound bowls to the beach and play a little healing frequency! I love to do this after.
I would probably bring my dog with me—this Lexie! She loves people and loves hugs. I would bring her with me and after swimming I’d probably fall asleep next to her after journaling and breathing.
Time to eat! I definitely ate breakfast before heading to the beach, so now it’s time for lunch! I’m probably eating something Japanese or something from a hot bar. Yum.
Time to see my friends! I love hanging out with my friends. I’ll probably go to an event, park, or a museum and enjoy some food, conversation, and fun!
A bookstore after a museum or park hang is a must! I love bookstores—especially art, design, and photography books. This is where so much inspiration lies!
I might go write a song after all this inspiration. My album is very guitar-inspired. Guitar was my first instrument—I love it because you can carry it anywhere with you.
Family time! This is my grandma and sister talking about art that my grandma made. I’m half Japanese and half Black!
My ideal day would include a show! I used to have stage fright, so after overcoming that, enjoying the stage is like candy to me! I love seeing my fans who I consider family and enjoying music with them to end the night.
I love going out with friends! This is me in Japan on a night out. Maybe I’ll see you out there, too!
