When UMI talks about her new album, People Stories, she doesn’t speak like a chart-chasing artist chasing a trend. Instead, she speaks like a friend who’s been keeping a journal for years—only now, she’s ready to share those pages with the world.
Set to debut on August 22 under Epic Records, People Stories is more than a collection of tracks; it’s a living scrapbook of human experience. The Seattle-born singer-songwriter, known for her tranquil blend of neo-soul, R&B, folk, and pop, says the project was shaped by the stories of those around her—fans, friends, and loved ones who unknowingly lent her their truths.
“We all live very similar lives—same colors, slightly different hues,” UMI tells me. “While writing this album, I found myself in every story I was expressing.”
A Diary Written for Everyone
UMI’s past releases—Interlude (2018), Balance (2019), and Love Language (2019)—were already celebrated for their softness and emotional depth. But People Stories goes further. It’s her most personal record yet, with moments that feel almost like eavesdropping on her inner thoughts.
Some tracks carry outros from her therapist, captured during the writing process, offering listeners a rare window into her emotional landscape. Other songs embrace imperfections intentionally—ambient noises from her home studio, creaking doors, and even the gentle hum of an air conditioner remain in the final cut.
“This album has taught me that my worth is not in perfection,” she says. “I wanted to keep the sounds that felt real. The beauty is in the flaws.”
The Double Drop: “Somewhere New” and “What Now”
To preview the upcoming album, UMI released two new singles:
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“Somewhere New” – A track about longing for change while navigating the discomfort of the unknown, accompanied by a cinematic music video.
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“What Now” – A soulful meditation on decision-making and vulnerability.
They follow the earlier summer releases of “Hard Truths” (featuring 6LACK) and “10AM”, each teasing the album’s range in mood and narrative.
From Seattle Roots to Global Reach
Born to musically inclined parents, UMI started writing songs in high school and uploading them to SoundCloud, where her airy vocals and soul-baring lyrics quickly caught attention. She left USC to fully commit to music, a leap that led her to develop a loyal fan base and critical acclaim from outlets like Pitchfork, Pigeons & Planes, and Genius.
Her artistry has always been grounded in intimacy—something that’s hard to preserve when your audience expands. Yet UMI’s focus on storytelling over spectacle has kept her work feeling like a conversation rather than a performance.
Why People Stories Matters
The heart of People Stories is connection. UMI believes that vulnerability is a bridge—that by sharing her own unpolished truths, she invites others to do the same. It’s a philosophy rooted in both empathy and courage.
“Even when I feel the worst of the worst, I’m not alone in those feelings,” she says. “Turning people’s stories into songs pulls me out of myself.”
In a digital era where many albums are produced to sound flawless, UMI’s willingness to leave in the “imperfections” feels almost radical. She’s not just making music; she’s making a statement about authenticity, presence, and the shared threads that tie our lives together.
Looking Ahead
As the August 22 release date approaches, People Stories promises to be more than just a debut under Epic Records—it’s a personal milestone. For UMI, the project is a reminder that every story, no matter how fragmented or fragile, has the power to connect us.
And for listeners, it’s an invitation: step inside her world, find your own reflection in her lyrics, and remember that no one’s story is ever truly theirs alone.
Listen now to “Somewhere New” and “What Now”, and pre-save People Stories to hear the full journey when it arrives.
Report Lela Christine
