(New York, New York) April 2, 2024 - Visionary R&B singer-songwriter UMI continues to reach new heights with her breakthrough single "wherever u r" featuring V of BTS, which has broken into the Top 40 in U.S. Pop Radio. Released independently via UnitedMasters in December 2023, the track has garnered widespread critical acclaim and continues to rise in popularity.
The heartfelt collaboration between UMI and V offers a comforting and vibrant sonic experience. "wherever u r" explores the theme of loving someone from a distance, with UMI initially writing the song to express her longing for her grandmother in Japan. The addition of V's vocals transformed it into a duet that speaks to all forms of separation. This organic collaboration began after UMI and V exchanged messages about working together.
Upon its release, "wherever u r" debuted at #1 on Billboard's R&B Digital Songs Sales chart and topped iTunes charts in over 100 countries for five consecutive days. It also made significant strides across various Billboard charts, including Global 200, Hot R&B Songs, and Digital Song Sales categories. The New York Times praised its "serenity," while Billboard hailed it as "heart-melting anthem."
In February, UMI released three additional versions of the single, all mixed by her close collaborator V-Ron. These versions—a lullaby, an instrumental, and a meditation—further showcase UMI’s soft, alluring spirit.
UMI's recent EP, talking to the wind, has also received critical acclaim. Written during a transitional period, the project finds UMI drawing inspiration from nature and meditation. Pitchfork notes that UMI "balances both bravado and vulnerability," while Vulture praises its "lush beats, intimate vocals, and lyrical references to nature." The EP has been lauded by Grammy.com, Billboard, and V Magazine, among others.
Adding to her momentum, UMI has been announced as the opener for Jhené Aiko’s North American arena tour, "The Magic Hour Tour," set to begin this summer. This follows her ongoing international tour, which includes dates in Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, and Hawaii.
UMI 2024 Tour Dates
*UMI (solo) support for Jhené Aiko’s “The Magic Hour” Tour
Apr 2 - Tokyo, Japan - Liquidroom
Apr 5 - Osaka, Japan - Umeda Club Quattro
Apr 7 - Fukuoka, Japan - Beat Station
Apr 9 - Seoul, South Korea - Famous Painting Living Hall
Apr 11 - Manila, Philippines - 12 Monkeys Music Hall & Pub
Apr 13 - Honolulu, HI - The Republik
April 14 - Honolulu, HI - The Republik
May 18 - Stanford, CA - Frost Amphitheater
Jun 19 – Detroit, MI - Little Caesars Arena*
Jun 20 – Chicago, IL - United Center*
Jun 22 – Greensboro, NC - Greensboro Coliseum*
Jun 23 – Washington, DC - Capitol One Arena*
Jun 25 – Philadelphia, PA - Wells Fargo Center*
Jun 27 – Boston, MA - TD Garden*
Jun 29 – Newark, NJ - Prudential Center*
Jul 1 – Brooklyn, NY - Barclays Center*
Jul 2 – Toronto, ON - Scotiabank Arena*
Jul 6 – Orlando, FL - Kia Center*
Jul 7 – Sunrise, FL - Amerant Bank Arena*
Jul 10 – Houston, TX - Toyota Center*
Jul 12 – Ft. Worth, TX - Dickies Arena*
Jul 13 – Austin, TX - Moody Center*
Jul 15 – Atlanta, GA - State Farm Arena*
Aug 1 – Phoenix, AZ - Footprint Arena*
Aug 5 – San Fransisco, CA - Chase Center*
Aug 6 – Sacramento, CA - Chase Center*
Aug 8 – Portland, OR - Golden Center*
Aug 10 – Las Vegas, NV - Moda Center*
Aug 13 – Seattle, WA - MGM Grand Garden Arena*
Aug 14 – Vancouver, BC - Climate Pledge Arena*
Aug 16 – West Valley City, UT - Maverik Center*
Aug 17 – Denver, CO - Ball Arena*
Aug 19 – Kansas City, MO - T-Mobile Center*
Aug 20 – Minneapolis, MN - Target Center*
Aug 22 – Columbus, OH - Nationwide Arena*
UMI, known for her warmth and deep honesty, uses her music as a vessel for healing. Born in Seattle to a Japanese mother and Black American father, she began writing songs at age five. Her name, meaning "ocean" in Japanese, reflects her soothing, nature-inspired artistry. Her 2022 debut album, Forest In The City, featured the breakout single "wish that i could be" and received widespread acclaim.
UMI's work spans justice advocacy, wellness, and fashion, with her live shows often including somatic exercises to foster a communal environment. Recently recognized as a style icon, she has appeared at various New York Fashion Week shows. Her new EP, talking to the wind, marks a new era of creative exploration and vulnerability, reinforcing her position as a trailblazing artist.
Comments