Tierra Umi Wilson, better known as UMI, is an American singer, songwriter, director, and painter celebrated for her dreamy vocals and soulful fusion of R&B, neo-soul, and lo-fi sounds. Born on February 9, 1999, in Seattle, Washington, she grew up embracing both her African-American and Japanese heritage, which deeply influences her music. Fluent in Japanese, she seamlessly weaves the language into her lyrics, creating a distinctive and deeply personal sound.
UMI’s love for music started early—by the age of five, she was already keeping a songwriting journal. As a teenager, she began sharing her music on SoundCloud and YouTube, slowly gaining recognition for her introspective lyrics and genre-blending style. Her 2017 debut EP, Interlude, marked the beginning of her professional journey, setting the stage for a career defined by emotional storytelling and soothing melodies.
Her 2018 single Remember Me became a breakthrough moment, amassing millions of streams and introducing her to a global audience. She continued to explore themes of love, self-discovery, and identity in projects like Love Language (2019) and Introspection (2020). The latter was accompanied by a short film, showcasing her artistic vision beyond music and into visual storytelling.
In 2022, UMI released her debut studio album, Forest in the City, solidifying her place in contemporary R&B. Songs like Moonlit Room and Whatever U Like reflect her ability to craft deeply intimate yet universally relatable music. Alongside her musical journey, UMI is a passionate advocate for self-love, healing, and representation, using her art to uplift marginalized voices and create a space where listeners feel seen and understood.