Biography

Born and raised in Kyoto, Japan, Ume's artistic path has been deeply influenced by her mixed heritage as the daughter of a Chinese mother and a Sephardic-Jewish father. Ume's musical canvas is a blend of Neo-soul, R&B, and Jazz, with elements of world music that pay homage to her roots. Growing up amidst three cultures, speaking four languages in her household, the pursuit of defining her own culture and finding a sense of home across a multicultural environment became a driving force in her journey. Drawing inspiration from her experiences as a global citizen, she uses her voice as a tool to explore the construct of identity in the human spiritual world. She creates a world with no boundaries, evoking a full spectrum of emotions, employing her art as a medium to examine the intricacies of self-discovery and expression. The release of her first EP, "Feelings," under EPISTROPH Tokyo, followed by her acoustic album "Cycles" under Jazzy Sport, established her presence as an artist in Japan. Her music has not only caught the attention of BBC Music Introducing but led to a headline show at Grow Hackney just six months after her relocation to London, making waves in the UK music scene. Currently based in London, Ume is collaborating with musicians from around the globe, shaping her upcoming projects. Ume's journey is a testament to her commitment to creativity, as she weaves together diverse influences to create a sound and vision that is truly her own, yet belongs to all of us.