Wovensound and Ihasamic! weave together stories of struggle, survival, and resilience on hip-hop track “The Constant”

Eclectic music producer Wovensound and acclaimed rapper Ihasamic! mark another exciting collaboration with the release of their new single “The Constant,” out now via Umami Records. 

With sultry R&B vocals from Sreshya, introspective verses from ZFRL and Ihasamic! himself, and a smoky, downtempo production from Wovensound, the massive new tune echoes the group’s frustrations and fears over the uncertainty that’s been clouding their headspace during this time of forced withdrawal. 

Despite its tendencies to embrace pensive gloom, the song ties together stories of struggle, survival, and resilience with dignified honesty, while channeling their collective energy into something inspiring and worthy of discussion.

Eve Alai reimagines Unscripted’s signature hit “Sunscreen” into a club anthem

Acclaimed electronic producer Eve Alai is turning up the groove once again with a reimagined version of Unscripted’s signature track “Sunscreen”—out this July 31, Friday on all digital music platforms via Umami Records. The blissful number reinterprets the original with sun-soaked funkiness and classic house touch, taking on an entirely new persona with every ebb and flow. 

“The new material doesn’t follow the traditional four-on-the-floor thumper,” says Eve Alai. “Sure, it blends undeniable house grooves with upbeat funky vocals, but the drums don’t fit the norm: it’s actually more hip-hop inspired and rhythmic in a sense.” 

As a joyous ride to a perfect sundown, Eve Alai and Unscripted’s latest bop brings the dancefloor closer to our homes. Its sentiments are romantic and hopeful in tone, and encapsulate the mood that music listeners need right now in the time of isolation: anthemic pop music that surges with clubby production. 

The Steve McQueens continue to defy simple description with new single “Mila Ascending”

“Art created with thought and feeling often defies simple description; but closer inspection rewards the listener with layers of discovery and revelation. For those who enjoy the hidden twists and detours, Mila takes us on that journey.”   

“Mila Ascending” is The Steve McQueen’s first single release from their much awaited fifth studio album, The Observer. The mercurial band went directly from touring Japan and the Asian festival circuit into the studio to record this collection of new music which simultaneously invokes alternative R&B, chill-pop, 60’s Motown and nu-soul. 

The acclaimed band has recently celebrated their 8th year on the road with this release of coy and inconspicuous observations, and early listeners say it’s their best yet: balancing unique forms, ear-catching sounds and clever storytelling with an accessible pop sensibility.

Producer Wovensound and rapper Ihasamic! drop genre-bending anthem “End Simulation”

"Taking a page out of Brockhampton and Tyler the Creator’s books, producer Wovensound weaves in elements of lo-fi, jazz and hip-hop to create a track that sounds like a road trip." - TimeOut Magazine

Singapore-based producer Wovensound and acclaimed hip-hop artist Ihasamic! take collaboration to an entirely new level with their new single “End Simulation”—out now on all streaming platforms worldwide via Umami Records. 

Exploring the outer limits of their signature sound with sprawling instrumentation, both artists took their love for drum n’ bass-influenced rap-rock and turned it into a colossal anthem that is palatable for the modern audience. 

“The song feels like lightspeed travel,” describes Ihasamic. “It's smooth yet heavy-hitting. The subtle and not so subtle switchups in the instrumentation make you feel the journey as if there's wind in your face while you're racing through the void of space.” 

With its skittery beats and stadium-sized ambitions, “End Simulation” brings to mind Linkin Park’s Hybrid Theory with drum n’ bass flavor or a hip-hop version of Nine Inch Nails’ Hesitation Marks. But instead of screaming into the abyss, “End Simulation” openly shares the feeling of constantly racing on unstable ground, “disillusioned with the idea that everything is going to be okay.” 

Eve Alai and Senara tackle bouts on mental health with new song “Swiping Right”

Electronic producer Eve Alai teams up with soulful vocalist Senara on a tropical club anthem that examines the difficulty of confronting one’s mental and emotional headspace. 

Released under Umami Records, “Swiping Right” delivers an inescapable jam that hits home. With its afrobeat-inspired rhythms and laid-back production, the song finds human connection on the dance floor, embracing the vulnerability that comes with escaping reality and navigating personal issues in life and relationships.

Acclaimed producer Wovensound, rapper Ihasamic!, and alt-pop songstress Jeena navigate emotional uncertainty on new single “Lonely Shores”

"Taking a page out of Brockhampton and Tyler the Creator’s books, producer Wovensound weaves in elements of lo-fi, jazz and hip-hop to create a track that sounds like a road trip." - TimeOut Magazine

Acclaimed producer Wovensound, rapper Ihasamic!, and alt-pop songstress Jeena have recently teamed up for a song about two lost souls crying for help as they struggle to find their place in a world that invalidates their feelings and actions. 

Released under Umami Records, “Lonely Shores” comes from a place of emotional pain and confusion—a track written by Ihasamic! in his attempt to “reflect on times where we sometimes like to hold on to things that hurt us.” 

Framed with cinematic production and ethereal calm, the collaborative effort from Singapore’s finest musicians tackles mental and emotional health with a level of sensitivity that is often unheard of in contemporary hip-hop/R&B releases—for most of its existence. 

Dark pop songstress Naomi G upholds feminist virtues on new song “Prey”

Singapore-based artist Naomi G has released her contemplative pop single “Prey” in an attempt to reclaim greater tenure as a woman knowing her worth in a relationship. The track, invocative of Banks’ chilling despair on some notes and The Weeknd’s midnight sentiments on others, resolves itself by criticizing structural behaviors that oppress women and upholding virtues that are necessary to curb patriarchal pressures. 

As Naomi G puts it, “I wanted to empower young people who are faced with unwanted or unhealthy sexual attention that causes them to psycho-socially feel like ‘Prey’. This song is an anthem of power to those who have been gaslighted, dominated, manipulated, harassed and controlled based on their gender and looks. This song is a movement about saying no quickly and firmly, whilst understanding all the microaggressions that be before getting into any kind of deception.”

Singapore rapper Ihasamic! and producer Wovensound join forces on trippy visual album, Repack

"Taking a page out of Brockhampton and Tyler the Creator’s books, producer Wovensound weaves in elements of lo-fi, jazz and hip-hop to create a track that sounds like a road trip." - TimeOut Magazine

Singapore hip-hop/visual artist Ihasamic! and producer Wovensound show their creativity in full force with the release of Repack-- out today on all digital platforms worldwide via Umami Records.

Redefining the visual album format with infectious lo-fi sounds and impeccable direction, the 4-track EP and short film tell the journey of a person struggling with his mental health and how sometimes life can fall into what feels like an endless loop, the same experiences and conversations you have with yourself repackaged into different days.

“These 4 tracks were meant to be like a short, reflective therapy session,” Wovensound shares. “They cover the theme of repetition and mundane cycles that we go through daily, on a much more personal level - an internalized conflict instead of an externalized struggle. Ihasamic! wanted it to play like a slice-of-life story that loops daily, when repackaged into a different vessel, will you be able to tell the same shit apart on different days? That’s the question that pops in our head during the entire production process.”

Bangkok-based Korean producer Saint Nine drops tropical-infused anthem “Don't Call Me Sugar”

Bangkok-based Korean electronic producer Saint Nine has officially released his new single, “Don’t Call Me Sugar.” The eclectic artist is the newest addition to the growing roster of Umami Records, an independent record label based in Singapore.

A tropical electro-pop track infused with Latin-Cuban melodies, suave instrumentation, and a vocal performance by an unnamed two-time Grammy nominee, “Don’t Call Me Sugar” deep-dives into a compelling narrative about romantic betrayal and trust issues.

The upcoming producer explains, “The song is about a man who was cheated by his girlfriend. He’s probably a lot better off without her. It will just become another bittersweet memory at the end of the day for him.” 

As for the musical structure, Saint Nine’s wrote a catchy chorus that is easy to sing along to. He adds, “I wanted sad lyrics for the song but with an irresistible beat that would put listeners in the mood for dancing. Nothing too energetic, just enough to make people want to move and dance.”

R&B sensation Gareth.T explores the stinging effect of loss on new song “November Rain”

Hong Kong-based producer and singer-songwriter Gareth.T tackles the stinging effect of a loved one’s death on his new single “November Rain”, out on October 30, Friday via indie label Umami Records.

Writing and producing the emotional R&B track felt like getting a huge piece of stone off Gareth.G’s chest, and somehow, the recording process gave him time to mourn and find the silver lining at the end of the tunnel. 

The multi-hyphenate artist shares, “My uncle passed away from cancer a decade ago. We were so close, and I wish I could see him for just a little longer. He passed in November and the day he was buried it was raining heavily, I thought November rain would be the perfect title.”

Singapore alt-pop newcomer Naomi G drops her debut single “Cage The Animal”

It’s official! Naomi G joins the growing roster of indie label, Umami Records.

The eclectic newcomer marks her official debut with the release of “Cage The Animal”—a gothic pop-R&B tune that chronicles the cycle of abusive and toxic relationships, and how to get away from it triumphantly in order to rebuild one’s dignity.

Merging the broody minimalism of Lorde and Banks with the chameleonic tendencies of artists like Halsey, Naomi G’s latest track begins rather unassumingly with nostalgic, flatlining keyboards and ethereal soundscapes, and evolves into a vindictive anthem that turns emotional scarring and pain into a source of strength. 

Given that she already seems to have her stylistic stamp on lock, Naomi G is destined to take the world by storm with her bold, assertive take on women empowerment, never treading lightly on important social issues that degrade, discriminate and disrespect people of her kind. It’s an accomplishment worth taking seriously, a statement of self-love and confidence from someone who initially seemed to have lost it all. 

Singapore Hip-hop Producer Wovensound Drops Brand New Single “Sickleberry Sunsets”

Singapore hip-hop producer Wovensound has released his new single “Sickleberry Sunsets” via indie label Umami Records. 

With its exquisite fusion of lo-fi, jazz, and hip-hop, Wovensound’s latest jam exudes a feel-good summer road trip vibe while leaning towards a classic, stylistic lineage in terms of production and overall sound. 

According to the underrated producer, the song was recorded during the lockdown period in Singapore, with no access to the studio. He collaborates extensively and roped in 4 artists from Singapore on this track, including rappers Ihasamic!, SHAK, Andrew Marko, and singer Raina Sum. “I just love how this song takes different turns throughout its different sections, with each artist bringing their own flavour to the table and bouncing off each other,” Wovensound shares.

Filipina-Singaporean singer-songwriter Gail Belmonte reclaims her happiness on new single “You Don’t”

Following her well-received debut single ‘Tonight’ in July, Filipina-Singaporean singer-songwriter Gail Belmonte chronicles her struggles of reclaiming happiness on her new single “You Don’t” -- released today on all digital platforms worldwide via indie label Umami Records.

“You Don’t” tackles the importance of not taking anything for granted, but at the same time knowing one’s worth. “In the relationships I got involved in, romantic or platonic, I always gave so much of myself,” the R&B artist says. “Sometimes I would give so much of myself that when these relationships break down, I would feel so lost, like I lost a part of myself. I looked for happiness in other people and it was not until I wrote this song, that I decided to reclaim that happiness by finding it within myself.”

Eve Alai Drops Happy-Sad Banger “Pills And Potions”

The electronic producer teams up with Senara for the breakout jam of the quarantine era.

Singapore based producer-songwriter Eve Alai has finally released “Pills and Potions,” the lead single of his upcoming debut EP, via indie label Umami Records. 

His first release with the international label features a collaboration with Sri Lankan pop artist, Senara, whose sassy but smooth vocal performance serves as a perfect balm to the track’s throbbing pulse.

Not your typical dance track, “Pills and Potions” is ready to bop its way into quarantine parties all over the world with its house-inflected beats, slinky grooves, and gleefully immaculate production. Its somber lyrics about the realities of relationships are in a different vein entirely, but somehow the contrasting effect encourages listeners to dance the pain away.

Singapore’s top electronic producers and artists team up to honor XVAN with posthumous debut EP

Some of the biggest producers and artists in Singapore have come together to honor XVAN’s music by completing and releasing his work in a posthumous self-titled debut EP released via indie label Umami Records.

The upcoming all-star release will include collaborations with Evanturetime, MYRNE, Foxela, Brittle Bear, KNIGHTNDAE and Karena Yeo.

In 2018, XVAN’s debut single “What’s It?” caught the attention of international superstar producers Martin Garrix and Madison Mars who featured the song on their artist playlists. He went on to win a remix competition organized by MTV Asia and a coveted spot on Evanturetime's debut EP with his smooth rendition of the song ‘Sober’. 

Shortly after, XVAN passed away from cancer and left behind some unfinished demos. To honor XVAN’s artistic legacy, his peers in the music industry got together to rework the material and release it officially.

Indie Singer-Songwriter VANNA Releases Brand New Single ‘Voices’ Via Umami Records

Indie Singer-Songwriter VANNA Releases Brand New Single ‘Voices’ Via Umami Records

Israeli singer-songwriter VANNA has finally dropped ‘Voices,’ the third single from her debut EP ‘High Hopes’ via Singapore based indie label Umami Records. 

Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay), ‘Voices’ takes pride of its deeply melodic and hauntingly atmospheric folktronica production. Made more vulnerable with captivating vocals, the song is about VANNA’s experience in overcoming the voices and troubles inside her head.

Hong Kong R&B Artist Gareth.T Releases His First Single Via Umami Records - ‘best me i can’

Hong Kong R&B Artist Gareth.T Releases His First Single Via Umami Records - ‘best me i can’

Hong Kong R&B artist Gareth.T has released his first single via Singapore based indie label Umami Records - ‘best me i can’. A smooth R&B song filled with lush harmonies and soulful grooves, ‘best me i can’ is about making the most of our short lives, and always striving to be the best version of ourselves.

Currently based in Boston while studying at Berklee College of Music, Gareth.T shares his personal story behind the song: “I wrote this song after my grandma passed away recently. Even though we weren’t that close and it didn’t emotionally affect me too much, it really got me thinking about how short and fragile life is, and that time doesn’t really stop for anyone. So in the song I kinda reflect on my 20 years of life, and I’ve come to a conclusion, that I’m going to try to be the best me I can, everyday.”

Israeli Indie-Folk Singer-Songwriter VANNA Releases ‘Let Me Fall’, The Second Single from her Upcoming Debut EP

Israeli Indie-Folk singer-songwriter VANNA releases Let Me Fall, the second single of her 5-track debut EP High Hopes released via Umami Records. This song explores the meaning of embracing the vulnerability that one has while falling in love. The ambient production centred around a finger picked acoustic guitar and pulsating bass lines exudes a powerful calming feeling to listeners’ ears throughout the song.

Produced by Roy Avital of Tel Aviv based indie-electronic trio Garden City Movement and mastered by Matt Colton (James Blake, Muse, Coldplay), Let Me Fall is an ambient-folktronica song about letting yourself fall completely in love, and embracing the vulnerability that comes along with that. “When you fall in love, you expose yourself to getting hurt. It’s an endless paradox. When you let someone enter your inner world, you’re allowing them to gently break down your walls and then amazing things can happen.”, shares VANNA, “I was scared that one day I’d lose this feeling, and when it really happened I felt so alone trying to move on. This is the risk you take for falling in love.”

Singaporean Electronic Producer Foxela and Singer-Songwriter Chelsea Cara Release ‘wanted you so bad’ Via Umami Records

Singaporean Electronic Producer Foxela and Singer-Songwriter Chelsea Cara Release ‘wanted you so bad’ Via Umami Records

17-year-old Singaporean electronic producer Foxela and singer-songwriter Chelsea Cara have released their brand new single ‘wanted you so bad’ today via Singapore indie label Umami Records.

Chelsea decided to write the song after experiencing rejection from someone she really liked. “I tried to show the dilemma I was facing and the painful choices I had to make,” the alt pop singer-songwriter shares, “I had all these emotions I was trying to make sense of.”

“Am I building a wall just to break it / am I strong enough to hold it down / but with one look, oh no you got me now”, sings Chelsea, building up to Foxela’s cathartic instrumental drop. She channels her frustrations with a delicate but soulful performance that feels at home with the song’s tropical house-inspired production.  

Toronto-based Indie Dream Pop / R&B Duo Quan Bay Releases New Single “Miss Saigon”

Toronto-based indie dream pop / R&B duo Quan Bay have released their debut album’s lead single, Miss Saigon, via Singapore based indie label Umami Records on Friday, 27 March 2020. 

Miss Saigon tells the story of an immigrant mother and her child in the new world they have taken refuge in, a world that is at once both beautiful and scary. “My parents were refugees of the Vietnam War. It’s hard to settle into a new country where you don’t speak the language, don’t have any friends, and barely a penny to your name.”, shares Tamara, “for Miss Saigon, while the skies are clear and her child’s dreams are lovely, there are also real things to deal with like struggling with money and never seeing your kid because you’re working all the time.”