The Sounds of Uni

Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Uni. Together we discussed their early experiences with songwriting, how they got their name, their upcoming single “Endless”, and so much more!

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1. Mustard is grateful to have you join them at Music Shelf. How are you doing today?

Thank you for having me Mustard, I’m doing pretty groovy today, I feel all the excitement building up for my next release in about a week on 2/24.

2. As a young girl you began hearing songs in your head. Can you recall some of those songs?

As a young girl I did hear songs in my head, and I do still remember some of them to this day! Songs can really sink into your head and impact you for the rest of your life. The one I remember the most featured the lyric “a gift of love.”

3. You eventually began writing those songs in a notebook. Do you still have this notebook? Do you continue to write songs in it?

I’ve kept all my songwriting notebooks, they are some of the first items I would take with me if my house was on fire. As I didn’t know any instruments or music notation at that time, I would write the melody in dots that went up and down. It was an interesting way of doing it, but it worked for me.

4. As a teenager you taught yourself how to play guitar. Had you previously played it before? What advice would you give to those looking to teach themselves?

When I was 15 my dad gave me his vintage Roy Smeck Harmony acoustic guitar, and I taught myself basic chords from a book, and just kept repeating them. That formed the basis of my songwriting, but for years after I still would have no idea about music theory whatsoever and strictly played by ear. If I were learning for the first time I would recommend learning the first two string names, octaves, scales, basic chords, bar chords, and some basic music theory. 

5. You have your bachelors in Dance. What is a common misconception humans have about dancing? Do you have a favorite style of dance?

A common misconception about dance is how vital dance was in the formation of human history. Dance is the first language, and in most languages the word “music” and “dance” is the same. As a lover of both arts I gush over this fact.

6. Mustard wonders how you came up with your artist name.

My artist name came from a night at a Halloween rave. I was dressed as a unicorn and a girl ran up to me and said “Uni!” and then vanished forever. At the time I had started to open up to the idea of universal consciousness and oneness, so the name really resonated.

7. What is your creative process?

My creative process usually begins as I hear music in my head and feel a drive to push it out into reality, or oftentimes when I’m playing my acoustic guitar and just start singing. My inspiration feels like a spark or almost like I’m channeling from a deep place inside myself. That feeling lights me up like nothing else.

8. Who (or what) influences you?

Some of my greatest influences are bands like Radiohead, Joy Division/ New Order, Slowdive, Still Corners, and the Pixies. More recently, I’ve been enamored by a Swedish artist named ionalee who has created amazing dreamy synth centered experimental pop and audiovisual albums.

9. 2021 saw the release of your debut EP “The Mountains Inside.” What was it like to put this project together?

My first EP release was a whirlwind, as I had no idea what I was doing, I just had these songs I needed to get out into the world. Since I did the bulk of the recording and production, the process took a while, but I was able to fulfill a life-long dream of putting an EP out and creating my own first physical CDs.

10. If you could have mountains inside anywhere, where would they be?

If I could have mountains inside anywhere, they would definitely be in my heart center!

11. You followed up your EP with “In Dreams.” Did your own dreams inspire this single?

The single “In Dreams” was inspired by a sort of dream-pop sound, and a deep-seated crush. It’s about letting go and giving into a fantasy about someone.

12. You took promotional photos in Maui for “In Dreams.” Do you and other humans consider Maui to be a dreamy place? What do you recommend humans do if visiting?

When I took the promotional photos for “In Dreams” on a Maui beach, the experience was very magical…you can feel the island alive under you. There is a serene yet deep and powerful quality on that island. The volcano Haleakala is an amazing experience; from that vista you can see other Hawaiian islands and the clouds below you. It’s unforgettable.

13. What can fans expect from your upcoming single “Endless?”

My next single “Endless” is a cinematic, deep, and poetic adventure. The production was inspired by The Cranberries’ “Linger” and the meaning revolves around a play on opposing forces that forever chase each other yet without each other cease to exist.

14. What are some human things that feel endless to you?

Some human things that are endless are relationships, especially with people who effect us deeply. Also the masculine/ feminine within and natural cycles such as the moon and the tides.

15. What is next for Uni?

In the future, Uni is looking forward to unleashing some more up-beat and pop-y singles and potentially another EP, as well as a music video. I’m mostly excited to share the evolution of my songwriting and production skills, as well as unravel other aspects of myself as an artist.

16. Where can readers listen to your music?

Readers can listen to my music wherever streaming services are found, or on my website unimusicartist.com, On social media I’m @unisounds on IG, and @unimusicartist on TikTok and facebook. Feel free to reach out anytime and send a “hello.”