Umay – Remember Me (2022)
Inspired by musicians like ABBA and Taylor Swift, but also by musical theatre legends like Andrew Lloyd Weber, UK-based Umay has a contemporary and classical sound. This is the first time I have heard of Umay, but she is by no means an unknown artist. Featured on notable press like Sinusoidal Music, Karl Is My Unkle, iHeart Radio and various playlists, this songstress is spreading her wings on a global scale. The latest addition to her discography is the single ‘Remember Me’.
Finding the line between storytelling and journaling, Umay navigates audiences through tales of love, adventure and tragedy. ‘Remember Me’ follows her single ‘17’ adopting a pop meets folk ballad. Filled with intense intimacy, the track has a soothing tenderness in its melancholic tone; however, there is also an awkwardness in its obscure sound. Wistful and listless, but with sophisticated clarity, ‘Remember Me’ is something almost indescribable (although I have done my best).
As I mentioned, Umay is inspired by musical theatre, and she is actually writing a musical herself. Based on the medieval texts of Beowulf and Gesta Danorum, Umay guides her audience through a magical world of sonic poetry. The 14th single in the project, ‘Remember Me’ continues her storytelling traditions in its haunting way. I suppose the wistful, misty ambience aligns with the tale behind the track.
Yes, the single lies within a larger project; however, it gives the characters a chance to speak without bringing them to the foreground. Umay shares that “as I write this musical, one of my biggest aims is to tell the story of the silent ones…to merge my two passions together and make a musical based on my favourite Old English poem.” I can tell it’s going to be great because ‘Remember Me’ gives me the same chills as when I first listened to Sarah Brightman in Phantom of the Opera.
For more from Umay check out her official website, Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
