Yume.
via publicist
The Opener is The FADER’s mini-interview series with exciting new artists we think you should know.
I was first introduced to YUME when we caught the YSL-ØWAY show at Irving Plaza back in June. She was the only woman on the lineup, but diamond*, Pz’, Tezzus, and the rest of the crew treated her like one of the bros, dancing and rapping together no matter who was performing. When it was Yume’s turn on the mic, Young Thug hammed it up, introducing the producer-rapper as “our first AI artist,” but the YSL-signee’s polished melodic trap is nowhere near as predictable as that tongue-in-cheek label might suggest.
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The Curaçao born-and-raised artist has been making beats since she was 9, and landed her first major placement playing keys on “Go Crazy” By Thug and Chris Brown when she was just 15. YUME has since produced for Drake, NLE Choppa, Weiland, and of course, Thug himself (She helped behind the boards on “Whoopty Doo” off Uy Scuti. Her solo music is woozily hypnotic, equally influenced by the island riddims of her childhood in the Caribbean and the particular bounce of Atlanta trap.
What makes her self-produced songs feel distinct is how her breathy toplines weave between and interplay with her harder knocking 808s. On unreleased tracks like “Waist Side,” “Oop,” and “Fuck Love Hate,” her flows speed up and slow down, her vocal tone moving from her midrange to her falsetto and back again. As she gears up for her first solo project, due out later this fall, YUME's been hard at work, recently dropping new single “Love & Tequila” with Cash Cobain; when we hopped on a call for her to play me her upcoming music, she told me she was in Sao Paolo, Brazil, for a video shoot and a chance to see some relatives before hitting the road for YSL’s New Generation tour alongside Tezzus, diamond*, iyrus, and more in September.
The FADER caught up with YUME over email to chat about being misunderstood by listeners, her favorite style accessories, and why she doesn’t mind the AI jokes.
The FADER: What was the last movie you watched?
YUME: The last movie I watched was Sinners. I loved the meaning behind the movie. It had a unique feeling that stayed with me.
What’s the coolest thing to do in your hometown?
I enjoy going to the beach the most I can spend my entire day there.
When you’re not making music, how do you spend your free time?
When I’m not making music, I like to focus on myself and recharge. I go to the gym every day because staying healthy and disciplined is important to me. I also enjoy having a self care day getting my nails and hair done, taking time to relax, and sometimes the best moments are just having a good dinner with my friends, laughing, and enjoying life outside of the studio.
What’s the last meme you saved to your phone?
The last meme I saved was one of people saying that I’m an AI. I thought it was funny because there has been so much curiosity about me, and I like that people are intrigued. At the end of the day, I’m just Yume, a real person making music, creating, and sharing my story.
What’s a motto you think everyone should live by?
Live every day like it’s your last. Enjoy the little moments and don’t take life for granted. Even when you’re feeling down, remember how much you already have. If you’re healthy, can eat and drink, and have a roof over your head, you have reasons to be grateful.
Tell us about your favorite accessory.
I’ve been wearing hoop earrings everyday for the last couple of months and can’t leave the house without them.
Explain a lyric of yours that people misunderstand.
People sometimes misunderstand when I write about deep emotions, heartbreak, drugs, or difficult situations. People often assume that everything I say in my songs happen directly to me, but that’s not always the case.
As an artist, I’m inspired by everything around me. I can write about my own experiences, but I can also tell stories about my friends, things I’ve witnessed, conversations I’ve had, or situations I’ve seen people go through.
What’s a song you’d want to remix?
“Brucia La Terra” by Andrea Bocelli. His vocals are so powerful and timeless, I love blending timeless classical music with modern trap production.
What’s the best thing you’ve bought for $100 or less?
My vintage Dsquared hat. I wear it a lot.
What’s the ideal level of fame?
The perfect balance is being known globally but still being grounded, being able to inspire people, build a legacy, and change lives while keeping the freedom to live, create, and be yourself. True success is not just having everyone know who you are, it’s having a life that you are proud to wake up to.
Best advice you’ve gotten.
The best advice I ever got was: be yourself. Don’t let anyone change who you are, no matter who they are or how important they seem. Always stay true to yourself and listen to your inner Voice – your intuition will never lie to you.
Worst advice you’ve gotten.
The worst advice I ever got was that you can never be a producer, an artist, and a DJ at the same time, and that I have to choose one thing. I never believed that. If you have the passion, talent, and dedication, you can build your own lane and be everything you want to be.
What’s the best concert you’ve seen?
The best concert I’ve ever seen was actually my first concert ever. I was around 4 or 5 years old when I went with my family to see the Watch the Throne tour of Jay-Z and Kanye West. I still remember that moment like it was yesterday. Seeing the energy, the production, the crowd, and the way the music brought everyone together. That was the moment I realized how powerful a live show could be. I remember thinking, “Wow, this is something special.” From that day on, I wanted to experience every concert I could because I saw how artists could create a whole world on stage and connect with thousands of people at once. That experience planted the seed for my love of music and performance.
What’s the last thing you wrote in your notes app?
The last thing I wrote was a concept for a music video I wanna shoot soon.
Describe your perfect afternoon.
For me, the perfect afternoon will be a shopping day.
What’s something you’re looking forward to?
I’m really looking forward to finally sharing the project I’ve been working on for a long time. It’s something I’ve poured my heart and creativity into, and I can’t wait for people to hear it. I’m also excited for my first-ever tour with YSL and for the collaboration project that’s coming out very soon.
