Exclusive Interview with Umario

Artist Spotlight: Umario

In 2025, many artists are multihyphenates, and Umario has added his name to that list. Coming from the world of dance, both as a choreographer and performer, he jumped into the music world and released his first song on streaming services in 2021 called “Emotions.” He’s now returned to the music world with his second single of the year, titled “Foolish Games.”

With wisdom and candor, Umario opens up about the creative process, personal growth, and why the music still matters.

MusicsWeek: What does a fulfilling life look like to you beyond your music career?

Umario: A fulfilling life to me is about balance, having meaningful relationships, peace of mind, and time to grow as a person outside of the spotlight. It’s about giving back, exploring the world, and staying connected to the things that keep me grounded, like family, learning new things, and reflecting on daily decisions I make.  

MusicsWeek: What drives you to keep creating music even during challenging times?

Umario: Music has always been my way of channeling and externalizing my thoughts. Even when my heart is heavy, creating reminds me who I am. It’s my therapy, my connection, and purpose all at once. Also, the idea of my music might touch someone during a tough period in their life is priceless.

MusicsWeek: How do you define happiness and fulfillment in your life and career?

Umario: Happiness, to me, is living in alignment with my values — doing what I love while staying true to myself. Fulfillment comes from growth: seeing progress, inspiring others, and knowing that what I create has meaning beyond numbers or fame.

MusicsWeek: How do you stay true to yourself while evolving as an artist?

Umario: I stay true by constantly checking in with my “why”.. 

MusicsWeek: What’s your favorite way to unwind after a long day of recording or performing?

Umario: Every day brings a different rhythm. Sometimes I find comfort in quiet moments: sitting on my balcony, listening to other artists, or watching a good movie. Other times, I love being surrounded by lights and loud music, where you can just let go and stop overthinking for a while.

MusicsWeek:  How do you handle criticism and feedback on your music?

Umario: I try to separate ego from art. Not every piece of feedback is right, but I listen and take what’s useful. Constructive criticism helps me grow, and I remind myself that art is subjective; what truly matters most is that I’m proud of what I create.

MusicsWeek: What’s the most challenging aspect of being a song artist?

Umario: The hardest part for me is balance. I dive so deep into every project that I often lose track of time when I’m writing. I’ve learned how important it is to prioritize the basics: eating, sleeping, and resting to avoid creative burnout. There’s also the vulnerability that comes with sharing pieces of yourself with the world; it’s both beautiful and terrifying at the same time.

MusicsWeek: How do you feel about music streaming services and their impact on artists?

Umario: Streaming has opened the doors for everyone…it’s amazing how easily people can discover new music now. But with that accessibility comes the challenge of standing out. Algorithms don’t always capture what makes an artist unique, so I try not to obsess over the numbers. For me, it’s about staying grounded, trusting the process, and continuing to create with purpose.

MusicsWeek: How important is it for artists to have creative control over their work?

Umario: Creative control is everything. It’s your identity, your message, your sound. When you lose that, you risk losing the authenticity that makes your music special. Having a strong team behind your craft is great, but your voice should always lead the direction to make sure you keep the product the way you saw it in the first place.

MusicsWeek: How do you continue to improve your musical skills and knowledge?

Umario: I'm a very ‘self-awareness’ type of person, and I'm very hard on myself. I’m always learning from other artists, new sounds, experimenting in the studio, and studying different genres. I also revisit my old work to see how far I’ve come and where I can grow. Every session is a lesson if you stay open-minded.