Uhl is an American singer/songwriter who may be new to the Pop music world, but her arrival comes after a lifetime of training. Groomed as a singer in the world of Opera, Uhl has been studying voice and performing live since she was a child. The lockdown’s of 2020 afforded her the time to focus on her long standing goal of launching a career as a solo artist. She dropped her first single “Cindy’s Boyfriend” earlier this year.

“Badlands” is the latest single from Uhl, released worldwide to all major streaming services on June 10, 2021. The track opens with an ambient mix of piano and synths. Soon the singer floats in on a breeze. A downtempo beat drops with a touch of breakbeat shuffle to give the song a Trip-hop vibe. Her sound comes from the same musical universe as that of legendary female vocal pioneers like Kate Bush, Sarah Brightman, Enya or Elizabeth Fraser of Cocteau Twins. It is music that uses the female voice to create a mood that goes beyond the lyrics. Uhl’s dreamy, ethereal vocals expand the borders of “Badlands” beyond the horizon. It is beautiful and hypnotic.

Badlands is surrendering to the vast unknown, a cathartic braiding of the frays of life. A revelation characterized by sublime textures and ethereal air, like the comfort of a warm whisper. 

Uhl

Check out the visually stunning “Badlands” video below. You can also hear the song on the Deep Indie Chill playlist. We had the chance to chat with Uhl about the song, the past and the future. Check out her answers to our 8 questions. And Follow the links at the end of this article to connect with Uhl. Get on her socials and get in the know on all of her future projects.

8 Questions with Uhl

Where are you from?

Uhl grew up in the mountains of  Morrison, CO, home to The Red Rocks Amphitheatre. It is no doubt that seeing her biggest icons perform at one of the most magical and legendary concert venues in the US had a profound effect on her musical ventures. To play the amphitheatre she grew up at is one of her biggest dreams.

How long have you been making music?

Uhl has been singing and forcing performances upon guests and family members for as long as she can remember. She attended a specialty middle school and highschool for singing, Denver School of The Arts, where she sang in choir and shows for 7 years.. It was during this time that she found an affinity for opera and classical music. 

Focused on being an opera singer, Uhl graduated with a bachelors  in music from The San Francisco Conservatory of Music in 2020, where she performed roles in multiple operas. However, during her ‘Covid’ impaired graduation last year, Uhl found the time away from opera as an opportunity and a  gift to pursue one of  her earliest dreams – singing and writing music. Her background in opera and dramatic performance inspires her music.

Who are the musicians involved in your project?

Uhl wrote Badlands in March of 2020 and began producing a demo of the track with her brother Sterling Uhl, at their home made basement studio. The pieces and parts came together through the help of Spotify’s website for musicians, Soundbetter, where Uhl discovered and collaborated with artists from all over the globe. This track was produced by Uhl, Sterling Uhl, Van Arro, Peter M. Murray – and features Greg Harris (marimba and vibraphone) – and live drums by Leor Manelis. 

Who are your biggest musical influences?

Enya, Kate Bush, Elizabeth Fraser, Annie Lennox, Vangelis, Nina Simmone , David Bowie 

What is your greatest non-musical influence?

Uhl is inspired by cinema and the power of audio/visual pairings. Specifically – how music can transport and create an experience – and how much that experience can be heightened through visual storytelling and aesthetic. Uhl’s intent is to make music that creates an experience, musically and visually. 

What inspired you to create this project?

Badlands – in short –  is about the manifestation of fear as we move from childhood to adulthood. How the awareness that comes with age is both a painful burden and a gift. Badlands is a revelation born from vulnerability – wanting to turn yourself inside out – embracing the uncomfortability of being trapped in the grasps of existentialism.. Something I don’t think I will ever be able to express or fully understand.

What are your plans for the future (musically)?

To create music and visual art that attempts to express the inexpressible – that evokes sensations unique and moving. 

Is there anything else you would like to say?

This is only the beginning

Connect:

Facebook

Instagram

Twitter

Spotify