Inspired #464 - Yumeli
Driven by R&B, neo-soul and funk, Yumeli infuse a new modern approach to their sound with new single 'See You In Space Cowboy'.
Formed in 2022, the project explores a sound that is both sensual and surreal. The name Yumeii evokes a dreamlike journey, where reality and imagination dissolve into one another. This vision runs through their music, blending diverse influences into an immersive sonic landscape.
They took a moment to talk to us about the inspirations behind their music.
Who are your top three musical inspirations and why?
We'd say Erykah Badu, Meshell Ndegeocello, and Funkadelic. As women making music, we've always looked up to artists like Erykah Badu and Meshell Ndegeocello. We really admire how they've stayed true to themselves and built their own careers without compromising who they are. They're strong, inspiring artists who have shown us that there's no right or wrong way to express yourself through music.
Musically, all three blend soul, funk, jazz, and R&B in a way that is completely unique and unmistakably their own. Their music has changed the way we listen to and create music, and it continues to inspire us every time we write.
Is there a certain film that inspires you and why?
The Cowboy Bebop universe has been a huge inspiration for us, both visually and thematically. We love its unique aesthetic, blending retro and futuristic elements with influences from jazz and sci-fi to create something completely timeless.
What resonates with us most is its message about moving forward while carrying the memories and experiences that have shaped us. That idea became the heart of our new single, See You In Space Cowboy. It's about accepting change, learning from the past without being trapped by it, and finding the strength to keep moving forward.
What city do you find the most inspiring and why?
We would say New York. We are fascinated by everything that has come from this city over the decades, from Jazz and Funk to Hip-Hop and Neo Soul. So many artists we love have a strong connection to New York, from Groove Theory, A Tribe Called Quest, Nile Rodgers, The Notorious B.I.G, to the incredible creative energy surrounding the Soulquarians era. As French artists, we only know these places and these stories through the music that has reached us, but we are deeply inspired by them.
It is also hard for us not to mention Detroit, a city that has had a huge impact on the music we love, from the legacy of Motown to more recent artists like J Dilla.
Who is the most inspiring person to you and why?
If we had to choose one person, it would be Erykah Badu. Beyond her music, we're inspired by the way she approaches art and life with complete freedom and authenticity. She's never been afraid to follow her own path or challenge expectations, and that's something we deeply admire. She reminds us that making music isn't about fitting into a genre or following trends but about creating something honest that truly reflects who you are.
What were your inspirations when writing your new track?
Beyond Cowboy Bebop, which inspired us both visually and thematically, See You In Space Cowboy was also deeply influenced by hip-hop, R&B. The track includes references to artists who have inspired us, such as The Notorious B.I.G., Groove Theory, and Junko Yagami, as a way of paying tribute to the music that has shaped our artistic journey.
How would you like to inspire people?
We hope our music encourages people to rediscover the musical worlds that have inspired us and that we never want to forget. If our songs spark someone's curiosity and make them want to dive deeper into these worlds and discover the artists behind them, that's the kind of impact we hope our music can have.
More than anything, we hope to remind people that music can be both playful and introspective. We love creating songs that invite you to let go, embrace a little eccentricity, and get lost for a while, while still leaving room for reflection and emotion.
