Malmö duo MAMI UMAMI have built their identity around collisions. Bringing together Jaquelin Elamiri (Miss Mami) and Leonard Furby, the project moves freely between hip-hop, alt-pop and club music, pairing the restless energy of Sweden's underground scene with a live show that increasingly blurs the boundary between concert and performance.
Following this year's 'AFTERwork EP,' new single ‘(Don't) think I like you’ turns a shared personal experience into something explosive. Written in around 20 minutes after both musicians' partners moved away for new jobs, the track races through denial, anger, bargaining, depression and something approaching acceptance over high-octane, synth-charged production co-created with Alex Lopez.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with them to find out more about their origins and what has been inspiring them most over the years.
-
What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
For sure the Drums, from Leo finding his dads drums in the basement as a child to me (Jackie) completely falling in love with music after hearing him completely destroy a kit.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
We came from different worlds as children, Jackie had Britney and lil Wayne while I got The kinks and Refused (Leo).
What was the first album you remember owning?
Crazy frog
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Last Christmas, that's mansion money right there.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
Tight time frame so we don’t over think and really lock in, also sparkling water and folköl is really important to have in the room.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Lamb! Really fell for her voice and how she just fly over the beats.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Death grips
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
Every day of the week, definitely playing live, that's the shit right there. Its really fun being in the studio, listening to the songs and get some sort of free therapy out of it, but the peek is always being on stage dancing and singing with the fans.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Not understanding what your brain wants to do at times.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
Don’t overthink it.
-
MAMI UMAMI's new single '(Don't) think I like you' is out now. Check it out in the player below.