Who is Unknown Mortal Orchestra? Top Songs, Biography, and Music Lore

Arial Ten
Aug 12, 2024
2 min read

I'm Arial Ten and I wrote this because I've been heavily inspired by Unknown Mortal Orchestra's music. If you like Unknown Mortal Orchestra, you might like my warm groovy dance music.

Check Out my Music

My Connection to Unknown Mortal Orchestra

The defining goal for many musicians is to discover and develop a trademark sound.

Unsurprisingly, most musicians fail.

But psychedelic-rock outfit Unknown Mortal Orchestra has carved out this unique, soul-scratching sound that both delights and intrigues.

Within a few seconds of hearing frontman Ruban Nielson's distorted voice, you'll know you're decisively listening to UMO. The specific combination of real drums, hippy guitar tones, and a healthy dose of reverb are impossible not to recognize.

I remember listening to II and Multi-Love during my college years over 10 years ago and have struggled to find artists who have matched that sound.

Their songs have this touch of melancholy and distress that perfectly speaks to someone coming of age. But the songs are also catchy and dance-y enough to keep them on repeat.

The visual identity of UMO is also just really cool. They do the grungy hippy motif in a way that feels authentic and real.

I don't make psychedelic music (yet), but I've always been inspired by their commitment to their unique sound. They're world-class musicians and artists.

You can check out my music here or follow me on Instagram.

Who is Unknown Mortal Orchestra?

Unknown Mortal Orchestra (UMO) is a psychedelic rock band originating from Auckland, New Zealand, but is now based in Portland, Oregon.

The band, formed in 2009 by Ruban Nielson, blends genres like funk, psychedelia, soul, and lo-fi into their unique sound. Their debut album, "Unknown Mortal Orchestra," was released in 2011 and garnered significant attention, thanks to the hit single "Ffunny Ffriends".

UMO’s music is influenced by a wide range of artists and genres, from Hendrix to soul and R&B.

Their notable albums include "II" (2013), "Multi-Love" (2015), and "Sex & Food" (2018), with standout tracks like "So Good at Being in Trouble," "Multi-Love," and "Hunnybee". The band has collaborated with artists like Mac Demarco, Faye Webster, and Kurt Vile, further expanding their eclectic sound.

Awards-wise, Ruban Nielson and his band have received accolades such as the Taite Music Prize for their debut album and multiple Aotearoa Music Awards in their home country.

Their most recent work, the album "V," was released in 2023 and continues to explore new sonic territories, drawing from various influences.