You may have heard us playing Better Than You by Unica recently on Phoenix FM – but who is Unica? We caught up with her to find out more …
Tell us a little bit about your yourself?
My name is Unica and I am 30 years old (Just hit the big 3-0 in May this year). I am a mother of 2 boys; a 3 year old and an 11 year old. I was an island girl originally born in Honolulu, Hawaii before my parents flew me across the ocean to become a desert dweller here in Kingman, Arizona. I love singing, writing, drawing, dancing, acting, and crafting. I am also the owner/founder of “Ever faithful,” which is an online t-shirt business. I am currently working as a permit technician but hoping to pursue music full time so I can travel with my family all around the world! I will forever be a faith fighter and God will always be my number one.
When did you first start to develop a passion for music?
From what my Mom has always told me is that I started singing ever since I was 4 years old. I would actually hold “talent shows” right in my living room, singing with a hairbrush and just putting on a musical show for my parents. I’ve had a passion for singing ever since, and I have never stopped wanting to achieve this goal of becoming a professional singer in the industry.
Which artists did you listen to while growing up?
When I was younger, I would listen to a range of artists including Christina Aguilera, Aaliyah, JoJo, Celine Dion, 3LW and Destiny’s Child. Aaliyah was always my favorite though.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard you before?
I believe the music I create can be described as a pop, R&B folk, singer/songwriter vibe. Probably a mix between Ariana Grande, Christina Aguilera, and Alicia Keys.
What music have you recorded and released to date?
The music I have recorded and released to date are:
– Think of You
– 10 Years (collab with DJ Txedo)
– Love Me Back
– Better Than You
Which artists do you enjoy listening to at the moment – and do they influence your work?
The artists that I enjoy listening to right now are Ariana Grande, Sza, H.E.R., Tori Kelly, Julia Michaels, Fletcher, and Olivia Rodrigo. I feel that they do inspire and influence my work, but I still maintain my own unique sound, and stay true to the lyrics I write in every song. I believe it’s important as an artist to develop my own personalized sound so that it stays true to who I am and hopefully resonates with others to build that genuine connection.
Who would your dream collaboration be with?
My all time dream collaboration would probably have to be with Tori Kelly. She is a humble and down to earth soul with such an insane vocal range. It would truly be an honor if I ever had the opportunity to collab with her.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future is to complete my EP. I have been working on this EP for quite a while and I feel that this is the year it will finally get completed. After my EP has been released, I am hoping to start working on an album as it has been a long time coming to take on the challenge of creating an album. My hope is to continue making music and release my first children’s book this year titled “The Adventures of Emoti Town.”
Where can we find out more about you?
As well as all streaming services, I am on TikTok: island_wings444 and Instagram: island_wings444, music.by.unica
