Berlin-based artist Rumia unveils new single ‘Emergency’ with video, live dates in Seoul

‘Emergency’ blends trip-hop with raw instrumentals and classic jazz sounds. A call-and-response to Frank Sinatra’s “It Was A Very Good Year”, the track is written from the perspective of the girl Sinatra sings of. Both sonically and lyrically, the track nods to the past while being firmly rooted in the present, fusing soundscapes of longing and expansive storytelling. The Berlin-based singer delves deep to draw from her own experiences of mental health struggles, crafting a character that yearns for human connection and escape.

On the track, Rumia shares, “I feel deeply connected to this song because it reflects my personal experiences with mental health struggles and the search for solace. There's a strong sense of introspection and vulnerability in it, and I'm proud of how it blends different musical eras to create something both meaningful and timeless. For me, this song is not just an emotional expression, but also a creative achievement.”

The new track sees Rumia depart from her usual solo creative process, this time teaming with Denis Granan to submerge electric piano within a gritty atmospheric feel. The lyricism touches on the complexities of mental workings, particularly located in the chaos of teenage years.

Rumia has seen soaring success as an up-and-coming artist, moving to Berlin to pursue her musical aspirations and study music composition. Her debut album Forget Me Not in 2022 garnered praise from the likes of Earmilk and Fame Magazine. She was also the winner of Best Original Song at the International Music Video Awards in Budapest, and won two awards for Best Original Song and Best Lyricism at the Art Film & Music Video Awards in London.