UCHE Releases 'AWAKE' Alongside News of Two-Part Album ‘How to Live/How to Die'

As soon as I received the email about the Independent LA based artist UCHE dropping ‘AWAKE’ as he simultaneously announced the news of a two part album ‘How to Live/How to Die', I immediately reached out, I wanted to really understand the story behind both the single and ‘How to Live/How to Die'. 

Thoughts About The Project

Here’s what UCHE had to say: ”AWAKE" is an intro to the world that is my two-sided album 'How to Live/How to Die' with 'How to Die' dropping first, at the top of the year. 'How to Die' speaks to a lot of the current energies and emotions in the world…the frustration, the angst and the idea that one may metaphorically die many times in this lifetime, by way of personal growth, evolution, and discovery. In order to truly live, one may have to kill parts of their current self."

This part in particular connected with me “the idea that one may metaphorically die many times in this lifetime,” 

I was having a conversation recently with a friend about how I feel each year a new version of us is born, not instantly but throughout the year we are continuously shedding the skin of our old, other self making room for our new self to be born and stay a little while. So in a way, one could say that we ‘metaphorically die many times in this one lifetime’. 

'AWAKE'

UCHE, was originally born in Chicago but grew up in Nigeria and you can hear that influence in tracks like 'Okada,’ where he blends R&B and Afro sounds. ‘AWAKE’ takes us somewhere else - distorted synths, infectious flows, authority and menace - UCHE takes us on a trip underground, to a room where we aren’t quite sure where the exit is. The question is do we even want to leave?

The music video self directed shows UCHE moving through industrial backdrops - trippy, dark, naked, impactful yet simple capturing the fast paced and disorientation of inner-city life - street level. “Life’s been a whirlwind, the world’s been in a frantic place, and as a result, I’m lying awake all the time trying to get to where I’m going. ‘AWAKE’ is that energy.”

A black fan in the corner of a white room that feels like it could be deep underground - somewhere where if you were to scream no one would hear you? Maybe not what was intended as he paced the white room on the days of filming but visuals and sound take us on our own personal trip, our own interpretation, that's the beauty of art after all. 

JU and Die Next Weekend

Let’s talk about the production and the team behind it. JU, a frequent collaborator on UCHE’s projects, highlights the value of continued partnerships in an artist’s growth. Die Next Weekend, who has worked with artists like Coi Leray on tracks like Lonely Fans and Trendsetter, brings his own unique touch to the mix.

From the Windy City to the Entertainment Capital

UCHE made the decision to relocate to LA - a move that helped him define his sound. The combination of Chicago’s distinct sound and LA’s music scene felt like the perfect fit, and it’s evident in his music. UCHE has performed at venues like a well-known location in Chicago, previously hosting acts like Tragically Hip, Alkaline Trio, and The Dillinger Escape Plan. He’s also played at Metro, where the original lineup of the Smashing Pumpkins had their first gig.

Previous Projects: Lost EP, There’s Fire on The Lake and PHONE

UCHE dropped his debut EP Lost last year, marking a homecoming that reintroduced his distinct, subversive sound. The project highlighted his skill in blending storytelling with striking visuals, demonstrating his creative vision and growth. After Lost, he gave us ‘There’s Fire On the Lake’ and ‘PHONE’. Phone was accompanied by visuals full of vivid storytelling, this was when he expanded the album’s sound and the marrying imagery, creating some of his most impactful visual work to date. 

Brave Eyes

With 'AWAKE' leading into 'How to Live/How to Die', UCHE is setting the stage that explores a different meaning to transformation musically and visually. His bold approach, both in sound and visuals, signals an artist on the verge of a major shift— a journey full of uncertainty and energy. 

UCHE isn’t just making music; he’s shaping experiences, exploring the connection between sound, visuals, and emotion. And as 'AWAKE' makes its mark, we’re reminded of the power of reinvention—both within his art and ourselves.