UNA

UNA is a Los Angeles-based trio that emerged in the mid-2000s as a sophisticated torchbearer for the trip-hop and downtempo movement. Comprised of vocalist Jennifer Nice and producers Eddie Barajas and Richard 'Big Rich' Gumbs IV, the group successfully bridged the gap between the 1990s Bristol sound and a modern, West Coast electronic aesthetic.

Their debut EP, 'The Rain is Over and Gone' (2006), received significant critical attention and college radio play, establishing them as a prominent independent force in the electronic scene. Sonically, UNA is defined by a 'noir' sensibility, utilizing slow-tempo breakbeats, dub-influenced basslines, and jazz-inflected vocal melodies. While they cite giants like Massive Attack and Portishead as foundational influences, their work often incorporates a brighter, more melodic indie-pop sensibility that distinguishes them from their darker UK counterparts. Over the years, they have maintained a consistent presence in the downtempo community through full-length releases like 'one' and 'The Laughing Man', often collaborating on remix projects that highlight their versatility within the chillout and lounge subgenres.