In Los Angeles, Kali Uchis has unveiled a new album that she describes as the musical solace she didn’t know she’d need. The Grammy-winning artist poured her heart and soul into this project, created at a time marked by profound personal developments. Released on Friday, the album titled “Sincerely,”—complete with its comma—emerged from a collection of personal letters. These letters were originally intended for herself and her loved ones, but the work grew in significance following two major life events: the birth of her child and the death of her mother.
The album kicks off with the single “Sunshine & Rain…,” featuring a poignant audio clip of her mother’s voice saying, “Good morning, sunshine.” Uchis explained her decision to include this clip, stating, “I wanted to immortalize her in the project. It was a beautiful way to open the album.” The 14-track collection touches on raw emotions, such as in “Daggers!” where she discusses themes of self-love, and “ILYSMIH,” featuring the tender sounds of a newborn, which she wrote while recuperating in her hospital bed after childbirth. Through these songs, Uchis hopes to offer listeners a sense of solace and a deeper connection with their own emotions.
When discussing the themes she chose to address, Uchis expressed her desire to delve deeper into vulnerability and sensitivity. She felt prepared to do this because her music-making journey had matured to this point. The unexpected news of her pregnancy amplified her emotional depth, allowing her to connect with her work more sincerely than ever before.
The crafting of the album also proved to be a therapeutic journey. In a reflection on the project, Uchis noted how she subconsciously crafted music that catered to the emotional needs of her future self. The album, dedicated to her late mother, took on an even more profound significance with her mother’s illness and subsequent passing. This realization underscored the depth and meaning behind the music. “I was making all of this to heal myself,” she observed.
The album’s title, “Sincerely,” has its own unique origin. Uchis initially conceived it as a series of letters to various audiences, including herself. Her mother’s passing prompted her to see the decision as more fitting, especially since she cherished letters from her mother. This introspective practice underscored a deeper, more personal connection embodied within her work.
For Uchis, the process of creating was freeform and intuitive. Songs often emerged with no accompanying music, born out of moments of inspiration. For instance, she began penning “ILYSMIH” right in her hospital bed alongside her newborn. Another song, “All I Can Say,” was crafted during a car ride. Her aim is to transform her life experiences into something beautiful.
Throughout her oeuvre, themes of nature recur, providing a harmonious thread across her music. Uchis stated that nature greatly inspires her, serving as both a spiritual and creative catalyst. She acknowledges the evolution of her sound while maintaining the nostalgic essence rooted in her musical beginnings. The subtle balance of growth and consistency remains core to her artistic journey.
The inclusion of her mother’s voice in this album marks a personal tribute. Following her mother’s death, Uchis found comfort in reviewing all the audio messages her mother had sent. This particular message became a natural fit for “Sunshine & Rain…,” linking her mother’s loving words with the album’s depth. Though sharing such intimate parts of her life challenges her private nature, Uchis felt compelled to honor her mother through her art. The act of weaving her mother’s presence into the album is a powerful homage to her mother’s impact and the legacy of love she left behind.