Yuna

Yuna is the stage name of Yunalis binti Mat Zara'ai, a Malaysian singer-songwriter from Alor Setar, Kedah, born in 1986. She works in contemporary R&B, indie, folk and acoustic styles, and is also described as an acoustic, alternative and pop artist. She is based in Kuala Lumpur and Los Angeles.

Career

Yuna starts to gain notice in Malaysia’s independent music scene in 2007. She releases a demo in 2008, followed by her debut EP, Yuna EP, later that year. Her debut album, Decorate, appears in 2010. She later releases her second Malaysian full-length album, Terukir Di Bintang, and a self-titled US album, Yuna.

Recordings and releases

Her US release Decorate - EP comes out after she signs with Fader Label in the US. She is first approached by the Indie-Pop record label and management company, which helps arrange that deal. Her releases place her in both the Malaysian and US independent music scenes.

Collaborators and influences

Early in her career, Farhan Fadzlishah, also known as Pa'an of Telephony Delivery, becomes her supporting guitarist. Efry Arwis of Lightcraft plays bass for her, and Adib handles drums before being replaced by Adil Ali of Seven Collar T-shirt. Yuna cites Fiona Apple, Feist, Lykke Li, Sia, Bob Dylan and The Cardigans among her influences. She describes her music as a blend of Mary Poppins and Coldplay, and her work draws comparisons with Norah Jones and Rachael Yamagata.