Meet umfang

Meet Emma Olson, a.k.a. Umfang, the Brooklyn-based artist and DJ creating groundbreaking techno. Also the co-founder of Discowoman, Olson has made a name for herself in the techno scene, seeking to create more inclusive lineups.

Below, we talk to this innovator all things inspiration, the new landscape of livestream performances, and get the deets on her latest album Riven. 

Give it a gander below! 

A CHARMING STORY WITH A HAPPY ENDING: A Mad Lib by umfang

Once upon a TREE, there were three little pigs. The first little pig was very CRAZY, and he built a house for himself out of DOGS. The second little pig was GENTLE, and he built a house out of PLASTICS. But the third little pig was very COLORFUL, and he built his house out of flower PETALS. Well one day, a mean old wolf came along and saw the houses. "FUCK!" he said. "I'll GO and I'll TAKE and I'll blow your house down." And he blew down the first little pig's FLOWER and the second little pig's PAINTS. The two little pigs ran to the third pig's house. Thereupon, the wolf began blowing, but he couldn't blow down the third little pig's CHAIR house. so he FLOATED off into the forest, and the three little WINDY pigs moved to Chicago and went into the sausage business.

Would You Rather

have to live for two years inside a Chuck E Cheese, or the guitar center on 42nd street?

Guitar Center honestly. I'd be excited to play instruments almost like a residency. I'm scared I would feel deranged after even an hour in Chuck E Cheese. 

Some questions with umfang

Are there other genres of music that you pulling inspiration from, or have been looking to break into?

I'm usually thinking of old hip hop beats but I am trying to make techno now. Old drum n bass has been inspiring to me but I'd like to make techno with those sounds.

When attending shows do you prefer smaller venues with more intimate performances or larger venues? How about when you are performing?

I prefer smaller venues in both scenarios. I got to play a 30 capacity club last year and was thrilled.

You are participating in a number of live streams lately; how important is it for you to continue performing regularly even during a lockdown?

It's more important for my happiness than I expected. I miss the thrill of the social aspect and I'm really enjoying the chat feature on twitch. I can actually talk to people about the records I play in real time while reading recipes and general anecdotes. I really love djing and I miss it a lot. Making plans to stream motivates me to take it seriously and not distract myself.

RIVEN comes out three years after your last album; how does time and intention factor into how you assemble albums?

I intended to release it before 3 years but during that time I traveled a lot, was really heartbroken in my personal life and about the industry as a whole. I couldn't figure out who I wanted to release my music in a way that would feel good to me so I decided last fall to do it myself. Once I have a collection of songs that work well together I want them to be released. It takes time for me to unify the concept and art and I like to take my time.

Can you elaborate on the poems you point to in your release? How did they inform or relate to the album?

The poems came as feedback from friends when I sent them my album draft. I only sent it to a few people and I could have never expected such thorough and poetic interpretations. It helped with the imagery of the album and helped me understand how it might be interpreted to others.

Any final comments? (This is your electronic soapbox for one last answer.)

I hope people are doing what they can to help others right now. If 20 people close to you are who you can check in with and help that's great. If you have no money share grants, If you see other people helping tell them good job! If you think no one deserves your help right now please stay quiet & don't be racist.