Yuna

Malaysian band Yuna puts the enchanting vocals and empowering lyrics of singer/guitarist Yuna Zarai at center stage. Born Yunalis Zarai in the town of Kedah, she began writing songs at age 14, taught herself to play guitar, and by 2006, in need of a creative outlet while attending law school, performed for an audience for the first time. She also offered her music on her MySpace page, which went on to net over one million plays, tipped off the Indie-Pop label/management company to her, and in early 2011 led to her signing with the Fader label. Joined by guitarist Pa'an, bassist Efry Arwis, and drummer Adib Azfar (and later, Adil Ali), Yuna made its recorded debut in Malaysia in 2008 with a self-titled EP, which went on to snag five Anugerah Industri Muzik (the Malaysian equivalent of the Grammy) nominations and take home four trophies, including Best New Artist and Best Song (for the breakout hit "Deeper Conversation"). The Decorate EP followed two years later (and arrived stateside in spring 2011), featuring the viral hit "Rocket" and winning raves from Billboard to indie rock radio station KEXP to hip-hop mogul Russell Simmons, as well as ink in SPIN's Eight Bands You Need to Hear Now. On the performance end, Yuna was nominated one of MTV Iggy's Best New Bands in the World in 2011 and marked the occasion by playing at the historic MTV Studios. The band rang in 2012 with a new single, "Live Your Life," produced by Pharrell Williams as a preamble to its self-titled full-length debut, which arrived that April. Summer 2012 will find Yuna sharing the Lollapalooza stage with the likes of Florence + the Machine, Jack White, and Childish Gambino. ~ Chrysta Cherrie, Rovi