INTERVIEW: New Music from USHAN (2025)

Coming out of the city of São Paulo in Brazil, USHAN is the moniker of artist Lorena Hollander, a visionary musician whose work stands at the crossroads between the mystical and the modern. Drawing from am array of influences, Lorena has forged a sonic output that blends traditional instruments like the koto with crisp synths, samples and live-manipulated vocals.

Her music reflects a profoundly personal and spiritual journey, inviting listeners into a musical sphere where Brazilian Tropicalia legends meet experimental psychedelia. First unveiling her highly original sonic vision to the world in July 2020, she released her debut double single “Oxu,” returning in 2022 with the track “Amor” followed by her first full-length record, Banho de Lua. This album confirmed her place as a pioneer in the Brazilian music scene, showcasing her ability to fuse themes of spirituality and other dimensions with innovative production techniques.

Her live performances break free from the traditional concert format, evolving into ritualistic events that immerse audiences in her creative vision. With symbolic elements like veils and swords stitched into her stage presence, Lorena transforms her shows into mesmeric ceremonies that have won over audiences.

Now, USHAN returns with her latest split single, “As Águas/Sword,” a project that sees USHAN build on her daring avant-garde sound while addressing urgent social themes. This new release captures the same genre-fluid ethos that’s become her trademark, offering a cocktail of influences that span from the experimental beat-driven sound of the Chemical Brothers to the melodic writing of The Beatles. Recorded in Brazil and mixed and mastered by Joan Arnau Pàmies in Catalonia, Spain, the two tracks once again feature her use of the koto, paired with guitar pedals and other experimental tools.

The first track “As Águas” sets up the release with bright instrumental plucks that dance above the shuffle of the drums as slick guitar lines inject subtle rock vibes while the sliding bass tones maintain a danceable feel. Driven by the pattering percussion and brimming with sweeping musical textures, USHAN’s processed vocal chants ring about above, resulting in a grooving jam that’s catchy and experimental in equal measure.

“Sword” takes things into a downtempo atmosphere of sparse and airy instrumentation, echoes of thumping drums and the swell of pulsing synth elements. Building into an enveloping soundscape of fluttering instrumental dashes, hypnotic rhythms and hushed vocal lines cut with the zap of electronic noises, it’s another spectacular showcase of USHAN’s sheer creativity and sound design panache, serving up another superb slice of her fiercely unique and entirely engrossing musical universe.

We caught up with USHAN to find out more about her musical journey so far, her new single “As Águas/Sword” and what she’s got lined up for the future. Check out our interview with USHAN below.

What’s your earliest memory of making music?

My earliest memory is of my mother at the ocean with me, singing “W/Brasil” by Jorge Ben. She was teaching me some parts of the lyrics, and I was completely fascinated. Music was always a part of my childhood. My father played piano, and I have vivid memories of him playing Gershwin and other artists I still love today.

Which artists do you draw most inspiration from?

I’m very eclectic and draw inspiration from music all over the world. I love the deep spiritual sound of Alice Coltrane, the psychedelia of bands like Os Mutantes, The Beatles, and Radiohead, and the richness of Arab music. Brazilian music is also a huge influence—I love Gal Costa, Caetano Veloso, and Novos Baianos. New Brazilian artists like Novíssimo Edgar, Nelson D, and Chico Correa, whom I have the privilege of collaborating with, inspire me a lot.

How else do you find inspiration for your music?

Visual arts, activism, symbolism, spirituality, and even the energy of oracles play a big role in my creative process. I also love making music videos—sometimes the visuals come before the music. I enjoy creating songs that are deeply connected to imagery, blending sound and visuals into a single experience.

What’s been your highlight of the year so far?

I recently returned from France, where I performed two very different shows. One was an improvisation with the koto and synth at the Brownstone Foundation in Paris, and the other was a performance with vocals, guitar, and synths at Le Dancing in Sète, where I played USHAN’s songs. Both experiences were incredible. It’s amazing to travel and share my work abroad, but I also had amazing shows in São Paulo and Rio de Janeiro this year.

What do you love about the São Paulo music scene?

I love how fresh and vibrant it feels, how unique it is, and how many places feature different types of music. I especially like underground and independent spaces that are more open to independent artists and experimental music.

What would you say is the perfect setting for listeners to enjoy your sound?

Late at night, with good speakers or headphones, preferably while looking at the moon. 🌙

How has your own style and sound evolved since you started out?

I started as a teenager, singing and playing guitar. Over time, my style has evolved a lot. I’ve been experimenting with the koto for a while now and developed my own way of playing it. I blend it with synthesizers, processed vocals, and guitars, and I also incorporate dance and movement into my live performances.

Has your production process changed over the years too?

Definitely. With every new release, I feel like I take a few steps forward. I’m constantly learning and refining how I bring my ideas to life, discovering new ways to shape the sound I want. It’s always a work in progress.

Who would be your dream artist to collaborate with?

Shirley Manson and Thom Yorke.

How did you find making your new release “As Águas/Sword”?

“As Águas/Sword” connects music to important themes, blending my artistic expression with a sense of urgency about environmental issues. I wanted to channel the power of the waters and translate it into music and words that people can relate to.

What message did you want to get across with this release?

“As Águas” talks about how the waters are warning us about climate change—it’s happening now, and we have to pay attention. It’s a call to action, urging us to do far better than we’ve been doing.

What artist have you been listening to most recently?

I’ve been revisiting Alice Coltrane and Gal Costa.

What’s the main thing you want people to get out of listening to your music?

I hope my music helps people connect—to the music itself, to themselves, to higher frequencies, and even to what needs to be let go. One of USHAN’s songs, “Que se vá” (“let it be gone”), is about releasing what no longer serves us. Music is a powerful tool for reflection, healing, and transformation, and I hope my songs inspire that.

What’s been your favourite live performance so far?

One of my favorites was at a small festival in Minas Gerais. It took place in an intimate theater and I performed a dance with a sword—something I’ve been incorporating into my recent shows. The audience was so deeply connected to the music that I got goosebumps while performing.

Who would be 3 artists to headline your dream festival? And where would it be?

My dream festival would be close to nature, near waterfalls or by the beach. The headliners would be Radiohead, Erykah Badu, and USHAN 🙂

Do you have any advice for a new artist wanting to follow in your footsteps?

I believe there are three things that are very important: find and always look for what moves you and who you are, practice and dedicate time to what you want to do, and seek out spaces and communities that align with your path. Go to shows, watch movies, and meet people who are passionate about music and on a similar journey as you.

Finally, what do you have lined up for the rest of 2024?

I have a few more shows in Brazil, and I’m working on recording new music. I’m excited to share more soon. For now, there are videos and music at www.ushan.com.br and I always have new posts on my Instagram.

Listen to As Águas/Sword below

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