Praised as “an exquisite vocalist with an extraordinary artistic versatility” (WDR 3) New York- based, German born musician Uta Habbig has intrigued audiences in Europe and the US with her endearing and colorful sound. Exploring a wide musical landscape, she transforms any song into her very own musical work of art. Centered on captivating vocal presence and authentic expression, the singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist asserts herself most through distinctive combinations of musical styles, intertwining folk, jazz, classical and even R&B.
Since making her debut with the 2016 album WINDWARD, a collection of original compositions, described as “ remarkable, soulful, pitch-perfect singing combined with fascinating arrangements and gorgeous vocal harmonies that steals a lot of heart” (Jeska Onderwater), Uta has evolved a lot artistically through a variety of collaborations, but still remains true to her musical roots. On her latest album SONGS FROM THE LIGHTHOUSE, which was released in fall 2020, the listener finds stories that captivate with emotional depth, arrangements inspired by years of singing in choirs and playing in string ensembles and musical journeys of alternating tempos and winding melodies. Deep complexity in her lyrics suggests that there is an artist at work whose creativity is not limited to music alone. „Uta is an inspiring artist with an unmistakably intuitive gift. Her poetic writing and her turns of phrase are so deft and graceful that one senses the presence of a very old soul. There is a searching honesty and indefatigable need to express it.“ (Kirk Nurock).
Originally from Cologne, Germany, Uta started playing piano and violin at the age of five and soon started singing in school and church choirs. As the youngest of four children, she gained her first ensemble experience playing music with her siblings. She grew up listening to and performing mainly classical music, but soon sparked a natural interest in a wide variety of musical styles. Her love of music would then also determine the further course of her life.
Uta holds a Master’s degree in Music and Music Education from University for Music and Theatre (Hochschule für Musik und Theater - Felix Mendelssohn Bartholdy) in Leipzig, Germany as well as an M.A. of German Language & Literature from Leipzig University. Immersed in a wide range of musical styles during her studies in Leipzig, she performed in prestigious concert halls such as Gewandhaus Leipzig and Thomaskirche Leipzig. In addition Uta holds a B.M. in Jazz Voice; she studied Jazz Voice and Composition at Music Conservatory Maastricht, Netherlands and completed her wide-ranging education with a year at The New School for Jazz and Contemporary Music in New York City.
As a musical educator she teaches at leading cultural and educational institutions and splits her time between New York City and Cologne, Germany to explore a variety of musical collaborations.