Mei Semones, a singer-songwriter and guitarist from Ann Arbor, Michigan, started playing piano at a young age before transitioning to guitar and performing in jazz combos during high school. After graduating from Berklee College of Music in 2022, Semones moved to Brooklyn, where she worked at a Japanese preschool and released her first EP, Tsukino. Two years later, she signed with Bayonet Records and released her impressive Kabutomushi EP, featuring a talented group of musicians. The same band, with one new addition, joined Semones to record her debut LP, Animaru, which showcases her unique blend of dreamy bossa nova and jazz-inflected indie rock.
We caught up with Mei Semones for our Artist Spotlight series to discuss her journey to her debut album, her compositional process, childhood memories, and more.
One childhood memory that inspired a song on your album is catching crayfish with your sister. Can you tell us more about the environment and animals that shaped your upbringing?
As a child, my sister and I used to catch crayfish in a creek behind our house in Michigan. We spent time in the woods, playing in the creek and looking for fish. In Michigan, I often saw deer, squirrels, rabbits, and other forest animals. I also grew up with dogs, which I love.
Were you curious about animals growing up?
I’ve always had a love for animals. I had hamsters as pets, and I still enjoy watching videos about animals on YouTube.
Your mom created the artwork for your album Animaru. How did your creative relationship evolve, and did you connect over art before music?
My mom and I never collaborated creatively before. I only started asking her to create artwork for me after I began releasing music. We didn’t discuss art much before that. My parents had my sister and me take piano lessons when we were young, so music was something we connected over.
When did music become a social passion for you?
I started playing in bands in middle school, which led to more performances in high school jazz combos. Music has always been a significant focus in my life.
Did creating Animaru make you reflect on your pursuit of music in a different way?
Music has always been my primary focus since high school. Working on Animaru allowed me to dedicate all my time to music without the distraction of a day job. It was a time where I could fully focus on music.
Is there a connection between your love of animals and music in your songwriting process?
While I didn’t plan it, there are consistent animal themes in my songs. Looking back, I see a connection between my love of animals and the purity in my music.
However, upon reflection, I would come to realize that this theme is present throughout the entire album. I appreciate your mention of purity, as it feels like the music is flowing naturally rather than being meticulously planned out. Some may assume that your arrangements are carefully calculated, but does this same approach apply to your lyrics and music as well?
Arranging all the different parts of a song can be a time-consuming process. From determining the chords, structure, dynamics, and melody, a lot of thought goes into creating a cohesive piece. While the core of the songs may be meticulously planned, there are moments in the studio where unexpected elements, such as specific guitar tones or added textures, enhance the music. The dynamics of a song are typically decided during the songwriting process, with input from the band and additional layers added in the studio.
The transition from acoustic to electric guitar in the songs on Animaru reflects a shift from nostalgic to raw and explosive themes. The dynamics of a song are usually set during the songwriting process, with discussions with the band and added layers in the studio helping to bring the vision to life. The seamless transition between ‚Norwegian Shag‘ and ‚Rat With Wings‘ was intentional, with both songs expressing different feelings that coexisted at the same time.
Over time, the fluidity of switching between English and Japanese lyrics has evolved, allowing for a more natural integration within the same section or even sentence. The focus is more on conveying the feeling and emotion of the music rather than adhering to a specific language structure. The use of Japanese in ‚Tora Moyo‘ was a deliberate choice to fit the melody and convey the intended message seamlessly.
The feeling of being a fly on the wall, as mentioned in the lyrics, represents a sense of contentment and freedom from the need to be in the spotlight. This carefree attitude allows for a focus on creating music without concern for external validation or attention. Ich hoffe, dass Leute es hören, ich hoffe, dass Leute es mögen, aber vor allem, ich bin glücklich, es zu machen, weil ich Musik mag.
Dieses Interview wurde für Klarheit und Länge bearbeitet und zusammengefasst.
Mei Semones‘ Animaru ist jetzt über Bayonet erhältlich.