Mei Semones

Describe the sound of your music for unfamiliar listeners​​​

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jazz-influenced indie j-pop

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Kabutomushi is a project I continuously return to, what was the process of making each of those songs? 

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Thank you! Most of the songs were written summer '22-winter '22, and we recorded winter '22-spring '23. My process for songwriting starts with chords first, then melody, then lyrics last. Once the guitar/vocals are set, I bring the song to my band and we arrange all the parts together :)

 

How’d you first get into making music? 

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I started playing piano when I was 4, guitar when I was 11, and started writing songs shortly after that. But I didn't write a song I really liked until the first single I put out in 2022, called "Hfoas."

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Where do you find the inspiration to create such captivating music? 

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I'm inspired by the music I love, like John Coltrane, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, Charlie Parker, Jim Hall, Wes Montgomery, and João Gilberto. I'm also inspired a lot by my friends & bandmates, who are also all incredible musicians. I also find a lot of inspiration in my everyday life living in Brooklyn, NY.

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What song / project would you suggest for unfamiliar listeners 

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I would suggest the Kabutomushi EP. I think it's a nice mix of genres and it showcases various aspects of our music well.

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What’s next for Mei Semones? What are some goals for 2025? 

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We are putting out our debut album in May of 2025. I hope to do lots of touring this year, and hopefully do some international touring with my band :) 

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What music have you been listening to recently?​

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I have been listening to a lot of Michael Brecker & Wayne Shorter.