Mei Semones
Mei Semones | |
|---|---|
Semones performing at the Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver, 2025 | |
| Background information | |
| Born | 2000 (age 25–26) Ann Arbor, Michigan, US |
| Genres | |
| Occupation | Musician |
| Instruments |
|
| Years active | 2022-present |
| Label | Bayonet Records |
| Website | www |
Mei Semones (born 2000) is an American jazz-influenced indie rock musician producing lyrics in English and Japanese. Semones was named by Paste as "The Best of What's Next" in 2024,[1]
Early life
Semones was born in 2000[2] in Ann Arbor, Michigan.[3] Semones' mother is Japanese, and during summer breaks they would travel to Japan to study and visit her grandmother.[4] Encouraged by her grandmother, she studied the piano growing up, but ultimately switched to the guitar at the age of eleven.[4] In high school, she joined the Community High School jazz program, which led her to study at Berklee College of Music, where she majored in professional music.[1]
Musical career
Semones self-released her debut EP, Tsukino, in 2022, during her last semester of college.[5]. Later that year she released Sukikirai as a graduation project through Northeastern University's Green Line Records.[6]
In 2024, Semones released her second EP, Kabutomushi, through Bayonet Records.[7][8][9] In 2025, she released her debut studio album, Animaru.[10]
Artistry
She has described her music as "jazz-influenced indie J-pop".[11]
Personal life
Semones lives in Brooklyn.[12]
Discography
Albums
EPs
References
- ^ a b c Natanawan, Grace. "Mei Semones: The Best of What's Next". Paste. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- ^ a b "GEN F: Mei Semones can face anything with her guitar". The FADER. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
- ^ "Mei Semones". Monster Children. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
- ^ a b Wright, Lisa (March 24, 2025). "Mei Semones: the jazz-loving indie star connecting the dots of life and language". WTYE FM. Retrieved 15 May 2025.
- ^ a b Lewis, Nora. "Ann Arbor native Mei Semones fuses jazz and indie-pop on debut EP 'Tsukino'". The Michigan Daily. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- ^ DeLaRosa, Emma. "An Interview with Mei Semones". Boston Hassle. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- ^ Ludwig, Jamie. "Mei Semones couches straightforward emotion in the flowery sounds of romance". Chicago Reader. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- ^ Bernstein, Jonathan. "This Preschool Teacher Is Making Smart, Surprising Music Beyond Genre". Rolling Stone. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- ^ Sharples, Grant. "Indie Mixtape 20: Mei Semones Balances Strife And Utopia On 'Kabutomushi'". Uproxx. Retrieved 20 December 2024.
- ^ "Animaru - Mei Semones | Album". AllMusic. Retrieved May 5, 2025.
- ^ Schube, Will (2026-01-29). "26 Artists to Watch in 2026". Pigeons and Planes. Retrieved 2026-02-03.
- ^ Zee, Michaela (2025-05-05). "Japanese-American Singer Mei Semones Blends Cultures — and Languages — on Her Debut Album 'Animaru'". Variety. Retrieved 2025-06-07.
- ^ https://stereogum.com/2327233/mei-semones-kurayami-get-used-to-it/music