Q&A with Mei Semones
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By Andrew Kohler
Welcome back to Clattermouuuth’s Music of the Week, curating Rockaway’s music taste one week at a time. A while back, I wrote an article about Mei Semones, a jazz and indie rock artist, and her new album. In that article, I included some quotes from a Q&A I had with her. Today, I thought I’d share that entire interview:
Q: Describe the sound of your music for unfamiliar listeners.
A: Jazz-influenced indie j-pop.
Q: Kabutomushi is a project I continuously return to. What was the process of making each of those songs?
A: Thank you! Most of the songs were written summer ’22 through winter ’22, and we recorded winter ’22 through 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.
Q: How’d you first get into making music?
A: I started playing piano when I was four years old, 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.”
Q: Where do you find the inspiration to create such captivating music?
A: 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.
Q: What song/project would you suggest for unfamiliar listeners?
A: I would suggest the Kabutomushi EP. I think it’s a nice mix of genres, and it showcases various aspects of our music well.
Q: What’s next for Mei Semones? What are some goals for 2025?
A: 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.
Q: What music have you been listening to recently?
A: I have been listening to a lot of Michael Brecker & Wayne Shorter.
