Mei Semones

Mei Semones is an artist creating jazz influenced indie pop songs with lyrics in both Japanese and English, currently based in Brooklyn, NY. Drawing from her background in jazz guitar and her Japanese heritage, she uses creative harmonic and rhythmic concepts and two different languages to create compelling songs that sooth and comfort.

Mei’s influences include John Coltrane, Wes Montgomery, Thelonious Monk, João Gilberto, The Smashing Pumpkins, and Nirvana, with a sprinkle of folk. Combining these different influences, her songs invite listeners into a musical universe where genres freely mingle and merge.

Mei released her first EP, Tsukino 月の, on January 21st, 2022. The EP features five songs with lyrics in both Japanese and English, with lush string arrangements and a rhythm section of guitar, upright bass, and drums. The EP includes a bonus track of an unreleased demo of her debut single “Hfoas,” available on all major streaming platforms. Since then, she''s released multiple stunning singles, gearing up for a hopefully soon second EP.

Originally from Ann Arbor, MI, Mei was introduced to the piano at the age of 4. She started playing guitar at 11 and began playing jazz when she entered high school. She is currently attending the Berklee College of Music and performing at local shows on a regular basis, as she continues to further her education in jazz performance.

As a songwriter, Mei’s inspiration comes from her love for those around her, and her love for music. To give back to the world what music has given her is the underlying motivation in her art.