Interview: Mei Semones Releases Double-Single Shinju
BY OLIVIA LEON
Brooklyn based Jazz influenced Indie J-Pop artist Mei Semones has just released her latest double-single Shinju. As her sixth release of the year, Shinju adds to her already incredible repertoire of music, creating an ethereal yet comforting soundscape. We got a chance to chat with the Mei about the release, her influences, and everything that went into Shinju!
Photo By Deanie Chen
So, just to start — I noticed that you started putting out music on Spotify in 2020, which is awesome! What got you started in creating music? Have you always been interested in music, or was there something in particular that sparked your journey?
I first got involved with music when I was 4, when my grandmother bought me and my sister a piano and we started taking lessons. When I was 10 or 11, I switched to guitar. I started with classical guitar, but I wasn't enjoying the repertoire very much since I wanted to play rock music, so I switched to electric guitar. What sparked my interest in playing guitar specifically was the scene in the movie Back to the Future, where Marty plays that Chuck Berry song Johnny B Goode. I started writing my own original songs when I was in middle school, but I don't think I wrote a song that I really liked until my first single, Hfoas, in 2020!
Photo By Deanie Chen
I also saw that you're influenced by Jazz music, and I think that’s definitely super apparent in your music. Do you have any artists in particular that you’re inspired by in creating music?
Some of my biggest inspirations are John Coltrane, Jim Hall, Charlie Parker, Thelonious Monk, Bud Powell, and João Gilberto. Some artists I am inspired by in other styles are Nirvana and The Smashing Pumpkins.
If you could describe your newest release Shinju in three words, what would they be?
Three words I would use to describe Shinju are: friendship, love, and hate.
Photo By Deanie Chen
Stylistically, the two singles, Shinju and Okashi, flow really well into each other. How did you decide to pair the two singles together in this release?
I decided to release the two songs together because they represent the same period of time in my life. Writing, recording, and releasing these songs felt like a way of moving forward. I also think that the songs make sense together because there are similar themes in the lyrics. Stylistically, I like how both of the songs blend jazz influences with more indie rock/indie folk sounds in the more intense parts of the song.
On a bit of a different note, I always love to ask what artists are listening to — so do you have any music favorites at the moment? Whether that's an artist, album, or even just a song on repeat?
I've been really into the band Tricot recently. My favorite release from them right now is their double single Potage :)
Finally, what do you want listeners to take away from your music and you, as an artist?
I hope that my music can provide a place of comfort and help people feel less alone. Music has had a big impact on my life and has helped me feel less alone, and I hope to give that back in some way.
Be sure to check out Shinju on all streaming platforms or see Mei live!
