Assorted Tapes is a page on Instagram that show cases new and upcoming artist from around the world. One artist in particular stood out to me with her sound pleasing vocals and guitar strumming. Mei Semones is NYC based artist, she blends jazz, indie rock and even bossa nova into her music. Mei has made an incredible name for herself traveling and sharing beautiful music from her EP’s Tsukino & Kabutomushi. The energy from her fan base definitely shows you she’s a musician to keep your eyes and ears for!
I had the opportunity to ask a Mei a few questions after here amazing set in Chicago, learning more about her musical journey and personal life.
What’s an popular/unpopular Hot Take you have about NYC?
I like Times Square. Obviously it’s a really obnoxious place but I like going there every few months. It’s a different part of New York than I’m used to seeing, and since I’m not there very often, when I go it feels like I’m seeing it for the first time again.
What’s some of your favorite cities you’ve toured do far?
I feel like every city has really amazing and beautiful things about it. I think my favorite one recently has been Tokyo; Yeah, Tokyo was super fun to play in.
Why is Tokyo your favorite city to tour?
The fans are really, really sweet; the last time I was there, I got some really cute gifts; you can really tell they're there to listen, they're super quiet during the show. I also just love Tokyo, Japan in general, the food is so good.
What's your favorite song to perform on tour?
I love all the songs to be honest, recently I've been really enjoying playing our newer songs, the ones that are gonna be on the album that's coming out in May. It's fun to play the new ones because they're a little more fresh and exciting and scary, but it's a good scary I think.
What got you into music?
My grandma bought me and my sister a piano when we were four years old and so I started taking piano lessons. Then I switched to guitar when I was 11 and the inspiration for playing guitar was from Marty from the movie back to the future.
It was the scene where Marty is playing the guitar, I found that to be really cool for some reason at that age.
What type of music do you make?
I normally just say jazz-influenced indie J-pop to keep it short.
Tell us about the creation process of your new EP “Kabutomushi”
I write chords first normally, then the melody kind of emerges from the chords, and I put lyrics to the melody, and then I bring the songs to my band, and we arrange them together. That EP was recorded a little bit after moving to New York. So it was a really busy time because I still had a full-time job and was balancing working on music and working a job.
What was a favorite memory you have about creating this EP?
I think just playing it with my band; That's really the best part of it all, they're all so amazing and they're great, yeah, I love them.
Favorite activities outside music?
Honestly there’s not much else that I do, I like to read, reading is nice, very relaxing, hanging out with friends. I love sweets, candy and stuff.
What's your favorite genre to read?
Good question, I mean my favorite author is Haruki Murakami, if you know him, I don't know what genre his books would be exactly described as, its fiction. Some magical surrealism vibes. Everyday life, mixed with some sort of surreal elements, I like that type of writing.
You’d played a few new songs from your debut album thats coming out in the very near future, how was is performing them to your crowd tonight?
We played four or five songs from the album. I'm really excited for them to be out. I think these songs are really great and I really like playing them, that's why I make them, you know. So, yeah (Laughter)
Is there here any difference from your EP?
I would say the album has maybe a little more rock-influence for some of the songs, and then there's also a little more jazz vibes, and more bossa nova. Kind of just more of everything I've been doing, but more refined and more songs than an EP, more to take in.
What are some words of advice you could give to someone who wants to create music?
I would say you should only worry about what you like. Only worry about making what you like, don't worry too much about what other people think about what you're making.
Where can we find all your music?
It's everywhere, on Spotify, Apple Music, Tidal and you can order it online too if you want Vinyl/CD or Cassette.