Neu Get To Know… Mei Semones

What was the first gig you ever went to? Who did you go with? What was the context? Set the scene. 
I honestly am not sure if I remember the first ever gig I went to - but I am pretty sure it would have been one of my dad’s concerts. He plays euphonium in the local concert band and used to play some other horn instruments in other groups as well. My mom probably started bringing my sister and I to those shows when we were still babies!

What’s the story behind your first instrument? 
The first instrument I started with was piano. My grandma bought an upright piano for me and my sister, and my parents had us start taking lessons when we were four years old. I’m really grateful that I had people in my life who encouraged me to learn music early on, and I ended up switching to guitar around the age of 11.

You’ve found a big fan in none other than Flea - can you tell us a little bit about how this came about? What was your initial reaction when you found out he’d heard your music? 
I met Flea through Instagram - he followed me one day, and then ended up posting about me on his Instagram, which I am so appreciative of. I think a lot of people were introduced to my music through him. It means a lot that he’s a fan, because he is such a huge role model - not just for me and my band, but for musicians all around the world. It’s really encouraging to be recognized by someone who is so great.

‘Animaru’ is named after the Japanese pronunciation of the word ‘animal’. How do you feel your bilingualism informs your songwriting? And why did this feel like the right term to encapsulate this collection of tracks? 
Writing lyrics in Japanese and English has been a big part of finding my distinct sound and voice as an artist, and I think it allows me to make music that is authentically me. I grew up speaking both languages, so it feels natural that both languages would be a part of my songwriting too. ‘Animaru’ felt like a good title for the album because the main theme of the song - trusting your instincts - is one of the main themes on the album. I also think it has a nice ring to it, and reflects the bilingual nature of the music well, since it’s the Japanese pronunciation of an English word.

We’re often reluctant to use this word, but your style really does feel genuinely unique; ‘Animaru’ features elements of jazz, bossa nova, and indie rock, as well as both English and Japanese lyrics. How did you first land on this mix? Was there a particular eureka moment, or a certain track which ‘unlocked’ the album’s sound for you? 
I don’t remember there being a particular moment, I think it’s more so a songwriting style I’ve been developing since I put out my first single, ‘Hfoas’, in 2020. That was the first song I wrote that had both Japanese and English lyrics, and it was also the first song I wrote that had a more prominent jazz influence. I think those things combined were the first steps towards finding my sound, and the album is expanding and polishing that.

What inspirations outside of music have an impact on your songwriting? 
I’m inspired by everyday life - the things I see when I walk outside in New York, past memories, places I visit, friendships, family, etc. I also sometimes find inspiration in books; for example, my favorite author Haruki Murakami has some interesting themes and motifs. I am also inspired a lot by my bandmates, as they are all incredible musicians and they inspire me to get better at my instrument.

Finally, DIY is coming round for dinner - what are you making?
Maybe temaki sushi (hand roll sushi)! It’s pretty simple to prepare and it’s nice for groups because everyone can mix & match the filling to make whatever sushi they like :)

‘Animaru’ is out now via Bayonet Records. 

Tags: Get to Know, Neu, Mei Semones