Mei Semones expresses her strengthened self-assurance by living a life without second-guessing or overthinking. She believes in doing what is important to her and encourages others to live the same way.

Mei, a 24-year-old songwriter and guitarist based in Brooklyn, has been honing her signature fusion of indie rock, bossa nova, jazz, and chamber pop. Her technical prowess on guitar is quickly establishing her as an innovative musical force.

Since the release of her acclaimed 2024 Kabutomushi EP, Mei has been touring extensively across the US, cultivating a dedicated following, and writing and recording her highly anticipated debut album, Animaru, which means "animal" in Japanese. This album embodies Mei’s deeper trust in her instincts and features musically impressive tracks that showcase her adventurous, vulnerable, and confident sound.

Mei’s newfound assertiveness is influenced by her experiences in the past year, which was transformative for the Mei Semones band. They shared bills with artists like Liana Flores, Elephant Gym, and Kara Jackson, as Mei transitioned to doing music full-time.

The album was recorded in the summer of 2024 at Ashlawn Recording Company, a farm studio in Connecticut operated by their friend Charles Dahlke. Animaru exemplifies Mei’s wide range as a songwriter and musician, featuring challenging and straightforward songs that highlight her skills.

The album includes moments of simplicity, such as "Donguri," a stripped-down jazz duo performance, and the nostalgic expression of love in "Zarigani," dedicated to Mei’s twin sister. Despite being a statement of Mei’s autonomy and confidence, Animaru also reflects the various loves in her life that empower her to do things her own way.

Mei’s family, friends, band, and music all play a significant role in her journey as an artist. For fans of Ichiko Aoba, Laufey, Frankie Cosmos, Faye Webster, American Football, and Sidney Gish.