Mei Semones on Audiotree Live (Full Session)

Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and guitarist, Mei Semones, creates a sweetly evocative blend of jazz, bossa nova, and math-y indie rock. It's not only a way for her to find solace in her favorite genres, but also an intuitive means of catharsis. Plinking guitar tones and asymmetrical time signatures exemplify her forays into angular indie rock, especially on her debut EP ‘Kabutomushi’. The songs in Semones's Audiotree Live performance chronicle infatuation, devotion, and vulnerability, complete with sweeping strings, virtuosic guitar playing, and heartfelt lyrics sung in both English and Japanese. During their interview with Audiotree Host, FINGY, Mei Semones and her band chat about how they stay grounded on tour, their writing process, and a surprising ingredient in Portillo's milkshakes. Check out Mei Semones on Audiotree Live!

Tracklist
00:00 Intro
00:46 Tegami
03:57 Wakare No Kotoba
06:47 Inaka
09:49 Kabutomushi
14:37 Interview 1
20:51 Kemono
25:04 Kodoku
31:07 Interview 2
37:15 Hfoas
40:53 Outro

Recorded live on August 4, 2024 in Chicago, IL.

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Production Credits
Hosted By: FINGY

Mixing & Recording: Neil Strauch & Abby Black

Camera Operators:
Calla Flanagan
Chris Owsiany
Justin Kenney
Tom Conway

Editor: Cookie Estés

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🌳 About Audiotree

[robertrodriguez]

I had the privilege of seeing them open for elephant gym some few weeks back! Certainly on my radar now and will look forward to seeing them live again should I ever get the chance :)

[darellroman]

I’m getting so many influences from such a broad spectrum. From Yvette young mathy stuff to modern Midwest emo to jazzy Hiatus Kaiyote. Strings section is like classic Vivaldi Four Seasons all the way to The Dear Hunter. I’ve fallen in love with this simply from the Audiotree. Always the best sound engineering. This is one of my favorite Audiotree sessions of all time already.

[kaisnufkin]

As a Japanese American the lyrics resonate with me so much and the music sounds so new yet so familiar, my favorite artist recently and can’t wait to see them live one day :)

[emlylunar]

FINALLY MEI SEMONES ON AUDIOTREE!! saw them open for elephant gym in chicago and it was magical. living legend in the making is exactly right

[girlbrainz]

Mei and her band are so talented. I can’t wait to see where this journey takes them all ❤

[MrDaigoRiki]

Mei is so talented and the whole band is amazingly good. Mei’ guitar is hollow body guitar, everyone in the band plays an acoustic instrument so organic and warm sound, I love it.

[greninjadunn]

Seeing Mei Semones live opening for Elephant gym was truly something special! Been listening ever since! So glad to see her and her band here!

[bigalbbq]

I have a feeling I'll be listening to this session for a long time. Somehow both a breath of fresh air but also combining all the influences I love.

[byDanielFelix]

Fell in love with her music during a trip to Europe over the summer. Caught a magical acoustic set at a local bar the day after I landed back home. Still have Kabutomushi on repeat, and I’m so happy to see them making waves

[brendanmandel]

mad ive never heard anything like this cause this is now my favorite band

[hoya]

The little pattering at 9:52 like the feet of the Kabutomushi! love.

[churroman]

Really looking forward to seeing her live. Hope she makes it to the west coast more often! Ive been obsessed with her music! So good.

[GoshdarnCat]

Mei and her wonderful band have quickly become one of my favourite artists to listen to. This beautiful music has played such a big role in my turbulent life these past few months. Thank you all so much for sharing this wonderful music with the world! ❤

[rhynchocephalian]

been lucky enough to see her live three times—saw her open for Sobs when they toured NA, then saw her Kabutomushi EP release show & most recently a show she co-headlined with John Roseboro—bellissimo every time (was able to get a CD copy of Kabutomushi signed at the release, as well as a setlist signed at another show)

between the new single she released last month & the new material she played at that last show I saw, I am very much looking forward to a new EP or album!

[TiqueO]

well besides the music which was incredible, the interview was one of the best I've seen, kudos! 39:15, magical moment and then the pizzicato, warmed my heart (which is steep in Cuban Violin sections, Charanga music of all eras in Cuba, hope you've heard some of that!)

[gregoryloukoum]

What a pleasure it is to see them on Audiotree !! I've been obsessed with Mei's second EP since the beginning of summer and I can't wait to se her live in Europe one day !!

[imjumokay]

saw the album on spotify had to check it out the full vid, big fan!!!

[craniel]

saw her live with elephant gym and her band was actually amazing, iimmediately got hooked. its actually so cool to see an audiotree live sesh come out, literal perfect timing

[ramsonk]

i just know she'll go far and wide with this sound, that ethereal sound is just something else🛐🛐

[afterpeluche]

Pure fresh air! More Mei for everyone, please!