Mei Semones - Animaru

Animaru, the debut album from Brooklyn-based songwriter and guitarist Mei Semones, is a confident step forward. Blending indie rock, bossa nova, jazz, and chamber pop, Mei builds on the lush sound of her 2024 Kabutomushi EP with songs that feel both intricate and emotionally direct. Written and recorded with her five-piece band during a year of heavy touring and transition, the album reflects Mei’s growing trust in her instincts—personally and musically.

Named after the Japanese word for “animal,” Animaru explores forms of love beyond romance: the joy of playing music, family bonds, the natural world. Tracks like “Tora Moyo” and “Zarigani” show Mei’s range, from technical complexity to quiet simplicity. The stripped-back “Donguri” imagines life as a forest creature, delivered with gentle, bilingual charm.