Mei Semones – Itsumo
Brooklyn artist Mei Semones releases “Itsumo,” her first new track since her debut album, “Animaru,” was featured as a Stereogum Artist To Watch earlier this year. Originally a Japanese CD exclusive bonus track, the song is now receiving a wider release via Bayonet Records.
“Itsumo” marks Semones’ first song written and recorded on a nylon string guitar. She describes it as being about learning strength through music. The track shifts dramatically across its runtime, starting with intricate guitar work before settling into a bossa nova groove with bop-inspired string arrangements. Then it pivots hard into distorted guitars and a heavier rhythm section for a rock and grunge finale.
Erin Tonkon produced, engineered, and mixed the track at Studio G, with Meredith Okamoto assisting. Andrew Weathers handled mastering. Semones’ regular band backs her: Noah Leong on viola, Claudius Agrippa on violin, Noam Tanzer on bass, and Ransom McCafferty on drums. Her mother Seiko Semones created the cover art.
The contrast between the song’s gentle first half and aggressive ending mirrors the internal tension between vulnerability and resilience. Semones switches between Japanese and English lyrics, adding another layer to the track’s dual nature.
