Mei Semones tells us how Nirvana, Gilberto/Getz & more influenced her wonderful debut album ‘Animaru’

Right out of the gate, NYC musician and songwriter Mei Semones created an unusual blend of tropicalia, jazz, indie rock and chamber pop that is familiar, friendly, satisfying and uniquely hers. Animaru is her fantastic debut album and a great showcase for what she and her adept, highly skilled band can do. You can listen to that, and watch the video for the album’s title track, below.

For more on the album and her style, Mei made us a list of 10 influences, including João Gilberto & Stan Getz, Nirvana, Wes Montgomery, The Smashing Pumpkins, and more. Check out the list and her commentary below.

Animaru by Mei Semones

MEI SEMONES – 10 INFLUENCES BEHIND ‘ANIMARU’

All The Things You Are / 52nd Street Theme — Charlie Parker, Dizzy Gillespie, Bud Powell, Max Roach, Charles Mingus
I love this recording! At the end of the phrase at 2:12 you can hear a specific lick that Bird often plays that was the inspiration for the first part of the lick at the beginning of the song “Dumb Feeling.” Overall my guitar lines are inspired a lot by bop licks Read More