Why Mei Semones’ New Single “Howl” Proves She’s Indie Pop’s Most Exciting Genre-Bender

If you spend any time digging through the modern indie scene, you start to notice how easy it is for artists to get boxed into neat little corners. One band is strictly retro-soul; another is bedroom pop through and through. But every once in a while, someone comes along and completely scrambles the playbook, making it look effortless.

Enter Mei Semones.

The Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, and guitar wizard has been quietly building a fiercely loyal fanbase by doing things entirely on her own terms. Now, she’s taking a massive leap forward. Semones has officially announced her signing to Verve/Interscope Records, alongside news of her highly anticipated sophomore album, Howl, dropping on January 15.

To celebrate, she just dropped the title track, “Howl” and if this song is any indication of what’s to come, we are all in for something special. Let’s dive into what makes this release a landmark moment for one of alternative music’s most refreshing rising stars.

The Sound of “Howl”: Where Jazz Training Meets Indie Pop Soul

If you aren’t familiar with Mei Semones yet, her background tells you everything you need to know about her sonic palette. Trained at Berklee College of Music, Semones brings a level of technical fluency to indie pop that you rarely see. But instead of using that schooling to show off, she uses it to weave complex, gorgeous textures that feel completely organic and emotionally raw.

“Howl” is a masterclass in this exact approach. The track gracefully dances across genres, pulling together:

• Bossa Nova Rhythms: Supple, shifting grooves that give the song an effortless, swaying momentum.

• Jazz-Infused Harmonies: Rich, intricate chord progressions that keep your ears guessing and lean away from standard three-chord pop structures.

• Indie Rock & Baroque Elements: Lush instrumentation featuring conversational guitar lines and sweeping arrangements that swell at all the right moments.

• Bilingual Lyricism: Seamless transitions between English and Japanese that ground her storytelling in a deeply personal, multicultural identity.

Speaking about the inspiration behind the track, Semones opened up about what the song means to her on a fundamental level:

“Sometimes making music feels like howling into the universe. I make music because I like it, because it feels instinctual — but it also connects me to people close and far. I like to think of this music as my howl.”

That vulnerability shines through every second of the track. It’s sophisticated without ever feeling clinical, and catchy without losing an ounce of its artistic integrity.

Inside the Music Video: A Guitar-Playing Werewolf in Tokyo

To bring “Howl” to life visually, Semones teamed up with longtime collaborator and director Takuto Shimpo for a music video shot in Tokyo.

True to Semones’ understated, quirky charm, the concept leans into whimsical territory. In the video, she plays a mild-mannered convenience store worker by day who transforms into a guitar-obsessed werewolf by night. It’s funny, visually striking, and completely fits the playful duality of her music—proving that while she takes her craft seriously, she definitely knows how to have fun.

What to Expect From the Sophomore Album, Howl

Following up on her beloved 2025 debut album Animaru, Howl feels like a massive step up into a broader spotlight. Moving to a major label home like Verve/Interscope often makes fans nervous about an artist losing their edge, but “Howl” suggests that Semones is only doubling down on the idiosyncratic qualities that made people fall in love with her in the first place.

The upcoming 11-track record is shaping up to be an emotional and sonic journey. Here is the official tracklist for Howl, arriving on January 15:

1. Howl

2. 素直になりたい

3. 2 Hands

4. Akumu

5. Chichibu

6. Towards Manhattan

7. Senro

8. Hoteru

9. Korokke

10. Monster

11. Kira Kira

Accompanied by her incredible touring and recording ensemble—featuring Noah Leong on viola, Claudius Agrippa on violin, Noam Tanzer on bass, and Ransom McCafferty on drums—Semones has built a live-band chemistry that translates beautifully from the studio straight to tape.

Hitting the Road: The 2027 North American Tour

If hearing the single isn’t enough, you’ll soon have a chance to experience these songs live. Alongside the album announcement, Mei Semones revealed an extensive North American headline tour kicking off this February.

The run will find her playing some of the largest venues of her career so far, following up on previous headline runs that saw her sell out rooms across major cities in hours. If her past performances are anything to go by, watching her fly effortlessly across guitar fretboards while fronting her string-and-rhythm section is an absolute must-see live music experience.

Why Mei Semones is the Artist You Need to Watch Right Now

In a music landscape that often prioritizes quick trends and algorithmic shorthand, Mei Semones is an artist playing the long game. She blends technical brilliance with emotional accessibility, inviting listeners into a world where jazz chords and indie pop sensibilities live happily under the same roof.

“Howl” isn’t just a great single; it’s a flag planted in the ground. It tells us that an entirely unique voice is ready for a massive audience, and she’s going to do it completely on her own terms.

Be sure to stream “Howl” on your platform of choice, check out the Tokyo-shot music video, pre-order the vinyl or digital album ahead of its January 15 release, and snag tickets to her upcoming tour before they vanish.