Latest news with #MeiSemones
Yahoo
12-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Meet Mei Semones, the Berklee graduate reimagining New Orleans vibes with an intricate indie flair
When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. 'Have you seen Back to the Future?' asks Mei Semones, back in her Brooklyn apartment after a recent sold-out Camden Assembly show. 'That scene where Michael J. Fox is playing the Chuck Berry song? That made me want to play guitar.' Two decades ago, when she was four years old, the thoughtful and intricate indie musician who's rooted in the jazz era began playing an upright given by her grandmother in Yokosuka, Japan. But as Semones reached double digits, she became conscious of a conflict with the instrument. 'I was like, 'I'm not enjoying this,'' she says. 'Guitar felt more like an instrument I could use to play the music that I was listening to.' Her dad – also a musician – gave her a classical nylon acoustic when she was 10. Her parents sent her to Suzuki guitar lessons, but the fit still wasn't right. 'I was learning Mary Had A Little Lamb, which was not what I was looking to do!' When she switched to electric, the pieces began to fall into place. 'I got a new guitar teacher and started open chords and pentatonic scales. 'They were like, 'You should learn this Led Zeppelin song and this Beatles song.'' Presumably not Stairway To Heaven? 'I did learn Stairway to Heaven!' Even the solo? 'When I was probably 12 or 13!' Noting her enthusiasm, Semones' Dad once again stepped in. 'He bought me an Epiphone Les Paul. Whenever I pick it up, I'm like, 'It's so crazy I played this – it's so heavy!'' Growing up in Michigan, she studied music theory at high school ('If I can play guitar at school, why wouldn't I?') before studying jazz guitar at Berklee. That's where her appreciation for the New Orleans-sourced sound grew. 'My teacher showed me Miles Davis' So What? solo, then I was introduced to modes and more theory.' After releasing her EP Kabutomushi last year (with rave reviews from Red Hot Chili Peppers' bassist Flea), Semones has now launched debut album Animaru. The record champions theoretical nous but also nods to grungier tones – and such '90s-era noisemakers is where she found her autonomy. 'Nirvana and the Smashing Pumpkins were the first bands that were to my taste. I loved the emotion and rawness. It was like, 'Oh, this is real music!'' The most important thing is that you sound like yourself Animaru flirts with some of that ferocity in the Tubescreamer-fuelled Tora Moyo – a love letter to her cherry mahogany PRS. 'It's extremely comfortable, fitting my body and my hand really well,' she says of the instrument. 'My dad and I went to Sweetwater's Indiana headquarters. I spent eight hours playing guitar. Everything was intriguing, but I had no preconception of a brand that I wanted. 'I wasn't familiar with PRS. If anything, I was like, 'Oh, the birds are too flashy!' But the moment I played one I was like, 'Whoa, I can play faster now!' It's light and semi-hollow too.' Semones' intricate arrangements inform more tender numbers like the bossanova-led Dumb Feeling and recent single I Can Do What I Want, performed on a pristine Guild with delicate pinch-harmonics – a technique she says is all in the light touch and little adjustments: 'Sometimes moving even half a millimeter will make it ring out much better.' While Animaru might sound like a wild ride through genres, its creator argues that making music, like buying guitars, is all about what feels natural. 'The most important thing is that you sound like yourself – from having a thread through the album to not interfering with the natural tone of my guitar.' In the early 1960s, Dukes of Dixieland's Jim Hall shook up the trad band format by replacing piano with guitar in the rhythm section. More than half a century on, Mei Semones is innovating again and adding a Gen Z flair. 'I still feel weird being like, 'I'm a jazz guitarist,' because in the grand scheme of things, I'm at step one,' she admits. 'I've not even scratched the surface of what it means to be a great guitarist.' Animaru is out now via Bayonet Records.
Globe and Mail
18-03-2025
- Entertainment
- Globe and Mail
Filmmaker Evan Deng Deng Expands Family Video Store, Boosting Presence in New York City's Indie Music and Digital Media Scene
The expansion marks a new chapter in the company's evolution as a hub for independent visual storytelling. Asian-American filmmaker Evan Deng announces the expansion of the Family Video Store, a creative production house that has become a key player in New York City's indie music and digital media scene. Known for collaborating with hyperpop and indie pop musicians, Evan Deng's company is widening its reach to support a new wave of Gen-Z artists and filmmakers using platforms like TikTok and Instagram to connect with audiences. Family Video Store, founded in 2022, has immediately gained recognition for its distinctive approach to music video production. The company has worked with indie artists and record labels, providing a platform for emerging musicians and filmmakers seeking high-quality visual content that aligns with their creative vision. Evan Deng, based in New York City, has directed and produced projects for artists such as INJI, Mei Semones, Alice Longyu Gao, Namasenda, 8485, Fish Narc, Sophie Cates, Ravenna Golden, Babebee, Dafna, and Sebii. His work spans multiple genres, from hyperpop to indie pop, and is designed to engage audiences on TikTok, Instagram, YouTube, and other digital platforms. 'For me, music videos are no longer just promotional tools—they shape an artist's identity and strengthen their connection with their audience,' Evan Deng said. 'Family Video Store actually aims to elevate storytelling and produce creative videos that resonate and make a mark across digital and social platforms.' The company's ability to craft compelling visual narratives, according to Evan Deng, has made it a sought-after partner for independent musicians and BIPOC artists aiming to expand their audience. It has also drawn interest from labels such as Epitaph Records and Robbins Entertainment, reinforcing its influence in the industry. Family Video Store has adapted to a shifting media landscape where Gen-Z engagement on platforms like TikTok plays a significant role in an artist's success. The company's expansion includes plans to collaborate with a wider range of musicians, artists, and digital creators while maintaining its core focus on indie artists and filmmakers. Evan Deng, an Asian-American filmmaker, points out that accessibility has always been a key part of Family Video Store's mission. 'Independent artists often face budget constraints in music video production. Our goal is to make high-quality visuals available to artists at all levels,' he said. 'Whether they are viral TikTok sensations or emerging indie artists, we provide them with the resources they need to share their stories.' In response to growing demand, Family Video Store recently filed for an official trademark and elected S-Corp status, which signals its long-term commitment to supporting musicians and visual storytellers. Evan Deng's approach to production blends traditional filmmaking techniques with experimental elements, allowing artists to create content that stands out in an increasingly crowded digital space. Evan Deng says the expansion also comes at a crucial time when social media continues to reshape the music industry. He said platforms like Instagram and TikTok have made visual content an essential part of music promotion, and Family Video Store has positioned itself at the front of this transformation. By working closely with musicians and BIPOC artists, the company is helping shape a new era of digital storytelling. 'Our approach to filmmaking isn't confined to traditional industry structures,' Evan Deng said. 'The future of music videos and digital storytelling is happening in underground music scenes, on Instagram reels, and across TikTok. We're pushing the boundaries of what's possible.' As Family Video Store expands, Evan Deng says he plans to diversify its offerings beyond music videos. Evan Deng is exploring opportunities in commercial production, short-form content, and digital media collaborations. These ventures will enable the company to support a wider range of artists while maintaining its reputation for delivering cutting-edge visual storytelling. Family Video Store continues to build on its success, providing indie artists, musicians, and filmmakers with the tools they need to reach wider audiences. About Family Video Store Family Video Store is a New York City-based music video, commercial, and digital media production company founded by filmmaker Evan Deng Deng. Specializing in storytelling for indie artists, hyperpop musicians, and record labels, the company provides creative video solutions tailored for today's digital platforms. Committed to supporting BIPOC and independent voices, Family Video Store is shaping the future of music video production. For more information, visit or follow the page on Instagram at Family Video Store is a trademarked name as of January 2025. Media Contact Company Name: Family Video Store Contact Person: Evan Deng Deng Email: Send Email Country: United States Website:
