News
30 October 2026 – Mei Semones Releases 2 Hands and Celebrates the Musicians Who Make Her Extraordinary Sound Possible
By Editorial Team - October 30, 2026
Summary
Brooklyn singer-songwriter Mei Semones releases 2 Hands via Verve/Interscope, honoring her ensemble collaborators ahead of new album Howl.
Key Facts
- Mei Semones releases new single '2 Hands' from upcoming album 'Howl', due January 15, 2027 via Verve/Interscope.
- The track incorporates South Asian tabla percussion alongside bilingual English/Japanese vocals and complex jazz-rock arrangements.
- The official music video directed by Jacob Rodier spotlights her touring and studio band members Ransom McCafferty, Noah Leong, Claudius Agrippa, and Noam Tanzer.
- Entities: Mei Semones, Howl, 2 Hands, Verve, Interscope, Animaru, Jacob Rodier, Ransom McCafferty, Noah Leong, Claudius Agrippa, Noam Tanzer
- Tags: mei-semones, howl, 2-hands, verve-interscope, jazz-rock, indie-pop, bossa-nova, math-rock
Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter and virtuoso guitarist Mei Semones has released "2 Hands", the second single from her forthcoming album Howl, scheduled for January 15, 2027, through Verve/Interscope. The recording continues her delightful disregard for conventional genre boundaries, combining intricate guitar arrangements, jazz harmonies, indie rock and elements of Brazilian bossa nova. This time, South Asian tabla percussion also joins the proceedings, adding another rich, polyrhythmic texture to an already adventurous musical palette.
Semones sings in both English and Japanese, exploring her devotion to music and the extraordinary commitment required to pursue a creative career. Rather than focusing exclusively on her personal ambitions, the song celebrates the musicians who have helped her develop her distinctive sound. The accompanying video, directed by Jacob Rodier, features longtime bandmates Ransom McCafferty, Noah Leong, Claudius Agrippa and Noam Tanzer. Semones wanted the visual presentation to highlight their individual contributions and the musical chemistry that develops through years of rigorous rehearsing and performing together.
Her 2025 debut album Animaru established her reputation as an unusually accomplished guitarist and songwriter, attracting attention through its sophisticated chord progressions and understated emotional expression. Howl promises another vital chapter in that development, with "2 Hands" demonstrating how technical complexity can coexist with accessible, hook-forward songwriting. Independent music often celebrates the solitary genius, but Semones reminds listeners that extraordinary recordings frequently emerge from equally extraordinary collective collaborations.
Apparently the secret to making complicated music sound effortless involves surrounding yourself with excellent musicians and remembering to thank them occasionally. Discover more hybrid jazz and guitar sounds in our indie pop hub and follow daily updates in our news archive.