Howl: Vinyl LP

Pre-Order Item. Release Date Subject to Change.
Label: Verve
Release Date: 15th January 2027

Bossa nova, J-Pop, with intricately picked guitar and influences that stretch from John Coltrane and João Gilberto to alt-rock gods Nirvana and Smashing Pumpkins. It's cute and it works.

Brooklyn-based Japanese American singer-songwriter and guitarist Mei Semones returns with Howl, her second studio album and major label debut for Verve Records/Interscope.

Singing in English and Japanese, Mei blends jazz, bossa nova, J-pop and rock into a distinctive sound shaped by influences including John Coltrane, João Gilberto, The Smashing Pumpkins and Nirvana.

Primarily recorded at New York’s Power Station with her touring string players and co-produced by Mei, Howlhighlights her intricate guitar work and a more vulnerable, personal approach to songwriting. The album artwork, logo and hand-drawn creative elements were created by Mei’s mother, Seiko Semones.

Following the acclaimed 2025 debut Animaru and extensive international touring, Howl marks a bold new chapter in Mei Semones’ evolution as a songwriter, guitarist and arranger.

Tracklist

1. Howl
2. 素直になりたい (“Sunao Ni Naritai”)
3. 2 Hands
4. Akumu
5. Chichibu
6. Towards Manhattan
7. Senro
8. Hoteru
9. Korokke
10. Monster
11. Kira Kira