Packing List: Mei Semones
A new series featuring friends and experts on their trustiest travel things.
You couldn’t put Mei Semones in a box if you tried. On her 2025 debut album Animaru, the 25-year-old Brooklynite songwriter and guitarist delivers tracks in both English and Japanese that span genres from jazz to baroque pop, bossa nova and indie rock — Mei calls it jazz-influenced indie J-pop. (Her mom drew the album art.)
Mei’s currently on tour and we caught up with her to see what stuff she brought along. “I am mostly just focused on making sure I don’t forget anything, while also not overpacking,” she says. Wise.
Mini Amp: I got a mini amp from Blackstar that I have been bringing on tours, so that I can play my electric guitar in my hotel room and hear myself.
Emergen-C: I usually bring some Emergen-C to try to help my immune system stay strong so that I don’t get sick on tour!
Hoodie: I always make sure to bring a hoodie because wearing a hood helps me sleep on flights and in cars.
Face Masks: I like to bring some face masks since touring can be tiring on the skin. Right now I am using the Japanese sake ones.
SEA Pink Pajama Set: I like to have a nice matching pajama set for tour so that I feel comfy in the hotels.
Manga: I usually bring a couple manga to read! Right now I am reading Kimi ni Todoke.
Candy: I like to pack some sour candy! For this tour I have a few packs of sour grape fettuccine.
Something new I’m bringing on this tour is: A new backpack from Mono which has been really nice!
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Packing List: Mei Semones
The 25-year-old Brooklynite songwriter and guitarist shares what she's touring with.