Mei Semones and John Roseboro Perform Live

Summary

Podcast Summary: All Of It – "Mei Semones and John Roseboro Perform Live"

Episode Details

• Title: Mei Semones and John Roseboro Perform Live
• Host: Alison Stewart
• Release Date: May 6, 2025
• Duration: Approximately 21 minutes

Introduction In this engaging episode of All Of It, hosted by Alison Stewart of WNYC, Brooklyn-based musicians Mai Mai Mae Simonis and John Roseborough grace the studio to discuss their musical journeys, upcoming performances, and the creative processes behind their latest works. The episode offers listeners an intimate look into the blending of genres like bossa nova, jazz, and chamber pop, underscored by personal anecdotes and live musical performances.

Guest Profiles

• Mai Mai Mae Simonis

  • Background: Mai Mai Mae recently released her debut album titled Anamaru. The album is a bilingual project that intricately weaves elements of jazz, chamber pop, and bossa nova, showcasing her versatility and cultural influences.
  • Musical Influences: Introduced to bossa nova during high school through her school's robust jazz program, Mai Mai Mae developed a profound appreciation for classics like "Girl from Ipanema" and "Corcovado," which shaped her musical style [00:29].

• John Roseborough

  • Background: John Roseborough, a former mortician with a unique life story that includes living with the Amish, has carved out a niche with his post bossa nova sound, also referred to as bossa nova lace. His latest album, Fools, released in Fall 2024, features collaborations with various artists, including Mai Mai Mae herself [00:48].
  • Musical Journey: John began playing guitar at thirteen, influenced by his neighbor Vincent Valdez, who introduced him to skateboarding and music. His passion for the guitar grew as a solace during his frequently moving childhood, leading him to continue creating music despite the instability [03:24].

Bossa Nova and Musical Influences

• Mai Mai Mae on Bossa Nova: Mai Mai Mae explains that her love for bossa nova sparked during high school due to her involvement in a strong jazz program. This exposure led her to embrace the genre's smooth rhythms and intricate melodies, which are evident in her album Anamaru [02:21].

  Notable Quote:

  "Every song on this album has both languages, I believe. And so kind of just going with the flow and whatever pops into my head when I'm writing the song." – Mai Mai Mae Simonis [13:38]

• John Roseborough on Post Bossa Nova: Although labeled as post bossa nova, John humbly dismisses the term, humorously describing his music as "second date music" [02:43]. His approach focuses on creating arrangements that allow fellow musicians to shine, fostering a collaborative and organic sound [07:53].

New Albums and Collaborations

• Mai Mai Mae’s Anamaru: Released just a week prior to the episode, Anamaru is a bilingual album blending English and Japanese lyrics. Mai Mai Mae discusses her decision to incorporate both languages organically, allowing each song to flow naturally [13:24]. The album has already garnered positive feedback, with Mai expressing her excitement about sharing her hard-earned work with the world [13:26].

• John Roseborough’s Fools: John's album Fools features collaborations with esteemed artists, including Mai Mai Mae. He emphasizes the importance of creating spaces where collaborators can excel without overshadowing each other, seeking to enhance the overall sound through subtle yet impactful arrangements [07:53].

  Notable Quote:

  "I think I've worked with a lot of great artists and instrumentalists, and I really tried to make arrangements where they could do their best and kind of step out of the way." – John Roseborough [07:53]

Live Performances and Song Clips

• John’s Solo Performance: John performs his song "80 Summers," a reflective piece that delves into themes of love, legacy, and personal introspection. His soulful delivery captivates listeners, highlighting his ability to convey deep emotions through music [04:12 – 07:31].

• Mai Mai Mae’s "Dumb Feeling": Inspired by Nirvana's "Dumb," Mai shares her reinterpretation titled "Dumb Feeling," which transforms the original's contemplative lyrics into a narrative about happiness and self-awareness from a contemporary perspective [09:18 – 12:27].

  Notable Quote:

  "I think Kurt Cobain probably meant it in a different way than I mean it, but kind of like the dumb feeling being a happy feeling." – Mai Mai Mae Simonis [09:43]

• Duet: "Johnny": The duo collaborates on "Johnny," a track from John's album Fools. The harmonious interplay between their voices exemplifies their musical synergy and mutual respect, offering a seamless blend of their distinct styles [16:01 – 20:00].

Upcoming Performance at Music Hall of Williamsburg

Both artists are set to perform together at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, with John heading the show at 8 PM, Mai Mai Mae's band following at 9 PM, and a special joint performance thereafter. The event has sold out, reflecting the growing anticipation and support for their collaborative efforts [15:14 – 15:57].

Audience Engagement and Reflections

• Listener Interactions: Mai Mai Mae shares an unsolicited text from a listener praising her music, highlighting the positive reception and emotional connection her work fosters [20:14].

• Personal Reflections: John expresses a sincere desire to understand what resonates with his audience, showing his dedication to evolving his craft based on listener feedback. Mai Mai Mae complements this by describing his music as "honest" and "warm," likening it to a comforting embrace [14:13 – 14:49].

  Notable Quote:

  "What I love in your music is like how honest it feels and it feels like really warm and comfortable and like, feels like a hug or something." – Mai Mai Mae Simonis [14:31]

Educational Insights and Recommendations

• Introducing Bossa Nova to New Listeners: Mai Mai Mae recommends introducing children to bossa nova through artists like João Gilberto, emphasizing the genre's foundational elements [21:00 – 21:07].

  Notable Quote:

  "I would say João Gilberto." – Mai Mai Mae Simonis [20:46]

  John suggests Luiz Bonfá, another stalwart of bossa nova, though his response is more reserved [21:00 – 21:07].

Conclusion Alison Stewart wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to Mai Mai Mae Simonis and John Roseborough for their presence and contributions. She reinforces the anticipation for their upcoming performance, encouraging listeners to support local artists and immerse themselves in the rich cultural tapestry that All Of It celebrates [21:03 – 21:17].

Final Thoughts This episode of All Of It offers a heartfelt exploration of cultural fusion in music, the importance of artistic collaboration, and the personal stories that fuel creative expression. Mai Mai Mae Simonis and John Roseborough not only showcase their musical talents but also inspire listeners to appreciate the diverse influences that shape contemporary culture.

Transcript

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[Alison Stewart]

This is all of it on wnyc. I'm Alison Stewart. I'm in the studio right now with two Brooklyn based musicians who'll be sharing a bill tomorrow night at Music hall of Williamsburg. Mai Mai Mae Simonis just released her debut albums titled Anamaru. How do I say it?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

That's right. Animaru.

[Alison Stewart]

Thank you. A Japanese pronunciation of animal. It's a bilingual album that draws from jazz, chamber pop and bossa nova. Here's a short clip of the song I I Can do what I Want. My other guest is John Roseborough. He's an interesting. He's had an interest, interesting life. He lived with the Amish, Used to be a former mortician. His sound is also bossa nova lace, sometimes called post bossa nova. His latest album titled Fools was released last year. Here's a short clip of the song hit today. John and May are here with me in WNYC's CR5 for a little experiment. It's a crossover CR5 session. First you'll hear a solo song from John and then you'll hear a song from May. And at the end of the hour they'll play together. But we're happy to have them both here now. It's so nice to meet you.

[John Roseborough]

Hello. Thank you.

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Thank you for having us.

[Alison Stewart]

So before we hear any music, May, how did bossa nova become such a strong part of your music?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

I guess I was first introduced to bossa nova when I was in high school because my high school had a great jazz program and part of that curriculum was like learning tunes like Girl from Ipanema and Corcovado, stuff like that. And then from there I kind of just really fell in love with that type of music.

[Alison Stewart]

I've heard people, John, use your music. They say it's post bossa nova. Does that mean anything to you?

[John Roseborough]

Me? No.

[Alison Stewart]

I had a feeling it didn't. How would you describe it?

[John Roseborough]

I think it's second date music.

[Alison Stewart]

Second date music?

[John Roseborough]

I think it's, it's, it's interesting. It's good stuff.

[Alison Stewart]

Did you study bossa nova at Berklee School of Music, May?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

I would say I more studied like jazz guitar, like generally. I've definitely learned some basa tunes and everything, but that wasn't like the major. That wasn't like the focus. Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

When did you start playing, John?

[John Roseborough]

Guitar? Yeah. Thirteen. Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

What made you pick it up?

[John Roseborough]

My family. We moved around a lot, and we lived in Texas for a couple years. And the guy next to me, I was like, always the new kid, right. And the guy next to me, my neighbor, his name was Vincent valdez, and he was the coolest kid in school. And he just showed me how to do all the stuff that you're supposed to do. Skate and play guitar and everything.

[Alison Stewart]

And the guitar held.

[John Roseborough]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

Why do you think you kept on playing.

[John Roseborough]

Isolation? Yeah. Something to do when you're alone. And like I said, we moved around.

[Alison Stewart]

A lot, so your guitar always went with you?

[John Roseborough]

Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

You're gonna play our first song for us. What are we gonna hear?

[John Roseborough]

I play a song called 80 Summers.

[Alison Stewart]

All right.

This is John roseborough.

[John Roseborough]

Ever changing and revealing itself. In every maiden lay a prophetess the dark and comely wisdom of a queen Like a moonbow in a new sundress yes, Take my breath take my last name Aw. Merry Mary magdalene of my bone body make your eyes rol ho Holy vision given woman dreaming dreams and I believe SA 80 summers in your natural born life Countless lovers but you only get one wife and when your sun sets whether good or bad did you love her? Did you do your best? Yes. Take my breath take my last name Calpurnia sodden a TR of my bone body make you eyes roll Jump my bones I make you eyes roll.

[Alison Stewart]

That was John roseborough. He's here with me in Studio 5, along with May simonez. They'll be playing together tomorrow night at music hall of williamsburg. Fools was your latest album, John. It came out in the fall of 2024. What was something that felt different about making that music, the music on that album, than other music you've made before?

[John Roseborough]

I think I've worked with a lot of great artists and instrumentalists, and I really tried to make arrangements where they could do their best and kind of step out of the way.

[Alison Stewart]

May is on that album as well.

[John Roseborough]

May's on that record? Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

Let's talk about you like you're not here. Why did you want to have may on your album?

[John Roseborough]

Have you heard of music? I think I like May a lot, and it's a no brainer. I think everybody that is on that record, it wasn't even a question. I knew they were gonna be on that record.

[Alison Stewart]

May, let's bring you into the conversation. What did you Think when John said, would you come perform with me?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

I was like, down, obviously. I mean, we've been good friends for a while, so it really just makes sense. I love his music and he loves my music.

[Alison Stewart]

How did you meet?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

I guess we originally met. I feel like the first way we.

[John Roseborough]

Connected was like we were in school at the same time, but went to different schools for different things. And then we both independently moved to New York and then met.

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Yeah. You moved here like a year before me. Like a little bit before me. Right.

[John Roseborough]

And then some months.

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Yeah, yeah, yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

The first song you wrote for your new album was. Wait a second, it's Dumb Song. Is that Dumb Song.

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Dumb Feeling.

[Alison Stewart]

Dumb Feeling.

Thank you.

Thank you. When did you write that?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

I think I wrote it. I can't remember exactly when it was, but probably winter of 2023, going into 2024, something like that. Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

And you told Consequence magazine that it was inspired by Nirvana.

Is that right?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Yeah, the lyrics are inspired by Nirvana.

[Alison Stewart]

Tell me more about that.

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

There's a song called Dumb by Nirvana and, like, one of the lyrics is like, what is. I think it's like, I think I'm dumb or maybe I'm just happy and so kind of like that idea of like. I think Kurt Cobain probably meant it in a different way than I mean it, but kind of like the dumb feeling being a happy feeling.

[Alison Stewart]

Do you think we could hear that song now?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Yes. Yes.

[John Roseborough]

This is a special place but how many days do I really feel? I think I'm special too but how many days do I really feel? Love when the train comes tomorrow Faster I won't try to fight it Let the dust settle on me I'll stay still just to spite it.

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

I'm not.

[John Roseborough]

Here to be worth it I'm not here to be worthy this is a dumb feeling Something I like about it this is a numb feeling Something I like about it Something I like about.

It.

Or something I like about it Love when the Train Comes to Us stuff. I won't try to fight it Let the dust settle on me I'll stay still just despite it Dear, dear.

[Alison Stewart]

That was beautiful. Your singing voice is just beautiful.

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Thank you.

[Alison Stewart]

That's Mesa Mona's. So your debut album. It came out just this past Friday.

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Yes. Yeah. Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

So how are you feeling that it's now out in the world?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

I feel great. We worked really hard on the songs and I really love all the songs a lot, so I'm just happy for it to be out for people to listen to.

[Alison Stewart]

How did you decide which songs to sing in English and which to sing in Japanese.

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Kind of just like whatever feels right for me. Like every song, I think, on every song on this album has both languages, I believe. And so kind of just going with the flow and whatever pops into my head when I'm writing the song. Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

John, you've had music come out since 2020ish.

[John Roseborough]

Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

Does that sound right? What is something that has surprised you about the response you've gotten to your music?

[John Roseborough]

I don't even know what response I've gotten.

[Alison Stewart]

I don't know from people who like your music. What did the people come tell you why the music speaks to them?

[John Roseborough]

I wish I knew. I wish I knew because then I could put. Maybe I could make an adjustment to my work and make it a little bit better. I don't really know. I don't know what they're hearing. I don't know what they're listening for. I appreciate them. And do you have an answer?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

An answer for that question?

[John Roseborough]

What are you listening to?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

What I love in your music is like how honest it feels and it feels like really warm and comfortable and like, feels like. Like a hug or something. That's how I would describe it.

[Alison Stewart]

That's very sweet. What does it feel like for you to sing it? She described what it feels like to hear it. What does it feel like for you to sing your words?

[John Roseborough]

To sing the words? Well, I guess we can find out. I think. I'm not even thinking about it. I'm not thinking about it. I'm trying to think about it now. And I'm grateful.

[Alison Stewart]

Well, you're gonna both be playing at Music hall of Williamsburg tomorrow night. May, what's the plan for the show?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

The plan for the show? Well, I'm gonna rehearse tomorrow, loading in. I don't know if that's what you mean by the plan, but, you know, John will play at 8pm and then my band's gonna play at 9 and we're gonna do a few songs together. And I think it's actually sold out now. But whoever is coming that's listening, hope you enjoy the show.

[Alison Stewart]

How do you decide what songs to play together?

[John Roseborough]

All of them.

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Yeah, I mean, we only have so many songs together, so it's kind of like the songs that we have together. We're gonna play, I think, all the songs that we have together. Yeah. Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

Can we hear one? What are we gonna hear?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Yes, we're gonna play Johnny.

[John Roseborough]

A song called Johnny. It's off of Fools. It's the first Song on Fools.

[Alison Stewart]

This is John Roseborough and May Simonez. Let's listen.

[John Roseborough]

Oh, when you call my name John name Turn me into a pillar you can lean upon fall and I will catch him I here by through the tears, through the shades I still want I'm okay Through the tears, through the shades I still locked I'm okay Ready for the folk to wane See a new day dawning Crowns of berry bab I'm just here to cheer you on.

I do it cause I like it.

I sing.

For no one but there's nothing I.

Need.

Not here forever.

I will been through a bomb.

Through the tears, through the shades I still loved.

I'm okay Through the tears, through the.

Shade I still love I'm okay.

[Alison Stewart]

You've been listening to John Roseborough and May Simonez. They'll be playing together tomorrow night at Music at Music hall of Williamsburg. May has a new album out and so does John. John's is called Fools. May's is called Anamaru. We got an unsolicited text mei that says Brazilian here. Loving this gorgeous music. Can May share what high school introduced her to bossa nova? My kids will be in high school and I would love to know.

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Oh, yes, the high school I went to is called a community high school in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

[Alison Stewart]

And was there one particular bossa nova artist that you listened to that maybe our listener can introduce his children to?

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

I would say Gilberto. Joao Gilberto.

[Alison Stewart]

How about for you, John? Who would you suggest?

[John Roseborough]

No.

[Alison Stewart]

Just no.

[John Roseborough]

Don't get into this. No. Luis Bonfa. Yeah.

[Alison Stewart]

All right. Our listeners. That's what our musicians are telling you. Thank you so much for coming to the studio.

[Mai Mai Mae Simonis]

Thank you. Thank you for having us.

[Alison Stewart]

And that is all of it. I'm Alison Stewart. I appreciate you listening and I appreciate you. I'll meet you back here next time.

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