Strange Universe: Winter! Set to ramp up the stakes and take over all of June and a tiny little bit of the end of May. This first line-up announcement has everything you could set your hearts on and more, and is happening across some of Tāmaki Makaurau’s most beloved venues. With a sumptuous blend of indie rock, bossa nova, jazz, and chamber pop, accomplished guitarist and songwriter Mei Semones is set to make her long-awaited Aotearoa debut at Strange Universe: Winter. Brooklyn-based Mei writes songs in both English and Japanese, celebrating a passion for life, family, music, and more, sentiments which can be heard on her sublime debut album Animaru. Described by Clash Magazine as “a potent talent”, Mei Semones is more than just one to watch, she’s one to become a devoted fan of. SputnikMusic swooned over the songs of Animaru, calling them “as gorgeous as can be, and undeniably triumphant”. Now, it’s your turn to swoon