Brooklyn-based Mei Semones has shared “2 Hands,” the second single and video from her album Howl. The song centers on her commitment to a life in music, with lyrics sung in both Japanese and English. Its refrain describes offering her hands, heart and life to the path she has chosen.

The track also brings a new percussion element into Semones’ band’s arrangements: drummer Ransom McCafferty plays tabla, expanding the group’s sound. The video, directed by Jacob Rodier and filmed in the Bronx, features Semones performing with longtime band members McCafferty, violist Noah Leong, violinist Claudius Agrippa and bassist Noam Tanzer.

Semones said the song reflects her connection with the musicians around her. “Everyone in my band is such an incredible musician and I feel so lucky and grateful to play with them, and that’s what this song is about!” she said. She wanted the video to capture the experience of playing together and draw attention to each band member’s musicianship.

Howl follows Semones’ 2025 debut album, Animaru. The new record was recorded at Manhattan’s Power Station, and it explores difficult memories, fleeting joys and everyday moments, extending the themes of independence and love that ran through her debut. Semones’ songwriting moves between Japanese and English, sometimes within the same song, and draws on jazz, bossa nova, samba and math rock.

Listen to “2 Hands” here.