Mei Ehara’s third album shines through the noise
fascinating discoveries while traveling and touring across North America as the opening act for American artist Faye Webster earlier this year. One of the more intriguing experiences took place during a visit to the Texas offices of anime streaming platform Crunchyroll.
During the visit, Ehara, 34, who recalls Webster being a passionate anime enthusiast, was given a tour of the offices where subtitles were created and mixing was carried out. An eye-opening moment occurred when they witnessed the comparison between the original Japanese versions of anime, complete with background music, to the American adaptations. The U.S. versions displayed a level of depth and richness in sound that surpassed the original Japanese tracks, highlighting the significance of sound placement in enhancing nuances and emotions within visual content.
These tours and encounters with Webster played a pivotal role in shaping Ehara’s creative mindset and approach to her third full-length album, “All About McGuffin,” expected to be released on September 12. This album marks a significant milestone for the singer-songwriter, who opts for an all-lowercase stylization of her name, as she gears up for an upcoming band-supported tour, performing in San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and Chicago following her solo performances as the opening act for South Korean ensemble Se So Neon.
In the face of the pressure and expectations that come with crafting a third album, Ehara sought solace and inspiration from an unconventional source – a literary device known as the “MacGuffin.” Popularized by filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock, the MacGuffin serves as a narrative device that propels a story forward without necessarily holding intrinsic value in itself. It acts as a catalyst for the plot’s progression and character interactions, serving as a mere trigger for the story’s unfolding events.
Embracing the ethos of the MacGuffin, Ehara found clarity amidst the chaos and uncertainty of the creative process, infusing her music with a sense of purpose and direction. The resulting album, “All About McGuffin,” reflects this newfound clarity and intentionality, offering listeners a captivating blend of storytelling and sonic experimentation that transcends conventional boundaries.
As Ehara gears up for her upcoming tour, she remains committed to delivering an unforgettable live experience that mirrors the depth and richness of her recorded music. Drawing from her diverse range of influences and experiences, she invites audiences to embark on a musical journey that transcends language and cultural barriers, forging connections through the universal language of music.
With the release of “All About McGuffin” on the horizon, Mei Ehara stands poised to make a lasting impact on the music scene, captivating audiences with her unique blend of introspective lyricism and innovative soundscapes. As she continues to push boundaries and defy expectations, Ehara remains a beacon of creativity and authenticity in a world overflowing with noise and distraction. Her music serves as a testament to the power of storytelling and the enduring ability of art to transcend limitations and spark meaningful connections between people from all walks of life.