The 2nd release from asia mei, introverse is the kind of album you want to accompany your melancholy drive on a rainy day. Showing an unusual musical versatility that’s surprisingly cohesive, the album ranges from eerie, vulnerable and introspective ballads to aggressive rock that draws influences from blues, classical, drum and bass, jazz and even tango. However it’s asia mei’s mastery as a writer that brings those elements together as an extension of one, developing emotional thought. Reluctant to be categorized, the moody, indie piano-heavy sound captures fans of Jeff Buckley, Muse, Tori Amos, Antony and the Johnsons, Coldplay and Regina Spektor. Big hitters like “maps” and “big apple tree” provide the hooks while asia mei’s impressive piano skills shine on “a bus to sunshine” and “I dream” and her honest, heartfelt singing straddles the barriers of jazz and rock throughout the selections. Shortly after completing string quartet arrangements for Annie Gallup’s magnificent Weather (’10) asia decided to add a quartet to her own material, adding a classical, tender touch to such selections as “saved” and “you (wedding song)”, a song she wrote for her own wedding. While introverse has the DIY artist writing, playing, singing, producing, programming, arranging and editing, there are also some noted collaborations; Hiroshi Sembon designed beats from Tokyo, husband Andres Wilson lent his phenomenal guitar chops and David Seitz (Jeff Buckley, Suzanne Vega) co-produced and mixed four songs. Recorded once she followed her husband from NYC to quiet Northampton MA, the contemplative selections speak of social isolation, lack of center, disappointments and the yearning for connection and belonging, themes that can often be on the minds of transplants to NY and citizens of the world in general. The recording funds came directly from asia mei’s fans, proudly cutting away the need for a record label or a middleman. asia mei was born in Russia, grew up in Jerusalem, Israel, moved to Boston to study at the famed Berklee College of music, worked as a pianist, composer and string arranger in NYC and currently resides in Northampton, MA with husband and fellow musician, Andres Wilson. introverse is asia mei’s second full length release after debut album shards (’06) and single big apple tree (’09), which is also included in the album. www.asiamei.com facebook.com/asiamei