Tiny Desk Video Contest 2023 is here!

When I was 12, my art teacher gave us an assignment to do a self-portrait. I was happy how my drawing was coming together when a boy from my class walked by my desk and said “That’s way prettier than you are.” I was taken a back, but silently took a mental note that I see myself prettier than I actually am.

Two years ago, I had to draw a self portrait to make a show flyer and I asked my husband if my drawing was prettier than actual me. He looked a little perplexed and asked why. I told the story from my art class all those years ago and his response was, “What a jerk!” He is right, the boy was being a jerk!

How often a careless comment impacts us however big or small? And it stung me that the boy probably doesn’t even remember making the comment. I was letting a ghost make a ghost out of me. This song came from the thought and my hope to not get trapped by a ghost again.

September 9 at Rockwood Music Hall

Our favorite thing about being on stage is the connection we make with the audience. I hope you realize that you are a part of the show as much as we are. It’s your presence, energy that we connect with and together we create magic and that’s just exciting! And we can’t wait to return to our favorite listening room in NYC this September.

Join us an evening of songs and stories. We got new songs, old songs, all your favorites. Can’t wait to see you!

"Will I Fly?" Album Release Show with the Rakehells @ Littlefield, BK

I began working on the album “Will I Fly?” back in 2012. Yup that’s 10 years ago. It was before Jarvis was born, in fact I wasn’t even pregnant yet. I finished tracking by 2013 then I got pregnant and gave birth to a healthy baby. In the haze of early motherhood, I somehow managed to mix the album, then I lost all the steams. It was just hard enough to keep myself afloat as an artist, album release or tour was just out of question. Around 2019, I regained my equilibrium and start working on releasing the album. Then the pandemic happened. In the end, I just released the album into the world without any proper send off that I would normally would do. But then again nothing was normal back in 2020.

Here we are in 2022, we began performing again. Things are not normal but normal things were start happening again. I remembered that I wanted to celebrate this album. If anything, this album is resilient. So many time, I could’ve walked away and forget about it. Maybe even start something new. But I LOVE this album! There were a lot of collaboration that went into this album. And all the artists who contributed, did so with love. It is filled with so much love and it makes me smile every time I listen to it.

I want to celebrate this album, the patient and resilient album which waited it's moment. I felt kindred spirit with the album after living through the last few years. I know I’m a lucky one but even lucky ones had hard time getting through the early days of pandemic.

Also I turn 50 this year. I never celebrated any of my milestone birthdays because I was too busy hiding my age. None of that for me now. I’m proud to be 50 years old and I could careless if anybody knows it.

To celebrate the occasion, I asked some of the performers that played important role for me to grow as a musician. These are my core community without which, I woudn’t be who I am today. I can’t wait to share their music with you.

Please come! Let’s celebrate! We’ve come along a long way and that’s magical!

Friday, June 24th, 2022

Littlefield, Gowanus, BK

Tiny Desk Video Contest 2022 is here!

My mom said to me once "Friends will bring you everything you need. Treasure friends." I was little but I took those words to heart. The Pandemic made me feel the importance of friendship with an intensity I never knew before and when my good friend Berto asked me to write a song about our friendship, it grew into something more. For those who are good at lending a helping hand, often bad at receiving it. But friendship is an exchange energy and therefore must be a two way street. I was reminded that a good friendship can only be built with the work of everyone involved. Also this is a song for my bandmate Rebekah and for our friendship that is years in the making. The word "believe" came from the TV series Ted Lasso which Rebekah and I watch together in our pajamas when I stay with her. It made sense for us that we sing this song in our pajamas :) I hope you grub your friends and listen together.

Update: our video was included in Tiny Desk Community Roundup video by NPR this year! We are so honored to be listed among these talented acts!

Premiere of music Video - Miss Scarlet & Zoe - Thursday, January 27th 8:30pm (est)

I am sooo excited to share with you that Miss Scarlet & Zoe come to life in this new music video! This has been one of my dreams to see the story of Miss Scarlet & Zoe unfold on screen and I couldn’t be happier to have Emily Beall whose art I love so much make my dream come true. Emily immediately understood that Miss Scarlet and Zoe’s world exists in long time ago and incorporated silent film sensitivity. It’s stunning, melancholy and warm. We are going to premiere it on Youtube on Thursday, January 27th at 8:30pm, immediately after my livestream.

Hope you can join us! We will be there to chat with you.

Miss Scarlet & Zoe - Youtube Premiere: Thursday January 27th 8:30pm (est)

https://youtu.be/ZjMg3NUzed4

Return to Rockwood New Date

We are happy to announce that we have a new date for our return to Rockwood Music Hall stage 3. With everything going on, we didn’t feel safe enough to go through with the show. We are so excited to see you in Spring though! All tickets purchased will be honored at the new date. See you in April!

Cyndi Lauper Cover Out on Righteous Babe Record. Collaboration with Jocelyn Mackenzie

When Jocelyn asked me to collaborate with her, there was a huge grin on my face as I said resounding “YES!” Jocelyn and I met years ago when we were both freelancing for a yarn company and I’ve been wanting to collaborate with her ever since. She suggested Cyndi Lauper’s classic She Bop and I jumped on it. I always loved that song with the fun baseline, catchy melody and daring subject matter. Originally created for Jocelyn’s Radio Show, Self-Love, now it’s available on Righteous Babe Record. Hope you enjoy!

Return to Rockwood Music Hall stage 3

We are soooooooo excited to tell you that we are going to be back at Rockwood Music Hall on Saturday, January 8th, 2022! It was Rockwood Music Hall that we had our last show before the world shutdown and it makes us hopeful that we get to go back there to play a show! The tickets are on sale now. It’s $10 advance and $15 the day of. Hope. you can join us! It wouldn’t be the same without you.

TICKETS

MUSIC HALL OF WILLIAMSBURG with BANDITS ON THE RUN

We are so excited to tell you that our first ever show at Music Hall of Williamsburg! Our dear friend Bandits On the Run has kindly invited us to join this amazing curated night by the Bandits themselves. This is going to be an amazing night. Don’t miss it!

TINY DESK VIDEO CONTEST 2021

My cousin died earlier this year. She was only 36. Her death was unexpected and quick, leaving us all shaken. I couldn’t even see my family because traveling was still not an option. I’m guessing, many people have probably found themselves in a similar place in recent times. In my dream, I saw my aunt sitting alone in a dark empty room with her head in her hands. I couldn’t get that image out of my head. They were very close, my aunt relied on my cousin for everything. I wanted to scream, “it’s not fair!” But I couldn’t. My 6 year-old says “it’s not fair!” all the time, and I always answered him with “well…life isn’t fair, buddy.” So I wrote a song. I can say “it’s not fair” as many times as I want, as long as it’s a song. It’s funny that way. The gaping hole in me without my cousin will remain, I know that. But at least this song will get me through the days when I miss her the most. As soon as I wrote this song, I knew I wanted to get my friend Yula involved. She's somebody I respect and enjoy collaborating with. She made a beautiful vocal arrangement and added just the right amount of tension and texture. This was the first time 3 of us sung together since the pandemic. It felt really emotional to sing together again. Joyful yet somber for what we have went through individually and collectively. I hope you enjoy this song. Thank you for listening.

Miwa

Throw Your Tantrum Written by Miwa Nishio

Vocal Arrangements by Yula Beeri

Performed by Miwa Gemini Miwa - guitar & vocal Rebekah - vocal Jennie - vocal

Shot at Montauk House in Brooklyn, NY -

---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

A child falls on the ground, tears in her eyes

She looks for her friends but they’re long gone

Climbing trees, way up in the sky

She jumps but she misses

Her friends just laugh and climb even higher

A middle age man rips a letter in two

In his head swirls thoughts I lost my job

and my house

And my wife took my kids

My cancer is back

He screams to no one

Isn’t it fair, isn’t it ever, isn’t it?

Life isn’t fair, isn’t it ever, “It’s not Fair”

Isn’t it fair, isn’t it ever, isn’t it?

Life isn’t fair, I wish I knew how to tell you

Isn’t it fair, isn’t it ever, isn’t it?

Life isn’t fair, isn’t it ever, “It’s not Fair”

Isn’t it fair, isn’t it ever, isn’t it?

Throw your tantrum, it’s ok by me

Life threw you many bags of lemons

Lifetime supply for your lemonade stand

But you got up again, over and over

With a little bit of luck, you may land on your feet

An old mother is crying

Her daughter went to sleep and never got back again

How could this be possible?

It should’ve been me

How am I going to face life?

How am I going to do anything?

Isn’t it fair, isn’t it ever, isn’t it?

Life isn’t fair, isn’t it ever, “It’s not Fair”

Isn’t it fair, isn’t it ever, isn’t it?

Life isn’t fair, I wish I knew how to help you

Isn’t it fair, isn’t it ever, isn’t it?

Life isn’t fair, isn’t it ever, “It’s not Fair”

Isn’t it fair, isn’t it ever, isn’t it?

Throw your tantrum, it’s ok by me

New Single Snow over Brooklyn out now!

One afternoon in January as I sat in Jarvis's room, looking out the window, something nudged me to write this song. Songs do that sometimes. As the song bloomed gradually, I saw friendship separated by West Coast and East Coast, summer and winter, staying and moving, but most of all importance of being happy who you are at where you are.

Snow Over in Brooklyn
I tell you it's postcard perfect
Snow Over in Brooklyn
It makes me glad that I'm here, it makes me glad that I am here

Children laughing and running to Prospect Park
Shoppers over on Court Street look up and smile
Youngsters in Bushwick, I bet they are just waking up catching it with a cup of coffee

Snow Over in Brooklyn
I tell you it's postcard perfect
Snow Over in Brooklyn
I wonder how you are doing...
I wonder how you are doing in California

Do you remember the house on 11th Street?
Somebody new lives there and painted it sunflower yellow
And the garden on the corner of 6th?
The camellias are particularly bright red this winter

Snow Over in Brooklyn
It tell you it's picture perfect
Snow Over in Brooklyn
I wonder how you are doing in California
Do you ever miss the snow? But winter wasn't for you...

It broke my heart when you left
to see the sun and the endless summer, but I like it here
Slender silent tress dancing with snow falling
gently to the rhythm of New York waltz

Snow Over in Brooklyn
I tell you, it's postcard perfect
Snow Over in Brooklyn
Everything is quiet and clear
It makes me glad that I am here

credits

released February 25, 2021
Words & Music by Miwa Gemini
Guitar & Vocal - Miwa Gemini
Recorded by Rich Lamb
Mixed by Mitch Rackin

Harry Styles Cover - Watermelon Sugar

It’s been a strange year for all of us but one of the strangest things for me is that I do not get to sing with my bandmates regularly. Prior to this pandemic, we were getting together at least once a week for a few hours if not more. For me singing with Rebekah and Jennie is meditative, energizing and healing, and have that taken away was painful and disorientating to say the least. I remember calling Rebekah in tears after not seeing her for more than 3 months, even though we kept up weekly online meet up, not seeing her physically was becoming intorerable. Especially Rebekah and I have been practically inseparable for close to 10 years. So it was a joyous occasion that Jennie and Rebekah surprised me with a visit on my birthday back in June and I hold that memory dear to my heart. That’s the last time I saw both of them together and we didn’t even get to sing together.

Anyway, we do what we can, I’m keeping my livestream and we still meet regularly on line. Days and months going by, and one day Rebekah and I decide to go have a girls weekend away. Can’t tell you which one of us came up with the idea, but we were very excited. It’s nice to have something to look forward to. So one weekend in November, after taking an ample precaution, Rebekah and I found ourselves in a small cottage upstate. The weather was glorious and we spend a lot of time enjoying the nature and each other’s company. We found a fantastic local orchard/pizzeria with big outdoor seating and we ate, drank, talked and laughed. I brought my guitar and cameras just in case, but I really didn’t think we were going to do anything with them. Of course Rebekah and I played music because that’s what we do. Honestly I don't remember how we ended up singing Harry Styles’s “Watermelon Sugar” but it was Watermelon Sugar that we learned that weekend. We made a video of it the morning we were going home. In between packing and nursing hangover (neither of us drink that much anymore) we rallied ourselves to make this video. We had fun. We wanted to have fun and maybe that’s why this song was perfect. It’s a bright and fun song in a slightly melancholic way - like knowing that this feeling won’t last long. Maybe that’s it - knowing that we still have ways to go before we can perform again but for now, we are happy and just be content with a moment of happiness.

I hope you enjoy.

P.S. I have to thank my childhood best friend Taeko for introducing me to Harry Styles. Without her, I wouldn’t even know who he is.

Weekly Live-streaming, every Thursday 8pm (EST)

Every Thursday I will be live-streaming from my living room to yours. On Instagram & Facebook. Requests are always welcome. See you Thursday!

https://www.facebook.com/MiwaGeminiMusic/

https://www.instagram.com/miwagemini/

Uncancelled Music Festival

Greetings during this strange and wild days. Hope everyone is doing ok.

I wanted to tell you that I will be part of Uncancelled Music Festival this Tuesday, April 7th.  Here’s a little bit about this virtual festival.  “@uncancelledmusic will feature artists and community-valued venues in the global music industry for an on-going, world-wide music event that will help musicians and venues of all sizes cover missed revenue during the Coronavirus shutdowns. It will be hosted on StageIt, the premier virtual live concert platform, and will host multiple digital “stages” simultaneously.”   I will be part of the line up curated by @RockwoodMusicHall here in NYC.

You can purchase tickets to each stage and tip the performing artists/venues in real time.  You do have to register a Stage account and load a minimum of $5 into their account to get into any stage.  But tickets of each stages are “pay what you wish” with a minimum of 10 cents.  

To be honest, I don’t feel comfortable asking for money when everyone is struggling so much at the moment but it is important for me that the venues like Rockwood will be there when we come out of this crisis.  I will be doing full 45mins solo set and hope you can join me.

Streaming live: https://www.stageit.com/miwa_gemini/uncancelled_music_festival_day_6/73707

April 7th 5pm / Rockwood Music Hall Stage

Thank you so much for your support.

Tuesday, April 7th at 5pm (EST)

EP Release show

Come celebrate the release of Jitterbug to Lonely Things with us!

We will be back at our favorite local haunt Rockwood Music Hall Stage 3 on Tuesday, September 24th. 6:30 door, 7:30 show time.

Tickets, please visit https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miwa-gemini-tickets-65544614707

See you there!

SUMMER!

Summer is here and here are our summer dates for now. More added, so please check back!

May 24 - The Way Station, 10pm

June 1 - Hank's Saloon, 3pm

June 3 - Sofar Sounds NYC

June 23 - Porch Stomp (Governor's Island)

July 18 - Sofar Sounds Lancaster, England

July 22 - LIC Bar (Yula and the eXtended Family July Residency), 9pm

Aug. 2 - Cloud Club (in Boston) with Jaggery

Aug. 3 - Sofar Sounds Boston

Sep. 1 - LIC Bar, Garden Show, 6pm

Tiny Desk Contest, 2019

Tiny Desk Contest 2019!

I’ve been writing songs since I was very little and though my first language is Japanese and I grew up in Japan, I always wrote songs in English. And my childhood dream was to live in New York and to sing like Billie Holiday. After some of my dreams coming true (I do live in New York and have been for sometime) my mother came to visit me and saw me perform for the first time. She didn’t say much afterwards except one thing, “you should try writing a song in Japanese.” Her words lingered with me, as mothers' words want to do, and I eventually wrote one. My first and my only Japanese song. As I contemplated the two countries I call home, I realized that I didn't think of the consequence of leaving home. I was so determined to come to New York and too busy establishing my life here, I didn't even think about it. I got married here and started family here. It dawned on me then that I have truly left Japan. I've already passed the point of no return and didn't even realize it. My family line can be traced back to 1100s. It’s breadth taking to me that our family stayed in Japan for close to 1000 years and that I’m going to end it. At the same time also it's thrilling to see that the family line will continue in America. Hence “the end is near” and “it’s just a beginning.” So although it is a song written in Japanese, I think in a way, it is a love song to America. Hope you enjoy.

Spring Shows and Kickstarter Updates

Spring turning out to be a busy season for us. We have a threw of local shows plus, we are hitting the road! For the first time as a trio, we will be going up north to the upstate NY. If you are in Buffalo, Syracuse, Rochester area, please come see us!

3/3 - Muchmores, 9pm

3/6 - Sofar NY

3/11 - LIC Bar, 9pm with Felix Slim

3/31 - Branded Saloon, 8pm with Mylo

4/15 - Pianos, 8pm with Brenda Carsey, Loser Cruiser

4/19 - Syracuse, NY - TBA

4/20 - The Spirit Room, Rochester, NY

4/21 - The Thin Man, Buffalo, NY, Brunch set 12-3pm

5/10 - American Folk Museum, Jennie’s Birthday Show! 6pm

If you have contributed to our Kickstarter, THANK YOU VERY MUCH! We are at 12 days in and at 63%, woo-hoo! Please help us by spreading the word. The link below. Thank you!

Please help us! Our Kickstarter campaign.

miwagemini is raising funds for "Will I Fly?" New Album by Miwa Gemini on Kickstarter! 4th full length album

Future Is Female - season of collaboration

Lately we have been blessed with so many opportunity to work with so many wonderful artists. And a lot of them women. We’ve met and got to work with some seriously ROCKING ladies.

Getting ready for the Rags with Natalie

With Yula at the backstage

Last July, we went to Boston to play a couple of shows. The first night there, when we got to the green room, this goddess-like creature comes up to me and says “Not sure you remember me but we played years ago in DC…” And I literally screamed “Yula???” Yula and I played together some years back in DC and we both liked each other but somehow we never connected. And now we were re-united in Boston. The irony is that we both live and have lived in Brooklyn all these years. We promised each other to stay in touch and we did, this time. And we got to work together almost right away for the Rags, the last one at the Hive. The Rags is a multi media work that includes dance, fashion and music. Under the keen eyes of Yula, this seeming chaos comes together as an amazing work of art. I witnessed it. And if I didn’t I wouldn’t have believed it possible! The level of artistry and sophistication was beyond I imagined. And I suspect it is all because of Yula’s uncanny talent to bring out the best in artists. Yula is a producer, director, writer, artistic director, performer…and everything else you can think of! She’s a force to reckon with.

I got to create a new work just for this occasion and my amazing dancer friend Natalie came and collaborated with us. Yula sung with us and a guitarist joined us. Other than the occasional simple chords, the work was done all a cappella. We didn’t want the Rags to end. It was just simply magical. So much talent all squeezed into two nights of performance. Pure energy and fun.

Performing Floral Poetry at the Rags

Our short weekend in Boston didn’t stop at reunion with Yula. Our second performance was at the legendary the Cloud Club. I’ve met Mali who organized the show, again years ago and we stayed in touch. The Cloud Club is a haven for creative people. A sculptor bought two brown stones next to each other in the 70’s and slowly decorated the place with found objects. It’s beautiful and messy, depending on who you are. Of course Rebekah and I just fell in love with it. Did you know that we have a drummer in Boston? Last year, when we were invited to play at a food/wine festival hosted by a local public radio station in Boston, we’ve met and worked with Dylan. He fit the band like he’s been playing with us for a long time and this time was no exception. It was so much fun to play with him for the two shows. And now we also have a bassist. This talented bassist that played with Crystal Bright (who, by the way, also AMAZING!) offered us to be our bassist next time we are in Boston. Time to move to Boston, maybe??? I can’t wait to bet back there!

Crystal Bright, Mali, Miwa & Rebekah at the Cloud Club

With Dylan and our brand new bassist Tony at the Cloud Club

When we got back from Boston, we went straight into our big show of the summer, Rockwood Stage 2 with Brenda Carsey. Brenda and I met because she plays with Matt, our dummer in LA. Funny we have a drummer in LA and Boston but NOT in NYC. Matt moved LA several years ago and although we miss him dearly, I’m so happy that he connected us. She’s talented and very organized. I love working with her because she will make sure every details is well taken care of, especially promotion. I admire her for many reason but for her organizational skill especially. We’ve been talking about collaborating for a while and I was so excited we got to do it finally! We performed David Bowie’s Starman. We did fairly well considering how little time we had practice. We love playing with Brenda and hope to see her again soon!

With the King of Midnight Radio Show, Charlotte Lily

Fairy Rebels are ready for REVOLUTION!

Sometime life offer you an unexpected adventure and you should jump on it. We did. Jennie’s friend refer to us to a cabaret that was happening in Vinegar Hill and although we didn’t know anything about it except that there are going to be puppets but that was enough for us. Turns out that we get to be fairy rebels (who doesn’t want to be a fairy rebel???) and the people whom we worked with were so talented and generous. The place, hidden by a long drive way in a cozy neighborhood of Brooklyn, in itself was like something out of a fairy tale. It had a large French door, and loft space with plants hanging all over. The walls are all different colors and covered with cabinets with labels like “tiny hats” and “dragon masks.” Unfortunately Jennie couldn’t join us but Rebekah and I had a great time. I even acted a little bit… I’d like to challenge myself now and then. The theatre space keep a close guard on its secret, but I hope we get lucky enough to be invited to the performance again soon.

With Jocelyn and Aviva Jaye after the show

The last but not the least, came our collaboration with ever effervescent Jocelyn Mackenzie. We were so honored when Jocelyn asked us to play at one of her residencies. I’ve known her for a long time and I’ve always loved and admired her as an artist. She’s got an incredible voice and her songs are beautiful crafted. Of course by then, I was well into the habit of “let’s collaborate!” so I asked Jocelyn if she would let us sing a song or two and she said “yes!” We had a lovely rehearsal the day of the show (because that’s how most of the artists roll) and performed a few hours later. The show was so warm and filled with love. I felt so lucky to be performing that night. It reminded me of why I do this. Because it’s easy to forget. So with that in mind, I’d like to thank all the wonderful ladies (and a gentleman) that we got to perform with this summer. I feel so fortunate to have all of these wonderful people in my creative world. And I hope to continue this with our first ever residency this coming November! Oh yes, did I mention that we have residency coming up? Well more on that next week!