Sen Morimoto – “Chewing Gum”

Sen Morimoto, a Chicago-based musician, released their latest album Time Is On Your Side last month. The lead single, Overthinker, was a serene and reflective track. Now, they have unveiled another captivating song, Chewing Gum. Morimoto describes this new tune as a playful exploration of time, likening it to a dialogue between past and present versions of themselves.

The composition features instruments played in various time signatures, creating a fascinating interplay of opposing meters that eventually converge, like long-lost friends. Vocalist Kaina Castillo contributed her vocals to the chorus, noting that their voices are so similar that it's often difficult to tell who is singing. When Morimoto initially envisioned the visual for Chewing Gum, they encountered setbacks, but Kaina stepped in with a stunning sunset video from Massachusetts, providing a fresh perspective.

Additionally, Morimoto's brother, Yuya, suggested animating the gum itself. Despite having little experience with stop-motion animation and facing a tight deadline, Morimoto purchased Silly Putty and Big League Chew, and taught themselves the animation process. The end result is a charming, wonky animation that blends live-action footage, evoking the spirit of early YouTube videos and nostalgic 90s Nickelodeon content.

Time Is On Your Side is set to be released on October 23rd through Morimoto's independent label, Sooper Records.