Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast has a unique way of delivering her poignant lyrics, infusing sweetness with underlying sorrow in her songs. Several years ago, she achieved significant success with her Grammy-nominated album “Jubilee,” which coincided with the release of her bestselling memoir, “Crying in H Mart.” Her memoir, which narrates her love for Korean cuisine and the emotional journey through her mother’s passing, was set to be adapted into a film. However, the Hollywood strikes, along with the departure of actor and director Will Sharpe, paused the project indefinitely.
In the aftermath, Zauner dedicated herself to recording new music. She embraced her roots by relocating to Seoul, where she delved deeply into Korean culture and language. This immersion will be the focus of her forthcoming second book.
Recently, Zauner discussed her fourth studio album, “For Melancholy Brunettes (and Sad Women),” which is slated for release this Friday. This album presents a thoughtful and emotionally resonant collection of music, flourishing with enough commercial success to support Zauner’s distinctive indie vision.
The album cover stands out with its rich, memento mori-inspired imagery — a skull amid flowers, oysters, and what appears to be a tray of bloody innards. Zauner elaborated on the concept, saying she wanted to feature herself prominently yet remain faceless, conveying her introversion post-“Jubilee.” She drew inspiration from paintings depicting melancholic women draped over tables, which influenced the decadent table setting on the cover. Each item on the table holds symbolic meaning, with references to various album tracks.
Within the album, melancholy serves as a pervasive theme. Zauner describes this emotion as a complex interplay between time’s unstoppable passage and a reflective sadness. Rather than being a form of heartache, it’s a more pensive version of grief concerning time slipping away.
Recording this album involved a significant hiatus, as Zauner set it aside, pursued a year in Korea, and only recently returned to New York to finalize it. Such pauses are not new to her creative process — her previous album experienced similar delays. However, she finds that distancing herself from the music allows her appreciation for it to grow over time.
Touring has always been demanding for Zauner, who acknowledges the toll it takes on physical health and the pressures of public recognition. She’s learned to manage these stresses by adapting her lifestyle on tour, such as bringing a rice cooker and yoga mat. She aims for sobriety throughout the tour, acknowledging the long-term benefits of maintaining good health in this rigorous profession.
Zauner enjoys touring with familiar musicians from her “Jubilee” tour, creating a rare camaraderie among the group. Excitement builds for performances at iconic venues like Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium, and she holds a special place for Union Transfer in Philadelphia — where the coat check is named in her honor due to a memorable circumstance from her past.
A surprise for listeners on the new album is the presence of Jeff Bridges on the track “Men in Bars.” Reflecting on future collaborations, Zauner longs to craft a sensual album with the band Air, drawing inspiration from their work “Moon Safari.” This vision highlights her evolving artistic ambitions, pushing towards a sound imbued with cinematic and synth elements.
Michelle Zauner of Japanese Breakfast continues to innovate and explore new artistic avenues, creating music that resonates deeply while staying authentic to her unique style. Fans eagerly anticipate her newest release and look forward to the creative paths she will tread next.
