For Japanese Breakfast‘s Michelle Zauner — who is also the best-selling author of the acclaimed memoir, “Crying in H Mart” — storytelling forms the core of her artistic expression. Her imaginative and innovative songwriting has propelled the indie-pop group into the spotlight, especially following the success of their 2021 album, “Jubilee,” which garnered two prestigious Grammy nominations. With both commercial success and critical acclaim under her belt, Zauner was clear about the direction she wanted to take her music in the future, aiming for authenticity and originality.

“I felt like if this is as big as it ever gets, I want to create something genuine, captivating, and unexpected,” Zauner shares with Variety. This mindset led her to reject her label’s request to produce brief visual clips for “Mega Circuit” — the second single from the group’s latest album, “For Melancholy Brunettes (and Sad Girls)” — choosing instead to create a traditional music video that aligns with her artistic vision rather than conforming to commercial standards.

“I’m really not interested in creating subpar content,” Zauner emphasizes. “Unfortunately, nobody wants to invest in a full-fledged music video anymore, which is disappointing, as I believe every piece should have a narrative that resonates with the audience.”

Ultimately, Zauner triumphed with “Mega Circuit,” resulting in the production of a traditional music video. The video features Zauner embodying an adolescent boy driving an ATV through the woods while interacting with other children, serving as a commentary on masculinity and the societal violence that young boys often experience. This project highlights Zauner’s remarkable ability to dissect complex social dynamics and their implications for individuals and their relationships.

“For Melancholy Brunettes (& Sad Girls)” is vibrant with Zauner’s artistic inclinations. The album is rich in literary and mythological references, narrative storytelling, and evocative visuals, painting a portrait of characters caught in intricate situations that evoke deep emotional responses.

As suggested by its title — which draws from a short story in John Cheever’s “The World of Apples” collection — the ten-track album explores themes of melancholy. Zauner aimed to create a “creepy” record filled with “dissonant and haunting” chords that she conceptualized even before stepping foot in a recording studio. This album, steeped in themes of sorrow, presents a stark contrast to “Jubilee” and its vibrant, effervescent tone.

Japanese Breakfast is set to perform at Coachella on April 12 and April 19, followed by an international tour commencing April 23. Below, Zauner discusses with Variety her creative process behind “For Melancholy Brunettes,” her experience directing her own music videos, and her vision for her upcoming Coachella performance.

Navigating the Pressure of Following Up on “Jubilee” Success

I find myself in the midst of a press cycle, reflecting on various narratives that have emerged. It’s amusing because this has become a crucial question in this release cycle that I’ve never faced before. It’s like there’s this underlying inquiry of “It’s great, but…” that I struggle to move past, as I want to convey that everything is perfectly fine without letting that dominate the narrative of this album.

What I truly mean to express when I answer this question honestly is that it was never my intention to leap into arena-level pop stardom with this album. In many ways, I felt liberated from the expectations set by the success of “Jubilee.” This was my opportunity to create something profound, intellectual, and challenging, choosing to believe in that vision rather than pursuing a path that merely sought to amplify what was already successful or more pop-oriented, more catchy, or more attention-seeking.

Collaborating with Producer Blake Mills: What Made Him the Right Choice?

I wanted to collaborate with someone who has a rich history of working with various artists, possessing a distinctive sound and being an exceptional guitarist. I recognized that this record would have a strong emphasis on guitar, and I felt that he was the ideal person to guide me in a new direction while ensuring that guitar remains a focal point on this album.

First Experience in a Professional Recording Studio: How Did It Shape Your Music Creation?

The experience was quite challenging. For one, I have always prioritized environments with less pressure, where I’m not constantly preoccupied with the costs of the space, but rather focused on the ideas I want to explore. Historically, I’ve worked in semi-professional warehouse settings or home studios. However, in recent years, we’ve conducted sessions in high-end studios, and I started to appreciate the difference in sound quality that a well-equipped and thoughtfully designed recording space brings to the creative process.

It’s akin to the difference between shooting with digital versus film. There’s an additional gravity when you shoot on film, just as there is when you are in a space designed for recording. Such environments carry a rich history and necessitate a greater level of intention. They impart a specific quality that can elevate the project, I believe. In this record, more than any other, there was a significant focus on achieving the right performances.

Personal Growth as a Musician Through This Album

I genuinely feel that these are the best songs I’ve ever composed. I have gained a substantial amount of confidence, particularly in the stories I am sharing through my lyrics. I am far more intentional with everything, whether it’s about the evolution of my craft, the type of guitar I’m selecting, the pick I’m using, or my singing approach. I feel stronger than ever as a musician and songwriter.

Exploring Masculinity: The Creative Benefits of Adopting Male Narrators

This has been something I’ve engaged with since a young age. Many of the songs I composed for Little Big League also stem from male perspectives. There’s a song titled “Lindsey” that tells the story of a possessive man who desires to dominate his partner. I find it compelling to inhabit the mindset of the other party, experiencing the repercussions of such a character, wanting to embody his thoughts and rationalizations, while also revealing the madness and malevolence within those actions. I enjoy this exploration as it allows me to cultivate compassion for those who have hurt me or who I fear, helping me understand perspectives that are foreign to me.

Integrating Mythological Themes into Your Lyrics: What Draws You?

One aspect I appreciate about mythological references is the portrayal of gods who are deeply flawed. They are not holy role models; rather, they embody stories of powerful beings committing often despicable acts.

One track from the album, “Leda,” refers to a violent myth wherein the Almighty God of that universe transforms into a swan to assault a woman. Despite their revered status, these mythological figures are not without fault. I was drawn to this narrative, inspired by visits to museums filled with art influenced by mythology. I was captivated by works depicting ancient tales of men succumbing to temptation and facing the consequences of their actions. Each story on this album reflects snippets of life where individuals recognize their mistakes and the fallout that ensues.

The Impact of Directing Your Own Music Videos on Creative Expression

Initially, I began directing music videos out of necessity, questioning, “Who will direct your music video for $500?” Starting with a minimal budget, I had to take the reins. As I began to receive budgets of $3,000 or $10,000, I questioned why I would allocate that to someone else. Clearly, anyone with that amount of money could produce something superior to what I created for $500. Now, I want to use that financial freedom to express my imagination because I believe I’ve earned it. I’ve begun receiving offers for directing, but I often feel a sense of possessiveness — it seems that directing music videos for Japanese Breakfast has become an integral part of my artistic journey.

I don’t feel like an album is complete unless I’ve created at least three videos for it. My lyrics can sometimes be cryptic and challenging for listeners to grasp. Therefore, I aim to incorporate a visual element that can help illuminate these ideas, as I’m not sure I can trust anyone else to convey them accurately.

Excitement About Your Upcoming Coachella Performance

I’m genuinely excited about performing at Coachella because the set is shorter, allowing us to cherry-pick songs from our four albums, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. Although this album may be perceived as quieter, it also contains plenty of energetic tracks. I’m confident that several songs will resonate well in that setting, and I have been curating a setlist for some time that I believe will work wonderfully.

I’ve been collaborating with Kat Borderud, our lighting designer and creative director, on the stage production. We aimed to incorporate theatrical elements inspired by operas and theater, as much of the album possesses a narrative quality with an almost timeless feel. We are planning to include some exciting stage elements, and I’ve also been working with a few animators, including Greg Kythreotis, who created the score for the game “Sable.” I admire his artistic style, and I’ve arranged for him to contribute animations for our video wall, which I am extremely excited about.

Overall, I anticipate that this will be a uniquely thoughtful and engaging performance during my third appearance at Coachella.

Collaboration with Celine Song on “Materialists”: A Unique Experience

A24 reached out to us regarding the project, and I was informed that other artists were also pitching ideas. After viewing the screener, I was captivated by the film. Celine requested a romantic song that felt uplifting, and I endeavored to deliver just that. Fortunately, she loved the result. I have a deep admiration for her work, and I am thrilled to be a part of this project.

This interview has been edited and condensed.