Born to a Japanese mother and American father, Mitski spent her childhood in a dozen countries from Africa to Asia to America. As an artist she established herself in New York but feels equally comfortable -- or, perhaps, uncomfortable -- everywhere.
"I've stopped wanting a home, I think, because I've been on tour all my life basically," she told AFP after playing at Coachella, the premier music festival that takes place over two weekends in the California desert.
"I used to obsess over where is my home -- I need a home, I'm lonely without a home -- but now it's actually very freeing to not have any anchor," she said.
Mitski last year released her fourth album "Puberty 2," a metaphor-rich, emotionally searing exploration of identity and longing that figured on several critics' lists of the top albums of 2016.
At first listen Mitski has similarities to 1990s alternative rockers such as Liz Phair with a heavy bass leading a jangly guitar. But Mitski -- who plays guitar, bass and piano -- brings a personal intensity more in line with Kate Bush, delivering vocals that can build within seconds from breathy lightness to chilling screams.
"Puberty 2" opens with the airy "Happy" as Mitski wonders if a one-night stand can free her from depression. "Your Best American Girl" delves into her upbringing as she questions if she can be American enough for a desired man.
"My Body's Made of Crushed Little Stars" is a short burst of passion as Mitski contrasts her undying wanderlust with the drabness of daily life and she envisions herself like the crucified Christ, declaring, "Would you kill me, Jerusalem!"
