Indie Tracks of the Week: Varada | Dope Lemon | This is the Deep

Well, 2020 is winding down, the leaves have turned, and death is in the air – so what could be better than brewing up a pot of coffee, kicking back, lighting one up, and soaking in some radical vibrations of the underground.

On deck we have three artists who are teetering on the fringe. Artists whose sonic textures range from oceanic soundscapes to lighter indie-pop moods. And although the spectrum may be eclectic, rest assured that the art you are about to receive is authentic and honest to the bone.


Varada

“Mind Set” by Varada is a mellow vibration inspired by a trip to Almeria, Spain. The soundscape is infused with desert and oceanic vibrations.

Varada is the project of Ángel Negrín, an experimental artist who is based out of Spain. Varada’s eclectic indie music sits somewhere between a psychedelic texture and post-modern rock. A progressive breed of independent rock that is not for the faint of heart. Keep up with the project on Spotify.

Dope Lemon

Dope Lemon’s new track “Kids Fallin’ In Love” sounds like how the the end of summer might feel – faded, with a glimmer of nostalgia, but kind of heartbreaking in the end because there is a bite in the air, and the echo of autumn can be heard whispering through the leaves.

Nonetheless, iridescent vocals float atop an eclectic soundscape of intricate beauty, fully capturing the essence of lo-fi indie-pop. “Kids Fallin’ In Love” is a track that’ll only get better with time. You can bet on it. Keep up with Dope Lemon on Spotify.

This is the Deep

“Simulator” is about the bizarre experience of our supposed reality in the post-digital age. The track features the processed vocals of a band member’s 8 year old cousin talking about online gaming. The jam drips with the philosophical conundrum related to to the simulation theory. Nevertheless, it is a groovy slow burner one can vibe with.

This Is The Deep is a collective of diverse artists who are committed to crafting a visual and sonic world of ironically intricate beauty. The project also makes their own plasticine album artwork, popcorn sculptures, stop-motion, and CGI videos. Give them a follow on Spotify.

And as always, all the tracks here at Santa Rosa Records are picked by hand and featured on our Spotify playlist, [fresh] lo-fi indie of the underground. The playlist features a diverse range of independent slow burners that are mellow in nature and psychedelic to a certain extent. Playlist is updated regularly, so give it a follow you filthy animal.

0037: Bobby T. Lewis – Moon Pie (2020)

Sunday, November 29th, in the infamous year of 2020, Bobby T. Lewis released his debut single “Moon Pie” on the independent label, Santa Rosa Records.

The coming out track is a gentle and soothing meditation upon the delicate nature of life. A winsome melody in low fidelity. Indeed, a beacon of iridescent light in a cosmos enshrouded in mist and confusion. In summary, the song entails the long and lonesome journey back home, with only the moonlight to light the way, and seems to bring comfort to all who listen.

“I figured it wasn’t good enough to release, so I shelved it. I was still finding my voice. It is far from perfect. I hope that you enjoy.” – Bobby T. Lewis

“Moon Pie”, along with the rest of the tracks off of Bobby’s upcoming album “Mighty was Your Light” (release date slated for 12/6/2020) were recorded shortly after the birth of his son, next to a crib that Bobby’s parents had bought for him.

The music was written by Bobby T. Lewis. Christopher Mitchell was the Director of Photography, Alex Ke the First Assistant Camera, and the enchanting animation was done by the one and only Chase Mussey. And a special thanks to Chris Hanzek, Jordan Essary, and Mike Parish @ 424 Recording.

“Moon Pie” was recorded on four-track cassette — all hail analog. Procure the single today over on bandcamp, and be sure to give Bobby a follow on Spotify!

Living in the Present Moment with Kalmo & Lisa Darling

KALMO

With the tentacles of technology creeping into our lives in a pervasive and all encompassing manner (that we accept in the name of convenience) we are relieved that there are those who are still able to turn off the electronic bug, and submit to the mysterious art of music.

Surrender to the Now (Für Catarina) is the first track off of KALMO’s album, Incorporea.

The ambient track is infused with cosmic qualities and explores the experience of being present in the moment of the now. A thing that can only happen when the mind is at peace and in a state of static semblance.

A tremolo is sustained throughout the song and acts as a drone in order to induce the listener into a hypnotic trance, and may even sway certain individuals into surrendering to the present now in an involuntary manner.

Music is one of the only art forms that can be consumed with the eyes closed shut and mind completely lost in the vibrations of a melody. This is what makes music so transcendental. So healing. Indeed, music has the innate ability to pinpoint our deepest and most profound thoughts and reveal to us things that may be difficult to accept and integrate into our daily lives.

Keep up with Kalmo on Spotify. And be sure to give the group a follow!

LISA DARLING

Living in the present moment is an experience that sounds quite simple, but is in fact becoming an oddity in the digital age. Well, New York-based artist Lisa Darling (another artist who is able to unplug and create) brings to us an experimental gem from the depths of her intricate mind.

The project is a unique audio experience that fosters emotional healing. From infants to the elderly who are on the cusp of death, Darling’s recorded work have had a profound impact on those who sit and listen.

Darling explores a sonic vibration that is not composed of mere hooks and gimmicky melodies; but contains within it a certain ethereal quality of wonder and bliss. A hypnotic element that seems to lull the listener into a catatonic sleep and heal one from the inside.

Here is “Sedna” by Lisa Darling, a brand new single that is fresh off the press. We hope that you enjoy this as much as we did here at Santa Rosa Records.

Darling’s work features ambient, wordless vocals to aid in the process of identifying and illuminating buried trauma and grief. Grounded in hypnotic rhythms, Darling uses her music as a vessel to reach the buried emotions from within us all.

Ambient layers intertwine and envelop the listener, connecting them to pure humanity, and even seems to invite a certain freedom of emotion for all who take part.

Each vocal layer acts as another instrument, in a subtle yet sublime fashion, and ambient layers wreak of pure emotion and a human being that is not content with the cyclical reality of the physical world.

Keep up with Lisa Darling on Spotify. And be sure to give her a follow!

Cousin Kula

Cousin Kula (a Bristol project) born through a shared affinity for psychoactive compounds and a mutual love for jazz music, take a small step into a more mellow yet hypnotic direction with their new track.

‘McLovin’ You’ is the followup single from Cousin Kula’s forthcoming self-produced EP, The Casa Kula Cassette.

The catatonic track is a psychedelic slow dance through a blurry soundscape littered with experimental jazz undertones and a soulful beat that may remind one of an age now dead and gone. It’s a sonic spectacle to gaze upon and cherish for but a little while. Indeed, it’s the kind of track that you put on repeat, and listen to over and over again, until your flatmate screams at you.

Now, sit back, turn up the volume, and listen to the groovy vibrations of Cousin Kula.

As one walks into the Cousin Kula compound, one is met by bicycles in the hallway, local artwork hung on the walls and instruments strewn about… In the garden a handmade pizza oven and home grown vegetables exhibit their selfless ambition for self-sufficiency.

Keep up with Cousin Kula on Instagram and be sure to follow the homegrown project on Spotify you filthy animals.

“‘McLovin You’ kind of signifies a shift towards writing more soul influenced tunes. Just enjoying the simplicity of songs as they present themselves, not fucking with them too much, and not trying to smear lyrics with too much weirdness, it felt okay and actually liberating to just write lyrics that just lay naked and obvious. ‘I’ll never forget loving you’. The tune serves as a farewell to the biggest love of my life, but not a goodbye forever thing, just like a – I’ll always love you kinda thing.” 

Elliott Ellison, Lead Vocals (Cousin Kula)

The Limelight: KALI | Jessica Lea Mayfield

KALI – Back To The Start

The talented and perhaps borderline brilliant 16-year-old artist who goes by the name of KALI (full name Kali Flanagan) shares with us her debut single and music video entitled “Back To The Start”.

The track is a blurry slow-burner set in the city streets of the metropolis. It’s the kind of track that gets better with every listen. Like a fine wine. Indeed, a true nostalgic throwback to a thing lost not so long ago. A thing you just can’t quite remember, but a thing you know that is fresh, innovative, and oh so natural in every metaphysical sense.

“Back To The Start” is the perfect introduction to KALI – an artist who we expect much more creative output from in the very near future. And we can’t wait!

Her Incredibly lush and introspective soundscape on this particular track captures the enticing visual co-directed by KALI, Zealand Yancy and Sophia Ziskin. A visual that fully encapsulates the fresh and tender rush of being a teenager in the city with your friends.

Keep up with KALI on Instagram and give her a follow on Spotify.


Jessica Lea Mayfield – Daddy Boyfriend

Jessica Lea Mayfield’s next album will be made up of a series of two song increments on 7 inch multi color vinyls. The artist also shares with us the animated video for “Daddy Boyfriend” created by New York City artist, Abby Jame.

The track is a grungy, yet soft teeshirt that’s quite worn and a bit faded, but fits you just perfectly. That’s exactly how we feel about Jessica Lea Mayfield’s track “Daddy Boyfriend”.

In all honesty, the track was a bit perplexing at first, but the more we thought about it, the more we realized that in a very direct sense little girls do indeed idolize their daddies. Especially the ones who pamper them by taking them to the zoo, buying them ice cream cones, and taking them to the cinema. Indeed, these are all things that a person would do for their significant other. And what did mother always say? Oh yes: “Honey, you’ll prbably end up with somebody like your father.”

I digress, so in the meantime, keep up with JLM on Instagram and give her a follow on Spotify you filthy animals.