We Speak Music

Ciao Ciao Marigold ‘satsuma’ Is Sonic Playground You Didn’t Know You Needed

Published

3 hours ago

January 20, 2025

What happens when meticulous musicianship meets a technicolor imagination? The answer is Ciao Ciao Marigold (CCM), the mind-bending Lofi psychedelic project that’s turning heads across the globe. Conceived by NYC’s Mike Brun, CCM is a one-of-a-kind creation that blends hypnotic beats, intricate melodies, and vibrant visuals into a sensory feast that fans describe as “stoned virtuosity”.

In a genre where quantity often trumps quality, CCM stands out as a labor of love. Mike Brun, a seasoned producer and instrumentalist, launched the project in secret, recording every track with a precision that’s rare in today’s music landscape. He played almost every instrument himself, collaborating only with trusted NYC musicians and visionary artist Hannah van der Weide, who brought CCM’s animated world to life.

The result? A sound that feels deeply human yet otherworldly—a balance of groove-heavy funk, shimmering synths, and lush guitar lines that evoke comparisons to Khruangbin and Toro y Moi. CCM’s appeal isn’t just sonic; it’s visual, emotional, and downright immersive.

Since its launch in late 2022, CCM has quietly revolutionized Lofi music. Its growing fanbase has propelled the project to two million Spotify streams per month, while viral TikTok and Instagram posts have solidified its cult status. Now, with the release of its sophomore album, satsuma, CCM is ready to expand its reach even further.

Each track on , satsuma, is named after a different type of orange, symbolizing the global influences that shape CCM’s sound. Highlights include “Byeonggyul,” an atmospheric nod to Korean indie genius Mid-Air Thief, and “Sumo,” a guitar-heavy groove that lands somewhere between soulful and seismic. The album has already landed on Spotify’s “Alt Here” and Facemelts playlists, cementing CCM’s reputation as a rising star.

For fans, the next chapter of CCM’s journey is an event worth celebrating. On February 6th, 2024, Brun will bring CCM to the stage for the first time, debuting the project live at Nublu 151 in New York City. This intimate concert promises to be as lush and immersive as the music itself—a true celebration of CCM’s kaleidoscopic universe.

Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, Ciao Ciao Marigold offers a chance to escape the mundane and step into a world of psychedelic wonder. Stream, satsuma, now, and let the grooves carry you somewhere magical.

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We Speak Music

Muscle Memory ‘Get Lost’ Is The Perfect Collision of Synthpop and Danceable Grooves

Published

6 minutes ago

January 20, 2025

Philomena Marie

Muscle Memory, the DJ/production duo comprised of Steven Reker and Michael Tapper, have long been known for their ability to merge indie rock energy with electronic dance music. Their latest single, ‘Get Lost’, marks an ambitious step forward in their already diverse repertoire. The track is a shimmering slice of synthpop, exploring the possibility of what might happen if Fleetwood Mac’s ethereal vibes met the pulsing, futuristic sounds of Giorgio Moroder’s production. The result is something entirely unique: a track that evokes nostalgia while keeping its gaze firmly fixed on the future.

Muscle Memory’s strength lies in their ability to craft infectious melodies while maintaining a deep sense of musicality, a trait that is particularly evident in ‘Get Lost’. The smooth synths and catchy vocal lines could easily carry the track on their own, but it’s the subtle, yet skillful, layers of percussion and bass that give the song its spine. The dub remix by Midnight Magic takes the track further into spacey territory, with swirling synths and an atmospheric vibe that is perfect for late-night dance floors. Meanwhile, the duo’s acid-tinged rework adds a hypnotic edge that will have listeners swaying and nodding along.

Reker and Tapper’s musical journey has always been unconventional. Before joining forces, Reker led avant-pop band People Get Ready, and Tapper was an integral member of the indie rock outfit We Are Scientists. The duo’s transition from rock bands to electronic music felt inevitable given their shared passion for grooves and rhythms that make you move. Their DJ residency at Brooklyn’s ‘Nightmoves’ has been a natural extension of this love for music that commands the body, blending rock-influenced beats with deep, driving bass lines.

One of Muscle Memory’s key strengths is their ability to bridge the worlds of live performance and DJing. Their live shows are often described as “synth-drenched” with a deeply immersive atmosphere that pulls audiences into the experience. ‘Get Lost’ encapsulates this dynamic perfectly, capturing the energy and infectious rhythms that have become synonymous with the duo’s energetic performances. The track’s infectious groove invites listeners to lose themselves in the music, much like the immersive atmosphere of their live sets.

With ‘Get Lost’, Muscle Memory continues to forge their own path in the world of dance music. They seamlessly blend familiar influences with forward-thinking production techniques, offering a refreshing take on both synthpop and dance music. With their ability to craft unforgettable hooks and masterful remixes, they’re undoubtedly a force to be reckoned with on the dance floor—and beyond.