West Kensington is the product of harpist Mary Lattimore and her neighbor, guitarist Paul Sukeena, recording in “strange times,” which I think we all know is a code phrase for. It’s a funny-business new-age sound, definitely an unearthly, beautiful listen but at times almost seems to take classic ambient concepts and turns them on their head; or as liner notes author Nicky Devine put it, “the chords of the harp conjure a feeling of togetherness and intentional greeting resembling Philip Glass after loads of red wine.” Notes bend and drawl; Lattimore’s harp a lit-up carousel, sparkling to extend the abilities…

Diatom Deli’s newest “Disarray” from upcoming album Time~Lapse Nature (love an album title with a tilde) is a more delicate, traditional turn from her previous more experimental recordings, but the result is absolutely gentle and lovely. Her voice is exquisite and the kaleidoscopic strums of acoustic guitar and distant chimes evoke relatable wistfulness. She reminds me of early Nelly Furtado (in the best way) – completely unique, bright, and pure. The video, shot in an earthship in Toas, was directed by Lindsay Gauthier & André Williams. “I wrote this song about friendship breakups. It’s not talked about often but breaking…

I have to highlight this gorgeous single from V.C.R.’s upcoming spring release on Leaving Records. This multi-faceted song is a sensory overload in the best way possible and I can’t wait to hear more. V.C.R.’s voice is enchanting and the retro vibe and resounding drums hypnotize the listener. One of those songs that makes you think, “wow, this is what music should sound like!” Blue by V.C.R V.C.R describes her music as “cinematic soul.” The Memphis-born, LA based vocalist shares her latest single today, “Blue”, ahead of her long awaited full-length due out this Spring on LEAVING.“Blue” is a nostalgic…

Stefan Beck AKA Golden Brown is proving to be truly prolific with the announcement of his seventh full-length album and – the third since October. “Ghosts” is a gently droning saunter through a pacific landscape, pastoral but modern, a much-needed balm for our current era. Beck’s 1936 aluminum lap steel does the heavy lifting while ambient electric guitar adds subtle decor. Luminous is out April 8th via Inner Islands. Luminous by Golden Brown This was the first of these tracks that I started with the intention of building the song around the field recording. I really liked this recording with…

Pleased to share the second single from Daytime Moon’s instrumental ambient guitar album Chrysanthemum. “Aardvark” is a spacey, droning experiment in drop A tuning (hence the name) on a Les Paul Jr. Brent says this is his favorite on the album and the most fun to record.  Chrysanthemum is out this Friday! Chrysanthemum is a bouquet of contemplative, intimate guitar soli compositions from Morongo Basin locals Daytime Moon.  Daytime Moon was formed by prolific songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and Mojave Desert native Brent Simpson in 2012. Brent has released a number of albums spanning a wide range of genres with a variety…

Coming 3 years after the release of her debut album Waiting, “Black Moon” is RVBY MY DEAR’s first single since moving to LA and reestablishing herself as an independent solo artist. Progressing from her rock band roots in Brooklyn NY and continuing her collaboration with renowned producer Andrew Lappin (whose recent successes include producing the critically-acclaimed “Fatigue” by L’Rain), “Black Moon” sees vocalist/bassist and songwriter Gabbi Coenen reconnect with the instrument that got her started in music – the piano.  A dreamy noir-inspired ode to the late-night scroll, heavily influenced by trip-hop icons Portishead, Air and James Blake, “Black Moon”…

Petal Motel is pleased to share the first video from Chrysanthemum, an album we’re assisting with the release of. Is it ethical? IDK but no one is paying me. As you know, I love guitar music and begged the guitarist of the band I play in, Daytime Moon, to record a solo guitar record and here it is! Chrysanthemum is a bouquet of contemplative, intimate guitar soli compositions from Morongo Basin locals Daytime Moon.  Daytime Moon was formed by prolific songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and Mojave Desert native Brent Simpson in 2012. Brent has released a number of albums spanning a wide…

Marcel Sletten, who runs the label Primordial Void and released one of our favorite ambient albums last year is back with a new album entitled Irish Words and a Bottle of Myrrh, to be released on his own label on February 25th. Petal Motel is pleased to share the first single, “Your Love” from the album. Listen here: Irish Words and a Bottle of Myrrh by Marcel Sletten “Your Love” was recorded in late 2021 at my home in Athens, Georgia. This one’s definitely inspired by Satie. I’d like to produce more tracks in this style, I think. It’s kind…