-
Mary Lattimore & Paul Sukeena announce West Kensington; share single “Altar of Tammy”
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…
-
Diatom Deli shares “Disarray” from upcoming Time~Lapse Nature
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.…
-
V.C.R. – Blue
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…
-
awakened souls – Night Songs
Although I look to ambient music to soothe and quiet the mind, very few do it quite as well as Cynthia and James Bernard. I first discovered Cynthia’s music as marine eyes, her 2021 album idyll a soothing shower of sonic wonder, and Unfailing Love , her collaboration with zakè, a deeply profound, romantic exploration of liminal space and sound. Both are go-to soundtrack for evening dips in the pool,…
-
Droneroom – “Mojave Pastoral”
Petal Motel is pleased to premiere “Mojave Pastoral” from our friend on the other side of that same desert, Blake Edward Conley AKA Droneroom. The track is from his upcoming album Whatever Truthful Understanding, out 4/15 on the aptly-titled Desert Records. The track is Morricone on the moon, high dronesome at its finest, painting a vivid landscape with noise featuring a full orchestra of sound manipulators, coming together from afar…
-
MIX MONDAY VOL. 73 – PETAL MOTEL
My friends and favorite label (well, one of them) Ruination Record Co. create a weekly mix and recently I had the honor of curating a guest mix for them. Thanks so much to those guys and check out the amazing music they release on Bandcamp. > MIXCLOUD> BNDCMPR> SPOTIFY This mix begins with lots of Big Drone Energy, a series of eerie entrancers, frenetically crests, then dives into something more gentle, warm, and…
-
Golden Brown – “Ghosts”
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…
-
Daytime Moon – “Aardvark”
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…
-
RVBY MY DEAR – “Black Moon”
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…