NYC-based producer Mike Brun’s project, Ciao Ciao Marigold (CCM), brings together funky basslines, ethereal synths, and dreamlike visuals to create a musical vibe best described as “stoned virtuosity.” And with its new album, satsuma, CCM is proving to be the kaleidoscopic lovechild of Lofi, psychedelia, and pure groove.
Launched in secret back in December 2022, CCM quickly blossomed into an underground phenomenon. Despite having zero live performances under its belt, CCM’s monthly Spotify streams have soared past two million, with over 25,000 devoted followers across social media. Viral TikTok clips and funky Instagram reels helped spread the word, offering fans a sneak peek into Brun’s animated soundscapes, crafted with visual artist Hannah van der Weide.
CCM’s sound is an antidote to the monotony of algorithm-driven Lofi playlists. This is music made with intention, love, and an unwavering commitment to groove. Think of it as a “warm hug from space”—funky, vibey, and drenched in technicolor.
The satsuma album takes its name from the sweet citrus fruit, a metaphor for the global flavors that influence CCM’s sound. Each track pays tribute to a different type of orange and, in turn, a different musical or cultural inspiration.
– Byeonggyul: An otherworldly homage to Korean artist Mid-Air Thief, blending airy synths and intricate guitar layers.
– Sumo: A heavyweight jam with a lead guitar tone as thick and juicy as its name suggests. It’s already landed in the Facemelts top 20 songs of 2024.
– Yuzu: An atmospheric slow-burner that envelops you like a foggy morning on the bayou.
With its funky basslines, lush textures, and infectious drum grooves, satsuma feels like a soundtrack to a lucid dream. It’s music to chill, groove, and get lost in.
CCM’s upcoming album release concert at Nublu 151 on February 6, 2024, marks a pivotal moment for the project. Fans can finally experience the lush, immersive soundscapes of satsuma live. Brun’s multi-instrumental prowess, combined with a hand-picked ensemble of elite NYC musicians, promises a show that’s as dynamic as the album itself.
In a music landscape often dominated by disposable, algorithm-driven sounds, CCM’s satsuma is a vibrant reminder of what happens when heart, craft, and creativity collide. It’s more than just a Lofi album; it’s a journey through sound, color, and culture, designed to transport you far beyond your daily grind.
Whether you’re a Khruangbin devotee, a Studio Ghibli daydreamer, or just someone looking for a fresh sonic escape, satsuma delivers. So, grab your headphones, dim the lights, and let Ciao Ciao Marigold take you on a technicolor trip you won’t soon forget.
satsuma is streaming now on all platforms. Don’t just listen—experience the groove.
Find Ciao Ciao Marigold: INSTAGRAM | SPOTIFY | BANDCAMP | WEBSITE
