Lo-Fi Psychedelic from Ciao Ciao Marigold

New York City-based producer Mike Brun has been making an impact in the lo-fi music scene with his project called Ciao Ciao Marigold. Blending funky basslines, reverb-drenched synths, intricate guitar melodies and drum grooves, CCM brings an original and kaleidoscopic sound to the genre. Often described as “stoned virtuosity,” the project evokes the warmth of Khruangbin’s funk, the whimsy of Studio Ghibli’s aesthetics and the laid-back euphoria of THC gummies.

Launched discreetly in December 2022 with the debut record Beets Vol.1, CCM quickly gained a devoted following, clocking millions of streams online. While the lo-fi scene often succumbs to algorithmic monotony, CCM offers a charming, organic feel, with Mike writing, producing and mixing every track himself. He plays nearly every instrument, collaborating sparingly with select New York musicians and visual artist Hannah van der Weide, who’s brought the project’s dreamlike animated world to life.

Now, with the release of his latest album, satsuma, he’s preparing for the project’s first-ever live performance on February 6th at Nublu 151 in New York City. Until now, CCM’s rise has been entirely digital, fuelled by viral TikTok and Instagram posts that introduced fans to its immersive soundscapes. This new album translates the technicolor chill of Ciao Ciao Marigold’s music into an unforgettable live experience.

satsuma presents a celebration of global musical influences, with each track named after a type of orange, symbolising the diversity of cultural and sonic elements stitched into the album. Tracks like “byeonggyul,” featuring 12tone, offers a dreamy homage to Korean artist Mid-Air Thief while “sumo,” a track with slick guitar flutters, bouncy basslines and rustling drums, captures a buoyant instrumental jam.

“bergamot” captures a laid-back, downtempo energy whereas “clementine” delivers a hazy soundscape of soft guitar textures and shifting arrangement. Critics have lauded the album for its delicately layered compositions that unfold like a mesmeric voyage, revealing new textures with each listen. satsuma has already earned spots on Spotify’s editorial playlist Alt Here and several prominent Facemelts playlists, further confirming CCM’s reputation as a must-watch figure in the lo-fi and psychedelic music spaces.

With its handcrafted approach, CCM offers an antidote to the homogeny often found in instrumental music. Each track brims with care and intention, creating an experience that’s playful yet hypnotic, offering moments of both reflection and groove-heavy delight. Having made another compelling aritstic statement with his latest record and with the live debut at Nublu 151 lined up for next month, Ciao Ciao Marigold shows no signs of slowing down as a purveyor of enchanting, chill instrumental musical moments.

Listen to satsuma below