Ciao Ciao Marigold (CCM) – Satsuma: What do Khruangbin, Studio Ghibli, and THC gummies have in common? The answer lies in Ciao Ciao Marigold (CCM), the eclectic Lofi psychedelic music project born from the imagination of NYC-based producer Mike Brun. Blending catchy, instrumental beats with a dreamlike animated visual world, CCM has been quietly reshaping the Lofi music scene with what fans lovingly describe as “stoned virtuosity.” Think funky basslines, reverb-soaked synths, intricate guitar melodies, and vibey drum grooves—all wrapped in a warm, technicolour embrace.
Since its understated launch in December 2022, Ciao Ciao Marigold has captured the hearts of fans worldwide, boasting two million Spotify streams per month and an impressive 25,000+ social media followers. The project’s meteoric rise has come without a single live performance—until now. With the release of its highly anticipated album, satsuma, CCM is set to bring its kaleidoscopic soundscapes to life on stage with an album release concert on February 6th, 2024, at Nublu 151 in New York City.
Brun, an accomplished musician and producer, launched CCM in secret, writing, producing, and mixing the music entirely on his own. He played nearly every instrument himself, collaborating only with a select group of elite NYC musicians and visual artist Hannah van der Weide, who helped craft CCM’s vibrant animated world. Viral posts on TikTok and Instagram quickly followed, drawing fans with a singular blend of hand-crafted musicality and unabashedly funky grooves.
In a genre flooded with algorithm-driven blandness, CCM stands apart as a meticulously crafted labour of love. Its music is infused with cultural and aesthetic inspirations, offering listeners a richly textured experience that “saturates life with technicolour chillness.”
The new album, satsuma, is a playful nod to the global inspirations behind CCM’s sound. Each track is named after a different breed of orange, symbolizing the diverse cultural and musical flavours that shaped the project. Highlights include: “Byeonggyul”, a tribute to the ethereal influence of Korean artist Mid-Air Thief, and “Sumo”, a track whose thick, juicy lead guitar tone lives up to its heavyweight name. The single has made the facemelts top 20 songs of 2024.
The album unfolds like a sensory journey, revealing its subtle depths with every listen. It has already garnered critical acclaim, with singles featured on Spotify’s Editorial playlist “Alt Here” and several high-profile Facemelts playlists for 2024.
With, satsuma, already racking up hundreds of thousands of streams, CCM is poised for an even bigger breakout year. Brun’s transition from the studio to the stage promises to be a transformative moment for the project and its fans. The live debut at Nublu 151 will showcase the same care and virtuosity that has defined CCM’s rise—a night of lush, immersive music not to be missed.
satsuma, is out now on all streaming platforms. Prepare to feel Ciao Ciao Marigold in your bones—because some things aren’t meant to be understood, only experienced.
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