Calling all my soft indie synth-pop music lovers – if you enjoy the musical stylings of Declan Mckenna, Clairo, Yellow Days, Rex Orange County, or Steve Lacy, listen up – this one’s for you.

If you look through every single one of my playlists, you’re sure to find a Gus Dapperton song. He’s been my musical obsession since 2017 with the release of his first album “Yellow and Such,” and ever since discovering his music, my life hasn’t been the same.

For the past four years, Gus Dapperton has been slowly but surely redefining Lo-fi and Synth-pop music. In 2016, Gus released his first-ever song, “Ditch,” and followed this mini-masterpiece up one year later with his first-ever EP album, “Yellow and Such.” “I’m Just Snacking” was the most popular song on the album, (even though my favorite is “The Fool”) and can be credited for kickstarting Gus’s rise to fame. When I first listened to this album, I noticed Gus’s exceptional ability to write poetic lyrics and loved the ambiguity that lies within them. It was kind of the first time I realized a song doesn’t have to mean one specific thing, you can just apply it to one specific part of your life and jam out.

The following year, Gus released his second EP, “You Think You’re a Comic!”. This is my second favorite album, and I have yet to see an artist have so much duality within one single piece of work. The songs, “Prune, You Talk Funny,” and “Amadelle With Love,” have such a lighthearted, bubbly sound — they pretty much made me feel like every single day of the year is in May. I personally love listening to these two songs on long car rides and weekends (I’m not exactly sure why, but they’re better that way). On the other hand, if you’re looking for a good cry, the obscure and sullen tones of both songs: “I Have Lost My Pearls,” and “Beyond Amends,” are just right for you. These two emotion-filled tracks forced me to take a hard look at my life and practically every single decision I’ve made leading up to the present moment.

In the following year of 2019, Gus released one of my favorite albums of all time: “Where Polly People Go to Read.” This album is phenomenal. I own it digitally, I have two vinyls of it, and the CD version of the album is in my grandma’s car (yes, it’s that good). The number of times I’ve unapologetically replayed “Coax & Botany” and “Fill Me Up Anthem” while dancing in my room cannot be downplayed. This album is simply art. The enigma of Gus Dapperton’s songwriting reaches an ultimate high in this album, and I love the fun, disco-ey vibe each song has. Not only is each song on the album amazing in its own way, but they all have interesting, underlying messages behind them, which to me, makes them art.

This year, Gus decided to shed some light on 2020 by releasing his fourth album, “Orca.” I have a soft spot in my heart for this album. It’s a sweet, soft ode to every feeling one can experience – from love to fear. This album definitely has a more pop/r&b vibe, and if you want to give Gus’s music a try, I would probably listen to his most recent albums first and end with this one. Do yourself a favor and listen to “Palms,” “Bluebird,” and “Post Humorous,” – just trust me. The pretty, relaxing nature of this album feels like a much-needed vacation, and Gus’s vocals really shine in this one. I just bought the vinyl version of this album, and it was definitely one of the best decisions I’ve made in my life.

If you want to add some spice to your everyday playlist, I suggest listening to Gus Dapperton. If you want some more song recommendations or love his music just as much as I do, make sure to let me know. Check out his music on Spotify, Apple Music, YouTube, or wherever you stream your tunes. Here’s a video of Gus performing on Jimmy Fallon. You’re welcome.

Gus Dapperton: Post Humorous