Val-Mar Records – VM-002

Format: Vinyl, 12”, 45 RPM, EP, Single
Country: US
Released: Jul 23, 2023

Genre: Electronic, Pop
Style: Indie Pop, Nu-Disco

1 Montecito – 4:08
Keyboards – Caleb Mitchell
Written By – Jag Oakes

2 Montecito (espresso loop mix) – 3:02

3 Tramore Castle – 5:42
Lead Vocals – Enzo Long
Mastered By – Gilson Machtolff

4 Cloud Nm – 2:21
Keyboards – Andrew Armstrong
Vocals – Jag Oakes

Art Direction – Valdas Karalis
Artwork By – Beau Brown (3)
Co-producer – Donny Bru
Music By – Neuro Verge

We proudly present VM-002, our 2nd release, in 12-inch format this time, 45 RPM. Four songs of wonder, addressing a hopeful request for extended summers with sun-crested waves and an ocean blue stretching farther than any eyes can fathom. In the key of our first release, we pressed 100 copies and many will be provided to the artist to have at shows.

Jag Oakes is Neuro Verge.

He lived in Santa Barbara many moons ago, and briefly left town for a bit to explore New Mexico, Missouri, Oklahoma and Seattle. We’ve always admired his talent and it rings ever true in this collaboration. We began the project around mid-January 2023 through a series of texts and calls, sharing ideas, song feels and noting what records we were spinning at venues locally.

Within days Jag came up with an offering. A pure slice of the past few years of our musical being, mixed with the feel of your most memorable, glowing sunset. In his studio, Jag created irresistible magic, and semi-jokingly asked him to create a tune we could play from Montecito all the way up the coast for any of our future DJ gigs—a universal track.

Appreciate his keen ears beyond belief as he made the title track, Montecito, and even kindly made us a shorter DJ friendly version (espresso loop mix) of the tune as well, which is included on this record. Had already previously adored tracks Cloud Nm and Tramore Castle with vocals by Enzo Long, it was a must to add both to this release. Both can be heard online and Montecito may only remain as a vinyl delight for now.

This release is dedicated to my dad, Darius Karalis. Noted on back sleeve, engraved forever in print: “May these songs make you dance in the skies, forever.”

Art work by Beau Brown
Art direction by Valdas Karalis
Val-Mar Records is Valdas & Donny Bru