MIDwest Dream Folk
Oceanographer is an Indie Rock band from Minneapolis featuring Val Lowry-Ortega on vocals, Willow Waters on bass, Jackson Peters on guitar, and Joe Keiser on drums. Their music shimmers with influences of 60s Folk, 90s Dream Pop, and 00s Post Punk; soaring vocals, chorus-heavy guitars, and chill drum grooves create a soundscape they lovingly call Midwest Dream Folk.
Oceanographer was a 2025 Nominee at The Loring Awards for “Best Upcoming Artist,” as well as a recipient of a 2026 Cedar Cultural Center Flagship Grant. They’ve been carving a space of their own in the local scene, finding a loyal audience of y’allternative queer folk who relate to their tales of small town origins, homoerotic friendships, and growing into one’s own skin.
Press:
“The Scouting report: 10 new songs by Minnesota musicians for June 2025” -the current
“Minneapolis Musician Val Lowry-Ortega on Dreamy-Folk Musical Storytelling” - twin cities geek
“Deep sea diver: Commercial-leaning Americana with a big heart” - early work records
“[Oceanographer’s] dreamy folk production is steeped in sharp and poignant storytelling that at times almost feels like a confessional. Heavily inspired by small Midwestern towns and what it means to be from a place you’ve always wanted to escape, their [latest] EP feels like returning home in a sense. Even if it’s only to grab your things and flee before anyone can catch a sight of you.”
Photo by Hannah Marie Belisle
Photo by Katy Kelly
Photo by Hannah Marie Belisle
Photo by Katy Kelly
Photo by Katy Kelly
Photo by Katy Kelly
Photo by Katy Kelly