MIDwest Dream Folk

Oceanographer is an Indie Folk band from Minneapolis, MN Fronted by Val Lowry-Ortega. Oceanographer shines with influences of Laurel Canyon FOLK, 90s Dream Pop, and MIDWEST EMO. Their songs are lyric-forward, REVERB-Heavy, and set to a midwest gothic background.

Oceanographer is a 2025 nominee for best upcoming artist at the Loring awards.

Press:

“The Scouting report: 10 new songs by Minnesota musicians for June 2025” -the current

“Q&A: From Mermaids to Midwestern Cowboys, Oceanographer’s Sound Lives Between Worlds” -The luna collective

“twin cities dream folk with a queer heart: delicate, defiant, dreaming. this is oceanographer.” -Tumbling rock magazine

“Meet val lowry-ortega of Oceanographer” -VOYAGE

“5 Questions with Oceanographer” -Mostly Minnesota