Oceanography is the solo project of Oakland, California-based singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Brian Kelly. He brings a unique pop sensibility to bittersweet songs of heartbreak, loss, and longing, recalling at times The War on Drugs, My Morning Jacket, and Damien Jurado. His literary eye for detail and deceptively powerful voice create moments of catharsis and beauty amid the bleak and mundane.
Brian joins Jared Karol and EG Phillips (@duckswithpants ) Saturday at @bazaarcafesf in #SanFrancisco #livemusic
This was one of the first Oceanography songs. It was meant to be a nursery-rhyme-style misinterpretation of Guns N’ Roses’ “Paradise City,” inspired by election night in 2008 😵💫 As a kid, I misheard “paradise city” as “very last city”... though it is the title of the song (idiot). Years later, after hearing Dirty Projectors reimagine Black Flag’s “Damaged” from memory, I was inspired to try the same. At the time, I was living in NYC, and on election night the city erupted in celebration. Strangers hugging, a real sense of unity and hope. “Economise” was meant to be a reflection of that moment.
Playing some songs this Sunday, April 5th at the Outer Sunset Farmers Market in San Francisco. It’s from 9-2PM. I’ll be on from 12 to 2 at 37th and Ortega.
@sunset_mercantile_music
I was dumped last year, which has been a bit rough, and seemed to add to the terror that 2025 was, and still is. Not long after, a few friends separately recommended I listen to @deanjohnson ... not because they knew I was on a sinking ship of despair, but just for the songs and the sounds. It helped me get through it a little and restored my faith in humanity. Partially. Anyhow, here's a cover of his humorous breakup song, Acting School. If you like my crappy version, you'll love his. Also, remember to tell the ones you love why you love them, often.
