Ceylon Sailor

Ceylon Sailor emerged as the brainchild of New York-based multi-instrumentalist, KM Sigel, conceived within the intimate confines of a lo-fi bedroom recording project. A familiar face in the vibrant NYC music scene, Sigel honed his skills as a co-founder of the now-legendary Brooklyn indie dive venue, Gold Sounds.

Hailing from Chapel Hill, North Carolina, Sigel's musical compass was firmly set on the 90s indie bands that thrived in the southeastern United States. A former college radio DJ (WXYC-FM) sporting a fervent devotion to the Elephant Six collective, his creative efforts drew from a diverse palette of influences. Melding the spirited crunch of Superchunk, the emotionally charged and horn-driven soundscape of Neutral Milk Hotel, and the infectious angularity exemplified by Archers of Loaf, Ceylon Sailor has broken new ground, while devotedly celebrating the pioneering sounds of indie rock’s golden age.

In the initial stages of this musical journey, Sigel's early demos cast a captivating spell, capturing the attention of producer/drummer Kieran Kelly (who recorded Sufjan Stevens “Illinois”), Seth Ondracek (bass), Dave Long (trumpet) and Andrew Wood (organ). A series of debut singles have emerged from hybrid recording sessions (bedroom plus studio) that reflect a return to an era of rough and tumble, organic sounds. Eschewing electrified instruments while creating natural warmth and distortion from overdriven microphones and preamplifiers, the band has crafted a sound that is raw and honest, mirroring the unpolished, heart-on- sleeve authenticity of the late 90s indie scene. Ceylon Sailor’s first single “better times” brought wide praise, described as “brilliantly infectious” (Mystic Sons) while being “catchy and wildly original” (Plastic Magazine). A second single brought even broader acclaim and nearly one hundred thousand streams on Spotify. A full-length album is being recorded for release in early 2025 and the band will be touring the East Coast throughout the summer and fall.