Topeka Clementine by Topeka Clementine | LP Release

The Origin Story

Topeka Clementine is an indie collective from San Diego, rooted in community and inspired by the divinity of collaborative sound. They take their namesake from a street corner that hosts Humanity Showers, a grassroots organization aiming to ease the struggles of our unhoused neighbors by dignifying their humanity through making showers and hygiene resources accessible.

Frog and Mushroom Kiddos

“We’re here for the queer band and drama kids. The frog and mushroom kiddos. The bearers of religious trauma. The socially conscious and socially anxious youth who bounce back and forth between caring so much for the world and not caring at all.” - Kai

Insights Behind Each Track From the Writer and Producer Kaigetsu Simovich

““Overalls” is a Saggitarian frolic through the heartbreak of lost love. Drenched in a laid back, tongue-in-cheek delivery that suggests held back tears and deflection through humor, “Overalls” is a love letter to temperance. It is an acknowledgment of the fleetingness of infatuation and begs the question “What is love beyond a superficial and temporary feeling?”

““101” is the quintessential California summer roadtrip song. A sentimental duet written from the perspective of two young lovers taking the timeless drive up the beautiful California Coast. Surfy, shoegaze guitars, melancholy piano and lofi drums drive this tune, laced with respectful nods to the vocal harmonies of 60s pop groups. Nostalgia meets young love for a rendezvous at the shoreline.”

““Sheeep” is a queer kids lullaby. We're here for the theatre and band nerds. We're here for the kids playing uke alone in their room. The misfits, the hyperactive, the under-active, the over-reactive, the unmedicated, the self-medicated. They all have a place here with us.”

““Two Weeks” is a lush escape from the daily grind of modern life. It’s a mellow anthem that blooms with understated frivolity, reminding us that leisure is its own protest against a culture that defines value through productivity.”

““Weight” is about showing up for each other. We all have that friend who never asks for help. Sometimes we're that friend. It's easy to forget sometimes that being present and hearing someone's problems can be the greatest service we could ever provide for a fellow human. Sonically mellow and subdued with warped guitar and sentimental piano.”

““iGuess” reflects the sting of unrequited love, further amplified by the pattern of falling too quickly into love and seeking romantic validation as a slapdash remedy to compensate for never feeling like you’re enough on your own. It chronicles needless sacrifice as a manipulative and one-sided love language all supported by the unassuming backdrop of whimsical synth sounds and a faraway stream suggesting a surreal digital forest.”

"“south” is about patterns that we develop as we navigate love and life. The tools that were given to us by those who raised us for survival are often no longer useful in helping us navigate a healthier and more full human existence. Without unlearning, or at the very least examining those deeply rooted patterns, we often find ourselves falling into these never ending cycles that leave us feeling unfulfilled.”