It’s no secret that Ventura County is home to some of the most talented individuals, from the artists that paint our favorite murals in the cities, to that booth that sells your favorite homemade soaps at the local farmer’s market. Our love for Ventura artists runs deep. That’s why I’ve made a playlist of some of my favorite songs from some of my favorite Ventura County locals.
- Cola Boyy – Penny Girl
Penny Girl is a love letter to the city of Oxnard, with the music video following Cola Boyy and local citizens around the town just having a good time. This song has a feel good vibe to it that can get anyone dancing. Penny Girl is one of the featured tracks off Cola Boy’s first EP Black Boogie Neon.
2. Los Retros – Amtrak
Much like Cola Boyy’s Penny Girl, Amtrak also feels very reminiscent of the city of Oxnard and the song plays like a love story to a lover and the city. The music video also features Maury of Los Retros walking along Oxnard’s train tracks, hence the song title, as well as him in his own bedroom, giving the song a very intimate feel.
3. Rivers Ventura – Lollygaggin’
This song is a tale of melancholic youth. It has a dark and angsty sound with lyrics that describe just that. With lyrics like “I feel my days are draggin’, plain and simply lollygaggin'” it’s evident that the lyrics aren’t so upbeat and lively, which is in direct contrast to the instrumentals despite still having that dark vibe to it.
4. Alyssa – Ugly
This one is special to me, because this song is me! I was 16 when I released this song and it takes listeners through a story of wanting to be with someone my family doesn’t approve of. I’m from Ventura County so I thought it was fitting to add myself onto this playlist.
5. Lootpack – Crate Diggin’
You simply cannot make a Ventura County artists playlist without mentioning the classic Oxnardian rap group the Lootpack. They were a big part of the underground backpack rap scene in the early 90’s and their influence is still seen and heard today. The Lootpack is also where rapper/producer Madlib got some of his early start from. Crate Diggin’ tells the story of finding that perfect sounding sample to flip into a beat. Crate digging refers to searching though crates of vinyl records in search of that perfect sounding loop or sample.
Some of my favorite talents in the world are made in my home, Ventura County. I love that we as a county encourage art and I love that citizens are inspired to make art that everyone can enjoy. I’m always looking for new local artists to check out and discover and to add to my many playlists. I can make this list go on forever, but instead I’ll leave you all with the playlist that started it all.
VC Social 