Sea Lemon gets Spooky on new Single “Cellar”

By Nadya Barghouty

Seattle-based artist Sea Lemon proudly embraces her love for slasher films in her latest single, “Cellar.” Produced by Day Glow, Sea Lemon grapples with liking things that might seem a bit off to others. Following her 2022 debut EP “Close Up,” which featured five beautifully constructed shoegaze hits, “Cellar” shows us Sea Lemon doesn’t intend on slowing down anytime soon.

The nostalgic track features heavy reverb and distortion reminiscent of VHS static. It’s as if Sea Lemon was able to give the whole track a retro film grain effect. Swooping layered vocals evoke a bittersweet nostalgia, pulling listeners toward something greater and slightly darker. 

Sea Lemon, however, doesn’t aim to transport listeners into the world of movies she adores but rather to explore her own interest in the gory and horrific. The lyricism flows like a conversation with a friend whose tastes may differ. Sea Lemon dives into this idea further. 

“‘Cellar’ was inspired by my love of really classic horror and thriller films, like ‘Blow Out’ and ‘Misery,’ and how loving scary movies can sometimes feel like something is wrong with you,” she says. “That idea of the ‘cellar’ in the song is based on the traditional horror trope where the protagonist can’t help but discover what’s lurking in the basement, and that what they find there often represents something really dark and horrifying.”

Sea Lemon shows us that darkness can exist without being overwhelmingly in your face. Some people are more drawn to the cellar while others aren’t and that’s totally okay. I, for one, hope more people begin to like horror movies if it means more tracks like “Cellar!”  

Listen to “Cellar” HERE

Watch the lyric video HERE