If you’re looking for sunshine personified, you’ll find it in NY-based artist 02Apollo. By blending the smell of sweet summer grass, the sight of endless blue skies, and the feeling of grainy golden sand between your toes, 02Apollo has concocted a sound that is unmistakable and uniquely his.

His first-ever song, “Hopeless Romantic,” was released in October 2022 and showcases Apollo’s voice perfectly. Dreamy and gilded, his voice slips smoothly over the lyrics—which, once you pay attention to them, completely juxtapose the sunny, easygoing melody as he laments being betrayed by multiple lovers: “How come I love you turns into fuck you / The minute I decide to know my worth / I wanna love you but barely could trust you / Isn't it a good thing I put me first.” Apollo balances the song with the use of a languid, lofi guitar and drum accompaniment and upbeat melodies, taking away the bite of the lyrics and effortlessly nudging you to fall into a hazy hypnosis.

Even though he’s a new artist, Apollo has perfected the recipe for the ideal summer day soundtrack, as evidenced by his latest release, “High Hopes,” which dropped in November 2022, just a month after “Hopeless Romantic.” Though it’s a slightly toned-down song compared to its sister, “High Hopes” still contains that core element of summer-induced euphoric haze that is quickly becoming Apollo’s trademark. Continuing the narrative from “Hopeless Romantic,” Apollo writes a letter to his toxic lover: “Please let me know / If you’re gonna walk away / Hurry up and go / I promise I could use the space,” stretching his vocals like taffy to an addictive melody that makes it impossible to press pause.

I’ve mentioned the addictive quality of Apollo’s songs, and I think it has to do with his ability to take up acoustic space in all parts of the song, stuffing it to the brim with sensitive lyrics, seventh-heaven melodies, and dreamy backing vocals that, when mixed together, act like an sap that catches his listeners in a hazy amber dream. He balances all of these elements gracefully and stands, perfectly poised, in the middle of the scale between a smile and a frown.

Listen to “Hopeless Romantic” and “High Hopes”! And if you like 02Apollo’s sound, I would recommend Edwin Raphael if you like more sad-boy indie, and Weston Estate if you really want to tap into your summer self.

Keep up with 02Apollo on Twitter and Instagram, and watch out for the release of his hotly-anticipated EP!