By: Joshua Finley
Red Lotus, an artist born and raised in Vallejo, California, is a name you won’t forget once you’ve experienced his music. From age twelve, he had already been experimenting with sound, recording himself and others, and finding his voice in the small Bay Area city he called home. After years of perseverance, growth, and self-reflection, he’s back, ready to share his latest creation, Only You, a track that’s as much a journey as a statement. It’s not just about the song—it’s about what it represents: the unshakable authenticity and dedication that define Red Lotus as an artist.
With Only You, Red Lotus delivers something that’s both fresh and timeless. It’s a song about vulnerability, love, and the kind of emotions that scare you but also bring you to life. For him, the inspiration came from his own experiences with love—falling for his best friend, feeling the weight of fear and doubt, and ultimately diving in headfirst. That courage is woven into every note, creating a track that’s as relatable as it is deeply personal. Red Lotus wanted to paint a picture, to take listeners to a place where they could feel what he felt. The song achieves that with a sonic palette that blends smooth R&B tones with a subtle modern edge, described by some as “R&B drill.” It’s a sound that’s hard to pin down, and that’s exactly what makes it special.
The journey to this point hasn’t been easy. Red Lotus speaks openly about the challenges he’s faced along the way, from personal battles like dropping his ego to the day-to-day grind of staying committed to his passion. But through it all, he’s never quit, and that persistence is his greatest achievement. For Red Lotus, music isn’t just something he does—it’s something he has to do. It’s his way of staying grounded and sharing his truth with the world. That drive and authenticity are at the core of everything he creates.
His creative process is just as honest as his music. Every song starts with a melody, an unfiltered moment of inspiration where he lets his creativity speak. He focuses on tonality and the emotion he wants to convey, allowing the words to come naturally. It’s a deeply intuitive process that reflects the trust he places in his craft. With Only You, that process took him to an imaginary paradise, a space he created while sitting in his car on a cloudy day with his wife by his side. Whenever he felt stuck, he’d look at her, and the words would flow. That kind of connection, that raw honesty, is what makes his music resonate.
For Red Lotus, music is more than just sound—it’s a mission. He wants listeners to feel something real, know it’s okay to be afraid and vulnerable, and embrace what makes us human. He’s carried this message throughout his journey, and it shines through in everything he does. Whether he’s starting his day at 4 a.m. with coffee and gardening, listening to motivational speeches to center himself, or ending his day with his wife, every moment is infused with purpose.
Right now, he’s hard at work on The Color Project, an ambitious four-album series that explores different genres and emotions. Each album is tied to a color, representing pop, R&B, rap, and alternative music. It’s a way for him to showcase every facet of his creativity and share the many shades of Red Lotus with the world. At the core of it all is his “red lotus” base, his foundation in rap and hip-hop, but he’s excited to show how far his music can stretch.
Red Lotus is an artist who defies easy categorization. Legends like Bob Marley influence him, but his sound is entirely his own. He’s not afraid to take risks, to push boundaries, and to let his music evolve naturally. With Only You, he’s not just giving us a song—he’s giving us a piece of himself. It’s a track that speaks to anyone who’s ever loved, feared, or dared to be vulnerable. And as he continues to create, he’s driven by a single mission: to raise the vibration of the world through his music.
For those ready to dive into the world of Red Lotus, you can find him on Instagram below:
https://www.instagram.com/red.lotus.music
Published by: Josh Tatunay