From their avid obsession with oatmeal to their musical style, singer/songwriter, producer, and keyboardist Paloma Pendharkar has always stood out from the crowd. In 2019, they released the single “Stay Here,” marking their departure as Oatmeal Queen, a solo artist unconfined by genre based on unceded lands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), səl̓ilwətaɁɬ (Tsleil-Waututh), and Skwxwú7mesh (Squamish) nations. The new record, Martian, welcomes listeners into the mind of someone struggling to find their place in a community of humans. Teeming with celestial synths and heartfelt proclamations, Martian is led by Pendharkar’s eclectic, layered vocals and reflective lyrics. At times reminiscent of Lucy Dacus and at others of Mitski or Alabama Shakes, the record is narrative, unpredictable, and complex without sacrificing its playfulness. It is here that Paloma’s personality shines in all of its many facets. Outside of this project, Paloma is a piano teacher, an aspiring actor, and has played keys with acts like Nette, Chersea, and Vivace on stages across so-called Canada and the U.S. She prides herself on writing from the heart with inspiration from other artists and friends who make art that explores and/or lives beyond the various systems of oppression we exist within.