The Lip's alt-reggae single Bottom of the Ocean sparks Salt Lake buzz

Salt Lake City alt-reggae four-piece The Lip has issued a new single titled "Bottom of the Ocean," available on Spotify, Apple Music and YouTube, following an Instagram announcement on Feb. 14 and a band press release dated Feb. 20, 2026. The dual publicity push has generated local buzz as the band positions the song as a lead glimpse of a 10-song debut album.

Formed by Tanner Smolinski, Wayne Aggen, Anthony "Richie" Richardson and Peyton Keene, The Lip is described in the press materials as "known across Salt Lake City for their dynamic live performances and genre-bending sound." The release notes earlier singles including "Duncha" and "Takes 2 Much," and lists fan favorites "ROCKIN," "Waterall," and "freaky" as tracks that "have become standouts in the band's live shows."

The Lip's promotional copy places the new track within a specific sonic lineage: "The Lip combines reggae, alternative rock, and ska influences with a signature groove-driven style, drawing inspiration from artists such as Sublime, Slightly Stoopid, The Police, and Khruangbin." The press materials also state that "The Lip's sound is rooted in their live performance and authentic musical chemistry," language the band has used to frame the single as an extension of their stage energy.

The band's press release describes "Bottom of the Ocean" as "out now on all streaming platforms" and calls the song "a preview of the band's forthcoming debut album, a 10-song release featuring fan-favorite tracks that have already built momentum onstage." The promotional timeline shows the band's Instagram post on Feb. 14, 2026 with the caption "Bottom of the Ocean, The Lip's newest single is OUT NOW! Celebrate with a loved one" and reported engagement of 56 likes and 7 comments, followed by the formal press release dated Feb. 20, 2026 announcing wider availability.

Local momentum is a theme in the materials: the band press release states that "With their debut album on the horizon and new singles continuing to roll out, the band is building momentum both locally and beyond." The Lip's materials encourage media use of photos and assets with the line "Download photos and media assets for editorial use here," and provide contact points for further outreach. The press materials advise, "For press inquiries and interviews, contact Kim Dresser. For booking inquiries, please contact thelipiv@gmail.com."

What remains unlisted in the band's current materials are the debut album title and release date, songwriter and production credits for "Bottom of the Ocean," first-week streaming numbers or chart placements, the band's TikTok handle, and any announced tour dates in Salt Lake City or beyond. Those details would clarify the rollout that began with the Feb. 14 social push and the Feb. 20 release notice.