Flower-Powered Artist - January 2008

Sunshine State

Romantic relationships whether it fails or not most of the times spawn something creative. Whether it is a song, poetry, play, movie, or even a blog, there always seem to be an outlet – a way to tell the tale. Where most songwriters write slow ballads to tell about relationships, our new FPA takes on the happy sun-shiny approach. It is with the same level of merry happiness that we present to you our January 2008 Flower-Powered Artist of the Month, Sunshine State.

The band, Sunshine State, is based in Toronto, Canada. They started out more like a therapy session between the band’s core members: James Bryan and Aleza Coldevin. James is already an established artist even before Sunshine State was formed. He is one of Canada's best-respected young guitarists, producers and songwriters, having penned over a dozen top 40 hits for various artists including Nelly Furtado, Fefe Dobson, and Divine Brown. He is also a member of multi platinum bands: The Philosopher Kings and Prozzak.

Aleza, on the other hand, was not in the music scene yet at that time. She lived in Montreal and moved to Toronto where she became friends with James. James found talent in Aleza so he invited her to sing in one of his solo albums. They instantly clicked. Aleza ended up touring with James’ band, and the rest is history.

The other half of Sunshine State is composed of: Marc Rogers - one of Canada’s top bassists (Susan Tedeschi, Philosopher Kings) who brings a low end warmth to the album with his acoustic bass, David Gouveia and Daniel Stone – on percussions, adding a funky Latin flavor to the tracks, and Davide Direnzo who guest sessions as a drummer.

The band is yet at an early age but they have managed to break into the music scene at such an alarming pace. Having released a three song EP, Sunshine State secured a national Canadian tour opening up for The Philosopher Kings, and subsequently sold over 3000 CDs off the stage alone. Notable local DJ/tastemaker John Kong fell in love with the crowd favorite "Day Job" which led to the international release of several remixes on his Do Right label in January 2007. This 12 inch release, which included remixes from Toronto producer & DJ’s Alistair Johnson & Circle Research, managed to sell out immediately in Japan & Canada, and won new fans in the UK.

Sunshine State’s self-titled debut CD was finally released on May 2007 under James’ own label, Umi Entertainment. The record instantly received rave reviews in both mainstream and underground press resulting in the nationwide release of "Day Job" on the highly acclaimed 2007 Honey Jam Compilation (Universal) as well as being featured on the underground compilation "Required Listening" also on Do Right Music. "Dayjob" is also the theme song for the radio & TV ads for the Greys Anatomy spinoff "Private Practice." The album is set to be released in Japan this February.

The band recently visited the sun-shiny city of Los Angeles and performed in several venues. As with all great music, the band instantly gathered a following. The crowds can’t help but fall in love with the band’s enigmatically engaging performances. One fan, one venue, one city at a time, Sunshine State is bent on dominating the music scene with their sun-shiny happy songs.

KGRL is very proud to present our January 2008 Flower-Powered Artist of the Month, Sunshine State. We have quite a lot of happy sun-shiny goodie goodies bursting with oodles of fun for you this month. Dive in and enjoy lovely Sunshine State photos, CD review of their debut self-titled album, and video stream of performances from not one but two venues: 14 Below (10.15.07) & Temple Bar (10.16.07). There is also a wonderful and very comprehensive interview with Sunshine State’s James and Aleza in video, audio, and transcribed form.

Don’t forget that we are, as usual, giving away 3 signed Sunshine State CDs! By now, I trust you know what to do, just e-mail us at (contests @ kgrl.fm – remove spaces) and tell us why you deserve to win. Visit the contest page now for more info.

KGRL Sunshine State Interview

KGRL had a chance to go on a one on one comprehensive interview with the merry happy sunny shiny Aleza and James Bryan of Sunshine State. The interview was recorded after their show in 14 Below - 10.15.07.

Watch the exclusive Sunshine State video interview using the player below!
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Sunshine State Video Interview (Click to launch the player!)
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Sunshine State CD Review

The Toronto-based acoustic power-pop band, Sunshine State hits a home run with the release of their self-titled debut. With successively successful EP releases and single remixes, not only in their hometown but also in UK and Japan, it seems like Sunshine State is off to dominate the music world with their sun-shiny happy tunes. Sun-shiny happy is good but does it pass the flower-powered standards? We’ll find out!

Drug Dealer (A Love Song) kicks off the record to an impressive start and is hands down one of the wittiest and most creative songs lyric-wise for 2007. Who can resist the sensually-arousing voice of Aleza and the virtuoso guitar-playing of James, infused with a high level of humor? It would be hard not to fall in love with the catchy and infectious hook of this opener. It translates very well live. People respond to it by singing along, not to mention a few laughs when the punch line is delivered. The way that Aleza performs it live in an effortless storytelling-singing mode is amazing. But that’s not all, we have James’ guitar lines responding to the storytelling, providing a dynamic background music. We can’t help but be impressed with such a fantastic song both in the record as well as in live performance. Go ahead and check the video below to see what I’m talking about.

While it may get lost in translation with some folks unfamiliar with the term, Booty Call offers quite a seductive melody and upbeat rhythm. Once again, the acoustic guitar background serves to complement the storytelling-singing style Aleza employs. The latin-inspired bossa nova-infused track, New To Me, comes in next. We can’t help but think of this song as akin to The Girl From Ipanema, even if this one is upbeat. The rest of the band, the bass and the drums, are very prominent in this song and they serve well to heighten the intensity. I’m pretty sure this song is bound to make you dance at one point while listening.

One of the two slow ballads in the CD plays next, titled The Day After. I know, it’s not such a happy sun-shiny song but we’ll take any instances of Aleza showing off her vocal prowess. Indeed, this track takes out the conversational singing style in favor of a heartfelt pop style perfect for a ballad.

It’s time to dry your eyes as we are treated to the perfect soundtrack for our daily dose of hell with the next track, Day Job. Not everybody hates their job but to those who do, this song is perfect for you. Kudos to Sunshine State for making such an upbeat and uplifting track to counter the ill-effects of day job – quite therapeutic indeed! (I just wish there is a Night Job version *wink*)

The next track, 7 months, starts slow and then hits us with the same merry happy level of sun-shiny acoustic goodness. It’s a bit funny how Aleza sings a goodbye song in a merry upbeat tune – but this is where Sunshine State shines. “It’s so hard to say goodbye. And when I do I want to cry. But I’ve got to let you fly… I wish this song could make you stay.” – reading the lyrics without listening to the tune will probably have someone thinking it’s a slow song. This is definitely one of our favorites in the CD.

One of the two covers in the CD comes in next. Probably one of the most covered songs, Prince’s Nothing Compares 2 U still shines - especially with Sunshine State’s near perfect rendition. I’m going to have to agree with James on this one (with regards to our interview), Aleza definitely sings this one flawlessly. Even live, the chill emanates in the venue and has the crowd singing along. Not to mention, the guitar arrangement as well as the masterful solo makes this cover quite unforgettable. It’s almost as if Sunshine State transformed into Tuck and Patti – that level of awesomeness.

The Crush comes in next as another latin-flavored upbeat with a little touch of electronic drumbeats to give it a modern edge. It is a very relaxing and soothing love song. It’s easy to fall in love with this song, I know I am. Another upbeat comes in with One Night Stand, which talks of you-know-what. Sunshine State do know how to really tackle such topics and give it an infectiously catchy tune, which makes you even forget what they’re talking about – you just have to sing along and dance.

The second cover in the record comes in with the 1963 Jorge Ben song, Mas Que Nada. It’s time to dance once again! This is a great live stuff for the band. It really wins the crowd’s attention. James Bryan = awesome. What more can I say? Check out the video and see for yourself.

Our most favorite track in the CD comes in next, titled Thank You (For Leaving). Just when you think they’ve run out of aces up their sleeves, comes the near perfect song. It’s simply awesome on all levels: simple yet effective arrangement, witty lyrics, topnotch vocal work, and jaw-dropping guitar-playing. I just can’t get enough of this song. Awesome. Awesome. Awesome. Not to mention seeing it live, James almost lost one finger.

The album closes with the weep-inducing ballad, New Years’ Kiss. Nothing else I would have chosen as a closer than this song. Aleza’s voice is simply perfect in this track. And being that most of their tracks are an autobiographical account of Aleza’s, I hope she finds it this New Year’s.

Have I praised James enough for his outstanding guitar work? If not, then let me say there is just no shortage of guitar prowess in this CD. Aleza’s voice, on the other hand, fits the materials quite perfectly. I can’t imagine anyone else singing the merry happy sun-shiny tunes of Sunshine State other than Aleza.

It is quite rare to get a CD that has no fillers. I’m happy to say that this album counts as one. I am happy, yes that’s right… After all, I just finished listening to the whole record while reviewing this CD. It is indeed true what they say, Sunshine State has enough soul, humor and good vibes to keep you smiling long after the song fades out. Brilliant!

Sunshine State CD - Buy It Now (Click Here)!

Tracklist:

Drug Dealer (A Love Song)
Booty Call
New To Me
The Day After
Day Job
7 Months
Nothing Compares 2 U
The Crush
One Night Stand
Mas Que Nada
Thank You (For Leaving)
New Year's Kiss

KGRL Exclusive Sunshine State Photos

Play Slideshow!

KGRL Sunshine State Videos

KGRL proudly presents: Sunshine State live videos. We do hope you enjoy these wonderful videos taken from two locations: 14 Below - 10.15.07 and Temple Bar 10.16.07. The streams can be viewed using our embedded flash player.

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Booty Call

Drug Dealer (A Love Song)

Day Job

Nothing Compares 2 U

Booty Call	New To Me	The Crush
7 Months	The Day After	One Night Stand
Secret Heart	Thank You (For Leaving)	Beautiful World
Day Job	Mas Que Nada	Nothing Compares 2 U

Drug Dealer (A Love Song)