Sunray draws on influences from the early 1970s such as New Orleans funk legends The Meters and soul music lord Stevie Wonder.
‘Innervisions by Stevie Wonder is a masterpiece in my opinion and it was definitely a reference point for sounds and rhythm parts in the verses of Sunray,’ says vocalist Shannon Carroll, ‘we’re tipping our hats to some of our all time favourite funk artists.’
The intention behind the song is simply to inspire people to feel uplifted and to want to move and dance. Sonically it incorporates the elements of funk, dub, roots and dreamy spaciousness that the band have become known and loved for. Lyrically it embodies the intrinsic human values that the band proudly live by.
‘I wrote the lyrics to Sunray up near the lighthouse at Double Island Point. They came about through reflecting on the things that bring me joy: My family. The Ocean. Being immersed in nature. Living in sync with the tides, wind and waves. These simple things always refresh my perspective and reassert what I am truly grateful for in this life.' says Shannon. ‘Essentially Sunray is a personal reminder to tune in, visualise what I perceive to be the essence of existence and stay connected to that vision. In amongst a hectic schedule there can be limited opportunities to have time out so tapping into that source, that sanctuary, that space is super important.’
Sunray is the band’s first recording at the newly established Yama-Nui recording studios on the Sunny Coast. The studio is a collaborative project between bass player / producer OJ Newcomb and producer Paulie B who is well know as the owner of the legendary and much loved Brisbane studio The Tanuki Lounge. Paulie B also plays bass with Bobby Alu & The Beatiful Girls. The track was mixed by Melbourne engineer Damien Charles and mastered by Paul Blakey of 12th & Vine Studios, Gold Coast.
Band of Frequencies are positioning themselves as Australia’s premier ‘Jam Band’. The Jam Band culture originated in the 1960s with the Grateful Dead and features extended musical improvisations in live performances, ensuring that no show is ever the same. The movement is more widely recognised in the US and incorporates influences as varied as jazz fusion, blues rock, 60s surf guitar sounds and 70s psychedelic rock.
lyrics
SUNRAY: Band of Frequencies.
Lyrics: Shannon Sol Carroll
Verse 1:
It’s a game. It’s a gift.
I feel the rise, feel the lift.
There’s another way.
Every night every day, (x2)
Living changes.
On a wheel, on a wing
Let it roll, let it bring
Us another day.
I’m alive. I’m awake. (x2)
Float through changes.
In dreams I see the sea in dreams.
Now I breathe in, underwater caves again.
Seems so free, so free it seems.
Now I breathe in, in between the waves again.
Verse 2:
In the rain up the beach
I’m out of range out of reach
On a summer day.
Not a soul anywhere (x2)
Am I dreaming?
Fine lines in the sand
From beyond human hands
Wash away.
Wash away everything (x2)
All or nothing.
Let it play then fall away
Like the seasons they need no reasons to change.
I feel renewed, this life imbued
With the reasons I’m following the winds of change.
Chorus:
Sunray lights up my mind again.
Coming of the dawn.
Pathway under my feet again.
Passing of the storm.
Chorus:
Sunray lights up my mind again.
Coming of the dawn.
Pathway under my feet again.
Passing of the storm.
credits
from SUNRAY (Single),
released October 19, 2018
Written by Shannon Sol Carroll & Band of Frequencies
Recorded by Oj Newcomb at Yama-Nui Recording Studio (www.yama-nui.com)
Mixed by Damien Charles
Mastered by Paul Blakey (12th & Vine Mastering)
Produced by Oj Newcomb & Shannon Sol Carroll
Cover ART Drawing by Tony Lawton
Graphic Design by Fraser Smith (Design Smiths)
www.lowpressureproductions.com
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