PHOTO: RANDI STEINBERGER | It doesn’t happen often, but every once in a while I drop the needle on a record and can feel something special happening; a sort of groundswell. As if something is growing, or getting ready to burst. This was my experience when listening to Sunny War’s new album, Simple Syrup (Hen House Studios). I won’t even pretend that I’ve fully immersed myself in the album yet, as there is a lot left for me to unpack and figure out—lyrics that I’m still uncoiling and processing. It’s an album to revisit for years to come.
Sunny War bills herself as a folk-punk musician from Los Angeles. Her backstory is intriguing: she’s lived on the streets and traveled around by hopping on trains. However, she’s a little more settled now and—as you’ll hear—continues to look toward having some of that newfound stability influence her future music. She’s performed on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concerts and has entranced many audiences along the way.
Join Sunny and me as we have a hang and discuss her new album, but also get into the nooks and crannies of her musical development, her impressive guitar skills, and how the pandemic and lockdowns have influenced her writing.
Simple Syrup is a great album to be sure, but there’s an excitement in the air regarding the future of Sunny’s music. Listeners might wonder: what’s around the next corner for Sunny War? Maybe you’ll get a clue, or two, right now.
Evan Toth is a songwriter, professional musician, educator, radio host, avid record collector and hi-fi aficionado. Toth hosts and produces The Sharp Notes each Saturday evening at 6pm and TVD Radar on Sundays at 5AM on WFDU, 89.1 FM. Follow him at the usual social media places and visit his website.
