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Emerging at the end of last year with their debut single ‘Be Cool’, Norfolk, UK-based duo Sunny Bones unleashed their eye-catching creativity onto the world of Americana.
Formed by Helen Anderson and Ben Asker, Sunny Bones' music rejects the appeal of being stereotypically cool; it's instead inspired by what the pair each grew up truly loving. If you consider a mash-up of contemporaries Alvvays, Daniel Romano, Julia Jacklin and Zephaniah O’Hora, with an added touch of Dolly Parton and The Beatles, you'll start to get an idea of the sound of Sunny Bones.
Their new single, 'Echoes of You', released today, is a classic example of being confused by love. Plagued by the tricks it plays on your heart, Anderson yearns for exciting new opportunities - but finds herself tormented by the comforting memories that remain.
“‘Echoes of You’ is about that feeling you get when you're in a new happy relationship, but the memories of your ex creep in and haunt you, which make you confused and question your feelings." Anderson explains, "Love is a complex subject and can rear its head when you least expect it or at times of vulnerability, often distorting facts and memories to suit a narrative that you prefer as to the reality."
Speaking to Holler, the duo introduce themselves, discuss what makes them tick creatively and swoon over the beauty of the Norfolk countryside.
Where are you from and has that influenced the type of artist you are?
We are both from Norwich, UK. It's a beautiful small city in the county of Norfolk.
Norfolk is pretty remote and out of the way of the rest of the UK, but we love it. We have incredible beaches and stunning countryside. It has influenced us in some ways as we are proud of our roots and will always see it as 'home', but we also have the urge to get out and see the big wide world.
Speaking of influences, what were you listening to growing up?
We both have very similar taste in music. We love Country/Americana music which encompasses everyone from Dolly Parton, First Aid Kit and The Everly Brothers. We are fans of The Beatles - Ben was brought up listening to Beatles records and decided he wanted to play guitar because of them. There's also a lot of love for 80's Metal/Rock. E.g Motley Crue, Def Leppard. The cheesier the better!
Did you ever want to do something other than music?
Helen: I'm a full time online lifestyle content creator which I love, but music has always been the dream. Also, a Zoo Keeper...
Ben: Music has always been my number one passion. I always loved cooking and became a chef for a short while, but it's a tough career with long hours. I couldn't find the time to put my efforts into making music anymore so I stopped.
Are you more creative when you're happy or sad?
A bit of both really! We try to meet up and write together as we can bounce ideas off each other, though obviously that's been far more of a challenge during the current pandemic. We've been sending each other ideas and working on them from home. Our music is generally quite upbeat and positive, so even if it has been written about a sad situation or event, it will probably have a more positive vibe to it.
What drives you the most?
Our goal is to travel the world, playing our music and reaching out to lots of different people.
In general which comes first for you, the title or the song?
Most definitely the song. Even when we've written the song and recorded a demo, we usually save them under a really silly title name as we can't decide!
Any nicknames you care to share? How did it come about?
Helen: Melon. Mine isn't very interesting, it's just because it rhymes with Helen!
Who would be your dream collaboration?
First Aid Kit.
Sunny Bones' new single, 'Echoes of You', is out now.
