Spotlights

Music makes people feel things; it tells a story and adds something truly special to many moments throughout life. Think about the world without music. Now think about the world without singer songwriter Stephen Kellogg. Simply Horrible!

Stephen is a friend and alumni of Underwater Sunshine Fest, a singer / songwriter and a writer and speaker who delivered a Tedx Talk on job satisfaction and is soon going to publishing his first full length collection of essays titled “Objects in the Mirror: Thoughts on a Perfect Life from an Imperfect Person.” This New England native has performed more than 2,000 concerts around the world over the last decade and has raised thousands of dollars for causes that pull at his heartstrings. Stephen is kind like his guitar, motivated like his rhythm and powerful like his voice. This human being loves to perform and the audience loves to listen. Stephen’s live performances are intimate and special. His lyrics bathe the audience in stories and memories and insights from experiences gone wrong and ones gone right. Influenced heavily by artists like Cat Stevens, Tom Petty and Rod Stewart, Stephen’s last full length album, “Objects In The Mirror”, is led by an amazingly pungent acoustic guitar. Recorded over a week in Nashville, TN and produced by Will Hoge, this album features twelve songs that paint a picture of life in America in 2018. This artist is an incredible story teller making his music something people stop what they’re doing to listen to. The sentiment of the lyrics ring as clearly as his vocals. Stephen’s voice has a power and a tension that comes with really meaning what he’s singing. A listener will meet him in the first song and by the end of the album, know him as a friend. Honesty and connection make up a huge portion of why this singer songwriter steals his audience and carries them away. The industry has taken notice of this incredible talent leading to Stephen writing singles for artists like the platinum selling rock band O.A.R and American Idol winner Nick Fradiani. Also under his belt is a Grammy nomination for “Best Contemporary Blues Record” for his recent collaboration with guitarist Robert Randolph. Stephen has had the amazing pleasure of singing duets with Sara Bareilles, Josh Ritter, Rosanne Cash and Pat Monahan of Train. His music can be heard in numerous films and TV shows and has made its way onto the Billboard charts. He is praised wherever he performs and never disappears for long. In 2020 Stephen released a three song EP and a beautiful single titled “Love Me As I Am”. The love for music and people flashes out of Stephen like lightening and strikes the hearts of anyone who listens to him speak or perform. Once a fan, always a fan of the amazing Stephen Kellogg.

KEEP UP WITH STEPHEN KELLOGG
https://www.stephenkellogg.com/

INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/stephen_kellogg/

TWITTER
@Stephen_Kellogg

SPOTIFY
https://open.spotify.com/artist/794GTZkztMS29PO7cTOnmY?si=19RjqeaNRui-yqrRnfGSCg

Leeann Skoda comes to us at the end of a very busy year of recording and releasing music. New fans just discovering Leeann will be happy to find a plethora of singles and EPs that embody the sound of her present self mostly because after one song, any listener will crave another…and another. There is a peaceful wave that rests below every song. It’s the music that takes you somewhere on a long drive to nowhere and becomes the soundtrack to a moment of wonder and curiosity. Brutally honest lyrics are delivered sweetly and thoughtfully over a soft valley of acoustic sounds. Leeann released her first full length album in 2018 with BIG EGO Records titled Call Be Back Home and began a journey of performing and collaborating with artists like Noah Cyrus, Psychic Temple and Jason Hawk Harris, who beautifully plays the acoustic guitar in Leeann’s 2020 release Still. Leeann now resides in Los Angeles but originates from Phoenix where she grew up enamored by bluegrass and country music. It wasn’t just the incredibly raw and honest nature of country that struck Leeann but as well the powerful and wide ranging vocals of singers like Mariah Carey. This explains the elements of pop and singer-songwriter heard in Leeann’s songwriting. After exploring her entire discography however, the diversity of sounds expands. Some songs like Little Star open with raw strings and bring in instruments that completely emanate a folk ridden landscape while I Believe smacks you with a rock and roll riff on the electric guitar and opens into a dreamy kind of Americana. Her lyrics expose her curiosity about people and the strangeness and beauty that can come with everyday experiences. Leeann's latest release Lucky Penny features 4 beautiful songs that truly show off her songwriting. There are certain melodies that strike the ear and engage the mind forcing whoever is listening to stop what they are doing and listen. It’s a feat in this time when many people crave music that can be the background to busy lives. Sitting down and simply listening seems like a luxury but it is incredibly worth it, especially if it is Leeann Skoda that’s about to play.

KEEP UP WITH Leeann Skoda
https://leeannskoda.com

SPOTIFY
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0VG5q...

INSTAGRAM
@lskoda
https://www.instagram.com/lskoda/

YOUTUBE
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCpNg...

It seems today like there are endless opportunities for young and talented individuals. It’s amazing what someone with a creative eye and a laptop can do. One person, one body can be inhabited by a musician, a songwriter, a graphic and visual designer and a performer. It seems that we have come across one of these amazing creatives who spans across a wide spectrum of skills and talents. Our wonderful host James Campion sat down with Diego Molina for a good old chat and an epic Sunshine Spotlight episode was created. Diego is a proud part of the Underwater Sunshine Fest team and we are so proud to be showing off this talented human. Diego is a singular body that is inhabited by many creatives. Out of Midwest suburbia, Diego began collaborating musically with two friends, Zac Hamilton and Ethan Hall to create the storyteller alt rock group Romantic Relevance. The group has been writing and performing their music since the age of sixteen and are currently finishing their upcoming release, What These Years Felt Like, Pt.3, which is set to release in February of 2020 and have a single dropping this December! If you are a fan of Matchbox 20, Angels and Airwaves and/or Goo Goo Dolls, you should perk your ears and get ready to enjoy some good music. Releasing their first single in 2019, Sunshine Dressed In Pink, Romantic Relevance set the stage for their incredibly nostalgic and catchy sound. Diego’s voice rings out over the tracks almost singing to you as if he was speaking to a friend. There is so much character in the vocals and the way the lyrics are sung making it easy to hear Diego’s own personality. Their second single came out the same year and was equally high quality in it’s structure, mix and production. Diego’s songwriting captures the essence of his youth and brings in comedy and fun loving stories and moments creating a space of carefree whim. Since 2019 Romantic Relevance has put out a debut EP, a killer single and their debut album, What These Years Felt Like, Pt.2. Outside of this awesome group of musicians, Diego does graphic design, web work, photography, video production. Diego just came back from being on the road touring with his good friend Abby Hamilton taking photos of the performances and has started a new project called Socially Acceptable Drugs with a close friend hoping to release music soon!

KEEP UP WITH Diego Molina

FACEBOOK
@romanticrelevance

SPOTIFY
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6sDULDC61a38Zl5Y3knJMm?si=hM9c0ndtSBK8FnCCdSviVw&dl_branch=1

SOUNDCLOUD
Romantic Relevance
https://soundcloud.com/romanticrelevance

Socially Acceptable Drugs
https://soundcloud.com/diego-molina-685159681

Underwater Sunshine Fest 2019 was closed out by a performance that truly brought the house down. Hollis Brown hit the stage with an epic set and were then joined by Cyndi Lauper, who jumped on stage with them and shook the souls of every audience member. Today on Sunshine Spotlight we have the lead singer and founder of Hollis Brown, Mike Montali. Formed in Queens, NY, Hollis Brown started off with Mike and, now lead guitarist of the band, Jonathan Bonilla. Their story began like many other stories of rock and roll bands; in a garage. Jonathan’s garage was the first venue for these two ambitious musicians. The music they wanted to create required talented musicians with the sound of rock and roll baked into their genetic code. The beauty and intensity of the songs coming from this group is now curated with the help of Andrew Zehnal on drums, Adam Bock on keys and Chris Urriola on bass. Growing up in Queens allowed Mike to have influences from almost every genre imaginable. Queen’s is a unique place because so many different cultures are living together in one city, which is why the band's sound is incredibly diverse. Switching through their discography gives a listener American Rock and Roll, Country, Indie Rock, Funk…etc. There isn’t a genre out there that Hollis Brown can’t do. Their success has taken them on tour throughout the US and Europe for themselves as well as supporters for amazing groups like Citizen Cope, Jackie Green, Counting Crows, Jesse Malin and The Zombies. Because of this diversity and talent, their songs have been featured in an array of shows from Showtime’s “Shameless” and MTV’s “Real World” to Direct TV’s “Kingdom”.

Hollis Brown put out their first album, Ride On The Train, in 2013 and have dropped 3 more since. All our albums show off the broad spectrum of styles this band can really pull off. Lead singer, Mike shares how they never wanted to put out the same sounding album twice, making everything about being experimental and bold. This band has definitely succeeded in their goal of every song being a completely new experience. Because these are humans who genuinely love music, Hollis Brown took hold of the virtual world when the pandemic hit, which was hard for every musician to do, and dove into it staying active online for their listeners, recording live sets as a band and doing many many collaborations for online concerts.

Not at all a surprise, but Mike’s songwriting stems out of his love for poetry and writing. Having loved writing his whole life and finally in a space where it seemed possible, Mike began working on an episodic novel! Our guests are just purely awesome and we at UWS are insanely lucky to know this human being.

We know that the constant creation of good quality music and performance is why fans love Hollis Brown. The band is playing live and keeping it safe and has a show on October 23rd in Brooklyn with Jesse Malin at The Falcon. They are writing a ton of new material and are actively recording and hoping to finish up an album by next year. They are as well creating an album filled with recreations of songs they love! These talented people love music so much and it shows with how they dedicate their time and energy to constantly pursuing their passions in life and in music.

KEEP UP WITH HOLLIS BROWN
https://www.hollisbrown.com/

INSTAGRAM
@hollisbrown

SPOTIFY
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4Ayh1...

FACEBOOK
@Hollis Brown

Today we have not one, but two very talented humans who share an amazing collaborative connection. Seán Barna and Dave Drago join us on Sunshine Spotlight with an abundance of wise words to bestow and musical passion to exude. Both of these talented artists have been involved in the music industry for a long time collaborating with a myriad of musicians and creating music that can be heard all over streaming platforms.

Beginning their musical life as a drummer who discovered an old drum set in the attic, Seán rocked their way through the southwest Florida music scene with their good friend Chris Walker. With a passion for both music and making the world a better place, Seán went to Florida State University double majoring in Music and Political Science. With artists playing more of a role in the political and social landscape than anyone really knew, this was a match made in heaven. During senior year of college, Seán turned to music as a way of healing and discovered a live Counting Crows album called Across A Wire. This experience electrified Seán into a passion for songwriting leading to a blossoming new friendship with a guitar. Inspired by the lyrics and vulnerability of lead singer, Adam Duritz, Seán began their musical storytelling. After landing a performance spot in Austin, Tx for the Outlaw Roadshow, a festival ran by Duritz and friend Ryan Spaulding, Seán not only caught the eye of Duritz, but met producer Dave Drago. Dave is the owner and manager of 1809 Studios in Macedon, NY, which is inside a re-purposed Erie Canalside Tavern and is the General Manager for a summer concert series known as Concerts At Point Of The Bluff. After meeting Seán Barna and hitting it off, Sean recorded his EP, "Margaret Thatcher of the Lower East Side" and Seán’s latest release “Cissy" at 1809 Studios. Dave is an incredible producer AND musician! He is currently playing with Seán Barna on tour with Counting Crows. Dave has also worked on music made by Jon Lewis Band, Heather Taylor, Tallahassee and Big Fred. Starting a young age came with many advantages for Dave seeing as he has already built, owned and operated multiple recording studios and managed concert venues, festivals, artists and tours.

Dave produced Seán’s 2018 album “Cissy” which embodies the essence of Seán’s gift, which is storytelling from a queer perspective, focusing lyrics on the turmoil AND progressive understanding that surrounds identity and self love. Both artists are making huge strides as musicians and people making this Spotlight filled with some serious ear candy.

KEEP UP WITH SEAN BARNA
https://www.seanbarna.com/music

SPOTIFY
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3xKcObyMhutFPBsLagOXLG?si=mPzsHakpRdWmgx7oYnQeyA&dl_branch=1

INSTAGRAM
@seanbarna

KEEP UP WITH DAVE DRAGO
https://open.spotify.com/user/1217570899?si=2GsGcCfzTbK-SQ6O8yzMgg&dl_branch=1

INSTGRAM
@1089studios

Art comes in many forms. So do artists. Today on Sunshine Spotlight we bring you an artist who takes on many, many forms. You may know him as an educator, a poet, a writer, or an incredible singer and songwriter! On this episode, we unwrap the entire package. Cameron McGill sprung into the world in Champaign, Illinois with a pen in his hand and a lot of beautiful words to give. The line between poetry and musical lyrics becomes very fine when introducing an artist like McGill into the mix. With a terminal poetry degree from the University Of Idaho, Cameron began a life of art making in whatever form it came to him and has created so much in his time already. Cameron is now teaching at Washington State University and serves as the poetry editor for Blood Orange Review. His poems have appeared in The American Poetry Review, Beloit Poetry Journal, Mid-American Review, Sonora Review and many others. You can take a lovely gander at his youngest poetic work in his recently published book In The Night Field, which came out with Augury Books in June of this year. If after reading this amazing work, it just isn’t enough, Cameron as well published a book of poems called Meridians with Willow Springs Books back in February of 2020.

Cameron paints a vivid and intricate view of the world in truly effective and haunting ways, whether it’s through music, teaching or poetry. Every word packs a powerful punch leaving any listener truly contemplating. Cameron is not afraid to show the ugliness of truth and every complex circumstance that surrounds it.

For this artist, creating content seems to be even more than a life source, seeing as there is so much!

With mounds of talent and motivation to create, Cameron released his first album “Stories Of The Knife And The Back” under his given name in 2004. “Street Ballads & Masquerades” followed in 2006 solidifying his role as the surrealist, the philosopher, the dystopian-minded writer who pours out inner thoughts and humanities possibilities over a vast musical landscape. In 2008 Cameron unveiled another musical project to the world. Releasing 3 albums since its birth Cameron McGill & What Army progressed his sound even further creating more and more space for his somewhat unsettling and ironically romantic tunes. In his soundscape, you hear overheard conversations, journal entries, quips of strange experiences, dark thoughts and even darker realities. It’s not all doom and gloom though. Like the haunting yet hopeful melodies of Rufus Wainwright, Cameron’s songs depict not just the truth no one can really handle but the silver lining that slightly brightens the view of any reality making hope visible where it would not have seemed possible to exist.

The deeper you dig the more creativity you find. From 2009-2014 Cameron was as well a member of Margot & The Nuclear So And So’s, an indie rock/chamber pop group still actively releasing music today. Cameron has left behind him a trail of delicious and creative breadcrumbs which lead to a great mind and a curious human who just happens to be really amazing at creating music and poetry. Stay tuned with Cameron McGill because the trail doesn’t end here.

KEEP UP WITH Cameron McGill
https://cameronmcgill.com/

WELCOMING OUR NEW UWS FAMILY MEMBER
https://underwatersunshinefest.com/articles/cameronmcgill

CAMERON MCGILL AND WHAT ARMY
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0EdVp84ALwJCVjiK1B8tHm?si=qdrutyBOSVSb1TVvklKWqw&dl_branch=1

CAMERON MCGILL
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1QTbEUUFf7uVu5SuGqnMVP?si=AUuWo3yjSTSpdDGle5G0EQ&dl_branch=1

POETRY
https://cameronmcgill.com/books/

INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/cameronreadmcgill/

TWITTER
https://twitter.com/CameronMcGill

FACEBOOK
https://www.facebook.com/cameronmcgillandwhatarmy

Sunshine Spotlight has been graced with the words and the talent of a wonderful Nashville based artist who goes by the name Tedious & Brief. Neither of these words describe the relationship any listener would have to singer Jamie Jacobsen’s nostalgic anthems. A long lasting love affair seems much more fitting for this distinctive alternative pop artist. We live now in a time where anyone, with a laptop and the right software of course, can make music. It sits as a double-edged sword most likely in the minds of many artists seeing as it makes the sea even bigger and fills it with even more fish. The more optimistic view might be that so many more talented people have the ability now to share their incredible gifts with the world. It is as well even more special when an artist really sticks out in the crowd. Jamie Jacobsen has a particular glow that definitely sets her apart from the rest.

Jamie’s first release as Tedious and Brief came in the form of a single called “Papercuts”. This track came to streaming platforms in 2019 and is doing incredibly well with almost 800,000 streams. Jamie’s voice plays a vital role in her music due to its unique quality and emotive fullness. Her lyrics are honest and quirky but always pierce through the vast landscapes of explosive sound that rests beneath them. Her songs flow through many musical influences making listening to her whole discography a very diverse experience. Each song, while having its own sound, allows the listener to really settle in. One of her most recent singles, “Prodigal”, brought a new indie songwriting style as well as a very clear gospel influence. This artist is not afraid of genre, which is why her music already has incredible reach.

Learning guitar and beginning to write songs at a young age gives Jamie, only 23, a very mature and polished sound. Most artists would likely shudder at the first song they released after years of constantly improving the songwriting and the production of those songs but coming out of the gate with a supremely high-quality sounding song set Tedious & Brief up for success. Now at her sixth single, “Middle Class”, Jamie is making huge strides and is all around a really cool human being with an amazing perspective on the world that surrounds young musicians. This insight comes through her lyrics in every song. Not a note or a word is wasted.

We are incredibly honored to be a part of Tedious & Brief’s journey and are so excited to bring our music loving fans this lovely conversation with our gracious host James Campion and our brilliant guest Jamie Jacobsen.

KEEP UP WITH TEDIOUS AND BRIEF
https://www.tediousandbriefmusic.com/shop

INSTAGRAM
@tediousand.brief

FACEBOOK
@tediousandbriefs

SPOTIFY
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3WILyUrVpk9OpwyJXNmffM?si=PpAjy5Z7TNSqt-YbTNsYJQ&dl_branch=1

LINKTREE
https://linktr.ee/Tedious_Brief

On this episode of Sunshine Spotlight, we have an artist near and dear to the UWS family, Frank Turner, who sits down with our beloved host. They dive into Turner’s experience over the pandemic, what he is working on now, and what is still to come as he’s recently released the inclusive, positive “The Gathering.” Turner, who has transitioned from hardcore punk with his band Million Dead to energetic, compassion-filled folk music with under his own name (and with his band The Sleeping Souls) focuses on social, spiritual and cultural topics. Since releasing his first solo EP Campfire Punkrock under the label Xtra Mile Recordings in 2006, Frank has released eleven albums on various labels including Epitaph, Polydor and Interscope, which shows the depth and diversity of the catalogue. You may have spotted him over the years with late night hosts like Conan or Letterman, heard his songs on TV, or even seen him open the London Olympics with songs like “I Still Believe” in which he asserts the undeniable truth that brings us all together here today: “Who’d have thought that after all/ Something as simple as rock ‘n’ roll would save us all.”

Not only does Turner excel in creating art, he also has a knack for changing the world for the better. Turner’s politics are on his sleeve and are steered largely by kindness: in fact, his record Be More Kind might as well be an anthem for the modern-day rebel, someone who values treating their fellow man well more than they do money or esteem. He’s also happy to talk about the ways in which he’s adapted his lifestyle to better serve his politics: he has been a vegetarian for eleven years and advocates, through action and lifestyle, for people to be their healthiest selves: in songs like “Good & Gone,” he even manages to tell off Motley Crue for “charming us with access and with excess.”

Turner is backed by Ben Lloyd on guitar and mandolin, Tarrant Anderson on bass, Matt Nasir on piano and mandolin, and Callum Green on drums. Turner also works with artists from all over the world and has created and participated in a diverse array of musical projects including Mongol Horde, an English hardcore punk band Frank formed in 2012. Over the last year, Turner has hosted live-streamed shows, released a new track (featuring Jason Isbell) “The Gathering,” which is going to be on his forthcoming studio album set to release on February 11th in 2022, re-released his fourth album as a tenth anniversary edition, and hosted a weekly show from his home to raise money for independent, grassroots music venues that were forced to temporarily close. It’s obvious that no matter his cause or project, Turner is invested in making the world— yes— more kind. We here at Underwater Sunshine Festival have been smitten for some time: get ready to fall in love with Frank Turner, ladies and gentlemen.

KEEP UP WITH FRANK TURNER:
https://frank-turner.com/

SPOTIFY
https://open.spotify.com/artist/27M9shmwhIjRo7WntpT9Rp?si=qvmVxw1qTnerE_VRlL6K8g&dl_branch=1

INSTAGRAM / TWITTER
@frankturner

FACEBOOK
@frankturnermusic

If asked to describe the music scene coming out of Nicholasville, Kentucky, one might assume country, but what no one would assume is the level of talent that comes with it. We nod our heads with a nonchalant “of course” when we find out an artist we love came from New York or Los Angeles or Austin. What’s interesting, is when a big talent comes out of a small town. Abby Hamilton may have come from a small town, but everything else in Abby’s corner, from her voice to her ambition and songwriting abilities, is quite grand. Country music holds tight to the many traditions surrounding blues, which is no surprise to anyone who knows the history behind country music. It was the voice that rang over that well-known movement of sounds that truly mattered. Abby’s voice comes through her songs like a nail hit clean through wood. While sharp and intentional at the center, there is the opaque outline of crackled wood surrounding the core of her sound. There’s a grittiness and Brandi Carlile like quality that keeps you on your toes through every phrase walking the line of breaking at all times. It’s a quality that transforms into honesty in the listener's ear. This vocal strength is only enhanced by the poetry behind her lyrics. Abby thought streams her words across a very tender and loving soundscape that gives her voice the attention and the spotlight it deserves. It’s no surprise this artist has procured a beloved reputation as a truly sparkling live performer and singer/songwriter with such an enchanting sound. Opening the stages of artists like Kelsey Waldon, Valley Queen, Arlo McKinley and Justin Wells, Abby is hustling as a performer and songwriter. Since 2017, Abby has released 5 singles and 2 EPs, with her most recent being “Afraid Of The Dark” which was released in 2020. Abby’s music is expansive in its ability to appeal across the spectrum. Lovers of folk, classic rock, indie, country, chamber pop and blues would all perk their ears listening to Abby’s music. Bringing a progressive vocal to the mix in a classic country sound, morphs the genre making it simply unique to Abby. Her melodies ring true at times to the world of country but always move in a direction that is unexpected and every song hits hard lyrically. Catch up with Abby here on Sunshine Spotlight and find out what’s next up for this incredible artist.

KEEP UP WITH ABBY HAMILTON
https://linktr.ee/abbyhamilton

FACEBOOK
https://facebook.com/abbyhamiltonmusic

INSTAGRAM
@abbyehamilton

BANDCAMP
https://abbyhamilton.bandcamp.com/

Growing up in Rochester, NY, Mikaela Davis found herself uniquely drawn to the harp from a young age. With aspirations to take the classical training she received with harp through school and onto a symphony, Mikaela attended the Crane School Of Music. After some time, Mikaela began growing a passion for writing her own music and moved to Brooklyn to start her music career as a singer/songwriter. That decision sparked the amazing path of this incredibly talented songwriter, singer and harpist. Mikaela’s music and sound will perk the ears of any listener. It’s not often you hear the bright plucks of a harp holding down the rhythm of an indie song. Mikaela Davis incorporates her classical background with harp into her own original music providing a level of sophistication to a sound laced with folk, psychedelic rock, and chamber pop. On top of a harmony-filled soundscape, Mikaela’s voice is always clear and right on top of the mix. Mikaela sings through her songs like she is speaking to herself. She genuinely ponders many aspects of what it means to be a person and gives her listeners the wisdom she has taken away from that active questioning.

Releasing her first single “Half Right” launched Mikaela into creativity with a 2019 tribute to Harry Nilsson, a single in 2020 and two single releases in 2021. The place to find Mikaela at her very best is her full-length album “Delivery”. There is truth not only in her lyrics but the very tone of her voice and the style in which she delivers her words. Mikaela sings with a Kate Bush kind of uniqueness. There is an emotive vulnerability that intertwines with moments of frustration and a longing for inner peace throughout Mikaela’s music. The relationship with her harp is apparent in every song, using this extension of herself to accentuate her melodies and as well narrate the emotional space behind her stories and thoughts.

Surrounded by childhood friends, Alex Cole on percussion and drums and Shane McCarthy on bass, Mikaela has truly built a family around her music. Performing live, this band hardly misses a beat and gives every song exactly what it needs to be simply beautiful. Each player knows how to utilize their instrument in impressive and innovative ways allowing the songs to be insanely interesting to listen to without overtaking their original beauty. Along with her musical family, Mikaela is heading across the North East and even all the way down to Texas to perform and promote her music. In a world that is opening up, we are sure to see much more of the very talented Mikaela Davis.

KEEP UP WITH MIKAELA DAVIS
https://www.mikaeladavis.com/

INSTAGRAM
@mikaeladavis

TWITTER
@MikaelaDavis

TAKE A LISTEN
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6CbL78A3tB1CPFoduF7UM5?si=jmfGhc8lTJ6mY7B5FpwWcA&dl_branch=1

TOUR
https://www.bandsintown.com/a/1642485-mikaela-davis

Read more about Mikaela Davis in our Essays from the Deep.

Two’s company, three’s a crowd! On this episode of Sunshine Spotlight we have quite the talented crowd. Kid Sistr joins us from Los Angeles where they are ravishing in the release of their amazing self-titled, debut EP and creating more lovely and hilarious content for the world. Consisting of New York born Sabel (guitarist), Sara Keden (bassist) and Rebecca Webster (drummer), this all female indie rock trio is blowing up on social media and streaming platforms and with good reason. Take three vivacious, incredibly talented and creative young women, add a heavy pour of whimsy, a dash of silliness, and a good sized portion of pure punk rock and you’ve made yourself a delicious helping of Kid Sistr. This groups pops not just audibly but visibly. Colorful and bright is the vibe when it comes to the personality’s, music and branding of this creative collective of musicians. Influenced by alternative rock, singer-songwriter, 80’s new wave and pop, Kid Sistr began releasing music only in 2020 having utilized mainly live shows as a way to spread their music. You can now find Kid Sistr on every platform absolutely killing it.

Seeing the world from the perspective of a young woman is not just incredibly insightful; it’s needed, especially now, in a time where many different boundaries and lines are being questioned and pushed. It is so exciting to see three women absolutely crushing it and making it happen for themselves in this industry and Sunshine Spotlight is here to merely shine a light on this group’s already bright present and future. Kid Sistr brings a humorous and honest peak into the world of friendships, ambition, heartbreak, femininity, and sexuality from the view of a young woman. Listeners will find themselves having a very Being John Malkovich moment while listening to "Kid Sistr” but instead, looking through the eyes of womanhood. Every artist in this group is profoundly proficient at their craft and it shows not just in the high quality of their live performances but in the engaging arrangements of their songs and the uninhibited nature of their vocal abilities. Still young, Sabel, Sara, and Rebecca have plenty more time to shower the world with their talent and grace it’s inhabitants with their music.

KEEP UP WITH KID SISTR
https://www.kidsistrband.com/

LISTEN TO “KID SISTR” ON SPOTIFY
https://open.spotify.com/album/3OEVuANgVdFkUQTULISVH7?si=O-6mu6ZKTMODDf4Hr1aSjA&dl_branch=1

INSTAGRAM
@kid_sistr

TIKTOK
kidsistrband

TWITTER
@Kidsistr

Read more about Kid Sistr in our Essays from the Deep.

When an amazing musician enters a room, there is already a glow. Sunshine Spotlight is here to illuminate the view and let you see artists at their very brightest. In keeping with this wonderful purpose, our glow is here to highlight Kasey Anderson. With an Underwater Sunshine Fest Garden Session already under his belt, Kasey is a very worthy Spotlight! We just can’t seem to get enough. Kasey is celebrating their latest 2021 release, an 11 song album “Let The Bloody Moon Rise (Reissue)” with two delicious bonus tracks. This wonderful artist incorporates influences from a wide range of sounds putting out music painted with the sounds of Americana, Blues, Alt-Country as well as folk and singer / songwriter. Kasey’s music is humble in the way it doesn’t try too hard. Kasey’s talent is raw and unfiltered making for incredibly emotive vocals over a musical landscape that is generous but truthful first and foremost. Coming from the Northwest already helped Kasey as a songwriter, but especially being from Portland, which has an super vibrant artist community, gave Kasey a foundation to thrive as an artist and eventually earn enough clout to tour with Counting Crows and open for amazing artists like Jason Isbell and the Supersuckers. Kasey has released six albums, the first three released as a solo artist, the next two with his band The Honkies, and the last three with his band Hawkes and Doves. Writing and releasing music however, isn’t Kasey’s soul musical skill. Kasey is, as well, a guitarist and producer. Being so multi-skilled is part of what makes Kasey’s music so professional sounding and well done. Even the arrangements of his songs have a completeness to them as if you wouldn’t dare make a single change. While listening, one hears glimpses of The Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan and a good amount of Chuck Berry. There is a story behind this artist and a walk filled with redemption and courage. These beautiful aspects of life are portrayed in Kasey’s music and the expressive yet humble nature of his performance style. Any listener would gain so much from listening to Kasey’s words and music.

KEEP UP WITH KASEY ANDERSON
https://www.kaseyandersonmusic.com/

NEW ALBUM
https://open.spotify.com/album/5oOy22uYRy52AkyMD0PDyJ?si=8aD6BC9DRbWjQgfKVEr3Bw

INSTAGRAM / TWITTER
@leasdef

Read more about Kasey Anderson and Hawks and Doves in our Essays from the Deep

Sunshine Spotlight’s creators include the family and friends that have made Underwater Sunshine Fest possible and today two old friends and co-hosts of their own podcast, both being proud caretakers of Underwater Sunshine Fest, sit down together and talk about the one subject that keeps us all going…music. We know our lovely host James Campion, but the guest arriving in the center of our spotlight this time on Sunshine Spotlight is the very illustrator of and generous giver towards the Underwater Sunshine Fest, Adam Duritz. Adam is a songwriter, musician, record producer and film producer beloved by most for his long time status as the lead singer of Counting Crows, which formed in 1991 and has sold over 20 million records. Many of Adam’s songs have been certified gold or platinum and the group has been nominated for two Grammy awards and one Academy award. This band is no joke and Adam is just as giving and illustrative as his music.

After releasing their 2014 album “Somewhere Under Wonderland”, Counting Crows didn’t release any music as a group until their latest single "Elevator Boots”, which is a savory reminder of why so many fell in love and are still in love with the Counting Crows. There is an at home feel a listener receives when taking in Adam’s music. With a distinctive voice and incredibly honest and powerful lyrical content at the forefront of a band filled with talent and creative input, Counting Crows is moving into releasing a series of suites and “Butter Miracle: Suite One” is set to release is May of this year. While referred to as a rock band, this group tends to gather genres together going far beyond rock. Folk and Blues have their places at the ancestral table. This group has pumped out some of the most classic and iconic hits since the 90’s and have songs that just about everyone should know. With Underwater Sunshine Fest, which is a great love of Adams, artists are brought together and celebrated for their uniqueness and individuality as well as giving music lovers a place to experience great music and be introduced to bands and solo artists they would have otherwise never heard of. Keep your ears alert and ready for more music to come from this classic band with a classic sound.

KEEP UP WITH THE COUNTING CROWS AND ADAM DURITZ
https://www.countingcrows.com/

UNDERWATER SUNSHINE FEST
https://underwatersunshinefest.com/

LATEST SINGLE “ELEVATOR BOOTS”
https://open.spotify.com/album/7BqWW8M4L2IyA9Cl6CssD2?si=ngOedqQSR1m9X54MVw9REA

SPOTIFY
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0vEsuISMWAKNctLlUAhSZC?si=qTrrdJNUQ9Go9z4IuhP4dg

INSTAGRAM / TWITTER / FACEBOOK
@underwatersunshinefest