Modern Fix

SUNDAYS BEST – interview by tom maxwell

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I hate when life is going too good because it usually means that the shit is going to hit the fan soon. It’s like you forgot how to deal with the crap that comes along with life. Ancient civilizations actually thought life moves in complete cycles (like circles or rotations) and that when life is good it means bad stuff is just around the corner. Damn, what a fearful way to live, but I guess the statistical probability of good stuff happening to you forever is one in a, well a lot. I’ve come to believe that the true bread winners in life are those that keep an even keel. Sunday’s Best has often made meandering look like a hobby. What can you say about them? Well, in the past I would have said they were a plain flavored ice cream that tastes really freaking good (plain, but I mean really good!). However, their new album “The Californian” is absolutely amazing and well worth the pocket change it will cost you. Shit, it’s easily in my top five albums for the year. They definitely win my “tommy” award for break out album of the year. I was fortunate enough to talk with indie rocker Ed the lead singer of Sunday’s Best and here’s what he had to say:

Tom: So, you like California despite how humans fuck it up?
Ed: I love California. I especially love Los Angeles. I was born and raised in LA and I can’t think any other place I would rather live. It is true that at times Los Angeles becomes undesirable because of others lust for fame and/or success. However, there is a lot of opportunity here.

The smog isn’t too much for you?
The smog doesn’t bother me. Maybe I have built up a tolerance.

Sunday’s Best has been around for a while now. How has the music scene you’re involved with changed over the years?
I think the scene has changed quite a bit since Sunday’s Best first started. When we first started out we essentially had to follow the whole DIY mindset. We did not have the luxury of having someone to help us book shows or point us in the right direction. I think as bands in the scene grew up, they became hip to the game. Suddenly, bands in the scene had booking agents, managers, and were knowledgeable about soundscan.

Your sound seems to have moved away from “pop” music. Do you think “The Californian” is your most mature album to date?
I believe that “The Californian” definitely is a more mature album to date. “The Californian” is good example of a band learning the craft of songwriting and carefully examining the little nuances that go into creating a song. It seems to be a natural progression, as you grow older.

Sunday’s Best is friends with and respected by some pretty kick ass bands. Who do you most enjoy playing with?
We had a great time with Paris, TX on our last tour. Great bunch of guys. We have kept in touch with them for quite some time and we consider them good friends of ours.

What has been the most important part of your growth as a musician?
I guess the most important part of my growth as a musician is learning about song structure. Structure is so important when you are trying to write a song. It allows you to think about songwriting in terms of verse-chorus. Within that structure lie so many ways to express yourself musically.

At times, your lyrics are very happy go lucky and give the listener a sentiment that life happens the way it does for a reason. Then other times your lyrics are riddled with despair. Where do you get lyrical motivation from?
For the most part, lyrical motivation comes from living life. Life is a series of ups and downs. No one is constantly happy and no one is constantly sad. You can get inspired, just by observing the world around you. Just look outside your window.

Let’s say I’ve never heard of Sunday’s Best, why should I start listening?
If you are a fan of melody and songwriting then I think Sunday’s Best can give you what you need.

Do you have a website for fans to reach you?
www.sundaysbest.net

When should we expect you on tour again?
We hope to get out on the road before the end of the year.

Thank you so much for your time. I’ll see you next time around.
No problem! Thank you!

Well girls and boys there you have it. Indie rock lives in Los Angeles. Hooray for Hollywood! Oh yeah, almost forgot to mention that Ed works for Babyface (yes, the guy with enough Grammy’s to melt into cubes and buy a small Russian country). He said Babyface might be working with a very talented contestant from American Idol. Yes, I watched (only a little), but I swear I never voted. Want to know who it is? In the mean time, try some clean, straight from the heart, music (there’s nothing like it).