sunsetto
After dropping successful releases like his debut single “don’t leave”, Canadian artist/producer sunsetto is now back with a summer record titled “drugs are for fun”. As drugs have profoundly impacted his life and the lives of some of his closest entourage, sunsetto has been sharing his own experiences with drugs into his songwriting. The new single invites the listeners to treat drugs more seriously and respect the power they can have over us.
Produced by Ben10k and Danesblood, The Nova Scotia-based artist has created an empowering alternative/pop song that offers captivating and catchy melodies.
”drugs are for fun” is now available worldwide !
Photo credit: moosecanfly
Introduce yourself - what's the story of sunsetto?
I’m an artist, producer, and songwriter from Nova Scotia, Canada. I’ve been writing/co-writing songs for almost 10 years. I would save up my favorite demos from over the years that didn’t sound like they fit anyone else except me. These songs turned into the sunsetto sound. I made my song “don’t leave” on my laptop by myself at my mom’s house, and the response since it’s release has been incredible.
When did you start singing and writing songs?
I started writing songs when I was a kid. I have a video on my Instagram of me writing my first song at 10 years old. I started writing in song camps when I was 16.
What did you grow up listening to?
I was really into NSYNC as a young kid. I had their concert on VHS and watched it over and over. As a teenager, I discovered skateboarding and hip-hop, rap, and alternative music that’s a part of skate culture. I got really into Kid Cudi and Kanye West.
What made you want to become an artist and your original music? What was the biggest struggle when you first started?
Being a songwriter and recording artist was a dream I’ve had for as long as I can remember. I don’t know why, but everyone in my family knew me as the entertainer. I think the struggle when I was a teenager and starting to put my music out there was the limitations of being in a small town, luckily the songwriter community there was incredible though.
Who was the first person to ever believe in you?
My first manager Dryden was the first person to believe in me. He was just a few years older than me and had dropped out of business school. He drove me to singing lessons, gave me my first guitar, and helped me create videos, and book shows. He saw the vision and the kind of artist I could become. My best friend Moose always believed in the vision too, he shoots and edits most of my videos.
"drugs are for fun" is your latest single - what's the inspiration behind this song?
Drugs have unconsciously become a theme in my writing. They’ve profoundly affected my life, and the lives of my family and friends. The title is ironic because the sentiment is to take drug use seriously and respect the power they can have over you. So many people try them thinking it’s all fun and games, until it becomes the foundation and then ultimately the destruction of their relationships.
Could you describe the songwriting/production process for this single? Who helped you create it?
I had a session in Beverly Hills with two producers Ben10k and Danesblood. Ben played some chords that inspired the melody. I ended up writing half of the song that day and mumbling the rest of the melodies. After my team heard it they loved it so much, the studio was booked the following week, and we all got back in and I wrote “there’s a light in your eyes, and it’s good at giving you away”. That inspired the rest and it was done.
What's your favorite thing about this song?
I think the vulnerable lyrics paired with the upbeat rhythm feels special.
What made you want to release "drugs are for fun" as a single?
I just love it, the things I say in the song are things I've wanted to say to people I love and to myself. And think it sets up the releases I have coming nicely as well.
What can you tell us about the artwork?
The cover art is a film photo shot in Toronto on the carpet floor of the place I was staying. Carpets have also become an unconscious theme in my art.
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
The most challenging part is probably deadlines, and deciding when something is finished, I feel like I’m evolving faster as an artist now that I have support and a team. The faster I’m evolving, the harder it is to decide if something is finished and if it’s a good representation of where I'm at, and where I’m going. The best part for me is the creation process, and performing live. I’m looking forward to doing more shows.
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I think we have so many incredible artists today, there’s something for everyone to get into. Don’t know if I’d change anything about the industry, but as I progress more maybe I’ll have some ideas.
What's the best advice you've ever received?
To not be so precious about songs that I write, don’t gatekeep them for too long, don’t put them on a pedestal. Releasing them into the world is a great feeling, and regardless if something takes off, I'm growing as an artist, I’ll also have more hard drive space.
Besides music, what are you passionate about?
A few other things I’m passionate about are skateboarding, film and video, and video games.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
I don’t know, I guess more humility and empathy.
What message do you want to deliver to the world?
Today is a blessing, make the most of it however you can. Be good to yourself. The life that you want for yourself in your heart is all possible. Do something today to get closer to your dream, even if it’s an inch closer.
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