The Sunshine State
The Sunshine State. What a beautiful discovery. I’m obsessed with her vocals and her new single “Favorite Person”.
Featuring Hayley Gene Penner, the single is about two similar love stories. “The details and names are different, but it’s the same feeling, and it’s very hard to leave when the one thing you really want is the worst thing for you,” she explains.
The ballad came out with a heartfelt music video, starring the two artists.
The Sunshine State will be releasing her new EP in February.
“Favorite Person” is out now !!
Photo credit: Nick Monson
Introduce yourself - what's your story?
Hi! My name is Skyler and I am The Sunshine State. This project was born during the pandemic during quarantine with people I love. I created the name to as fresh start and my ideal state of mind.
How would you define The Sunshine State, the artist?
The sunshine state fits somewhere in the nostalgic indie pop realm but also connects with indie rock, Laurel Canyon sixties inspired vocal pads and lush guitars.
"Favorite Person" is your new single - what's the story/inspiration behind this song?
Favorite Person is a song I wrote with constant collaborators Hayley Gene Penner and Nick Monson, we have written all the music for sunshine together and this song in particular felt like a duet from the start. Hayley and I shared two stories which essentially were the same love story. Different people, names, places, but the same tragic feeling of loving someone who’s not right for you.
What's your favorite thing about this song?
I love the way it puts me right back into a place so vivid PLUS I’m a huge fan of Hayley, she’s my good friend but I’m also a fan…so the fact that she’s singing on this is just too fun.
What made you want to release "Favorite Person" as a single?
It just felt right as the next progression for sunshine state, wanted to release something more chill and down tempo for the end of the year. Plus the song mentions Christmas so it seemed only fitting :)
What can you tell us about the artwork?
My friend Alex took a picture and made this cool artwork with it, wanted it to be simple and beautiful to match the song.
What can you tell us about your upcoming EP?
Eeee! So excited about this. I am working on the EP as we speak and I do have a name…and…I’ll tell so soon!looking to release it in spring and cannot wait to play these songs out in the world!
As an artist, what is the hardest part? And what is the best part?
I think the hardest part for me is fitting into the model of today, social media is a huge part and sometimes I just wanna hermit in my bedroom and just make the music but I’m working on it :)
The best part will be playing all of this LIVE next year !!!
What are your thoughts on today's music industry? If you could change one thing, what would it be?
I think songs are getting shorter and shorter which don’t get me wrong sometimes is so cool but I personally love a good drawn out 4 minute song or however long it wants to be, I think as long as the song feels good that’s all that matters.
What advice would you give to artists?
Keep going! Write write write! Keep writing! When people don’t get it keep writing and try to be as honest as you can!
What is the proudest moment of your career so far?
When you write a song in Las Vegas in the Palms hotel and cut to a year later having become a cancer survivor blaring it in the car on the radio IN VEGAS! Can’t and won’t forget that.
What are the most important lessons have you learned this year?
Self reflection and checking in with yourself on what you actually want and not being afraid to say exactly how you feel.
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