Hush Hush Records is proud to introduce Sun Rain and present his debut album 'Sheets.'
Sun Rain is the solo alias of Toronto-based multi-instrumentalist, DJ, and electronic producer Chad Skinner. 'Sheets' marks his debut solo album, yet he's been active within the music community for the past five years, releasing two albums as one-half of electronic production duo Snowday, and frequently unveiling thoughtful DJ sets in clubs and at festivals around Ontario as Legs Florentine. Last year he conceptually launched the Sun Rain project, fusing his versatile compositional talents to explore his own expansive sonic ideas. Recorded entirely in his home studio, Sun Rain is ready to emerge with 'Sheets,' a gorgeous 8-track showcase of rich textural soundscapes infused with the emotional resonance of modern classical music. Organic beats and natural percussive elements are beautifully woven with dusty synths, rolling guitars, and elegant piano, creating an electro-acoustic landscape steeped in nostalgia and melancholy, yet also optimistically hopeful. Contemplative and relaxing, endearing and heartfelt, this is music for the quieter moments.
The album opens up with the delicate title track, the first of two whimsical solo piano pieces that recall contemporary neo-classical composers such as Nils Frahm and Ed Carlsen. "Willow Tree Testing" follows up "Sheets" with a cinematic and lush downtempo composition that glances at the influential works of Boards of Canada, The Cinematic Orchestra, Helios, and early Tycho. The orchestral piece "Calmly, I Entered A State Of Reverie" mixes soaring strings and syncopated drums within a luminous piano foundation for an epic widescreen sound, while "Joel Walker Sweeney" closes out the opening half with a sepia-toned folk element accented by Chad's lyrical guitar work. The exceptionally warm "November" kicks off the second side, a glistening sunshine-kissed number that provides Sheets' most joyful moment. "Paper 2" finds Chad returning back to the piano for another gentle minimal piece with transportive field recordings adding another blissful layer. The album closes out with the sublime pairing of "Ground Swell" and "Dunes," two tracks that further cement Chad's introspective sound while adding a touch of mystery that leaves the door wide open on what to expect from Sun Rain's future creations.
The album title 'Sheets' is in reference to the importance of trees and wood throughout the history of life on earth, and how little we appreciate it in this day in age. From shelter, heat and cooking, all the way to reading, writing and artistry, wood is one of the most important resources on our planet. The album's sound was largely conceived around this concept. Here are Chad’s thoughts on the inspiration behind the album title: “After acquiring and spending time with a piano over a century old, I realized just how precious wood is. It has been integral for the survival of mankind; all the while remaining one of the most utilized natural materials for creative exploration.”
We hope you enjoy the rich listening experience found on Sun Rain's album 'Sheets,' another assured debut artist release that finds a home on Pacific Northwest independent label Hush Hush Records.
released May 10, 2019
Written, performed, and mixed by Chad Skinner.
Mastered by Taylor Deupree.
Cello on "Calmly, I Entered A State Of Reverie" by Raphael Weinroth-Browne.
Violin on "Joel Walker Sweeney" by Brigit O'Regan.
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