“The song is a testament to the upward spiral of positivity that becomes possible when friends join together as creative forces in spite of all of the in-spite-ofs,” says drummer Katy Otto of Sun Within’s new single. “It’s a love song to friendships that enable the catharsis of artistic connection, especially those written in the stars.”
Sun Within’s presence on the East Coast punk, emo and experimental-noise scenes stretches back decades. Otto’s impeccable indie credentials include running the Exotic Fever label and playing in bands like Trophy Wife, Del Cielo, Bald Rapunzel, Rainbow Crimes and many others. Geeta Dalal Simons has lent her songwriting and guitar skills to Rockula and RunHideFight, while bassist Leah Basarab’s various projects include Vidrozhena and Ex By V. Sun Within’s name points to its ethos. Derived from a translation of the sacred Gayatri Mantra, Sun Within invokes protection from darkness and the belief that the light within each of us can elevate the broader community.
That sense of shared illumination extends to the video, directed by award-winning filmmaker and photographer Jessica Kourkounis, whose portfolio includes Hot Snakes, Emily Robb and other artists. She captures the song’s uncanny balance of unearthly wonder and earthly humanity with footage shot at the Philly Goat Project, a Philadelphia-based nonprofit focused on animal-assisted therapy, environmental education and community-wellness programs. Fittingly, proceeds from the single go to the Philly Goat Project, as well as Backline, a nonprofit that connects musicians with mental-health resources.
We’re proud to premiere Sun Within’s “Luminous Events.”
—Hobart Rowland
