Having announced themselves to a UK audience through the release of the visceral debut single, Higher Fire, Franco-German outfit SUN have returned with the release of debut EP Brutal Pop.
SUN is the embodiment of founder and sole member Karoline Rose’s brutal pop aesthetic. The project first made an impact on members of the UK’s music industry and gig goers alike having impressed at last years The Great Escape Festival in Brighton. Due in no small measure to Rose’s captivating stage presence allied to a style of music that transcends categorisation; appealing to young and old, metalheads, pop lovers, contemporary theatre enthusiasts and fashionistas.
The eclectic nature of Rose’s influences are borne out in the music she creates. Combining a brooding, atmospheric brand of metal with uplifting pop sensibilities, SUN are, creatively, a multifaceted art project unbound by genre.
In this interview spotlight, I chat with SUN about the latest music, challenges, technology and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Let’s dive a little deeper into You, the artist and your music. What attracted you to this genre(s) or style(s)?
When i was a 13 year old girl in southern Germany I felt I didn’t fit in anywhere. That’s when I came up with the genre « Brutal Pop ». A blend of Pop and Metal with just a touch of Riot Grrrl. It became my brand and also the name of my band SUN’s first EP « Brutal Pop ».
What led you into this journey with music? And further, what drives you to push it out to the public?
I started to sing as a toddler, before I could speak I would mimic my mother and mumble « Volare », then between church choirs and death metal bands I developed my singing, my screaming and my guitar skills. But I felt the need to learn more about showmanship and so I became a performer in Contemporary Theatre and Musicals. I learned everything I needed to put « Brutal Pop » and the show together – I just had to create that world of my own.
Who or what influences your creativity? Have your tastes in music changed over time?
When I was a child I loved Michael Jackson, I even saw him live on the History Tour in Germany, then I switched to Courtney Love and the Riot Grrrls and progressively got into bands like My Ruin (Tairrie B is the queen of scream!). I also love Devin Townsend, the way he uses metal to express positive emotions is beautiful. I can easily switch from Jackson 5 to Morbid Angel. I think I will always love very different things.
Were you trying to accomplish anything specific on this new project? Creatively or otherwise?
After years of searching for the perfect blend of Pop and Metal in the studio but also Live it was important for me to finally give birth to « Brutal Pop ». It literally felt like giving birth and I finally feel like I can speak my own creative language. It feels good!
What was the last song you listened to?
Pennyroyal Tea by Nirvana in my car.
Which do you prefer? Vinyl? CDs? MP3s?
I grew up with CD’s and cassettes, I love cassettes as objects, I like how they feel and I love CD’s because my entire collection of music is CD’s… but they are so fragile. MP’3 saves the day when your favourite album is totally destroyed and sold out! But I Love CD’s because I remember having to go on 45 minuets tram ride to the city to be able to buy records, once I had them I would lay down and listen to the whole thing while watching the stars from my window.
How about this one…. Do you prefer Spotify? Apple Music? Bandcamp? Or something else? Why?
Bandcamp because it is not yet a corporate devil. Apple Music because I use that one on my phone.
Other than the digital era overwhelming us with access to an abundance of music, what is the biggest challenge you face when trying to connect with or find new fans?
It is difficult to get past the algorithm. if you don’t want to force your music on an audience that you’ve targeted and paid for you have less chances to be heard. Magazines and Zines have a following but aren’t as important in people’s recommendations anymore. Things are chaotic right now and no one really knows what to do, no one can be certain of any strategy, but maybe that might be a really good thing! Great stuff can take root in chaos.
Where is the best place to connect with you online? Discover more music?
I think Facebook still is a great way to connect, it is the Multimedia platform, you can post a variety of things and almost everyone is on Facebook. We also love Twitter and IG and Youtube but they are more specific. SUN’s Facebook page is www.facebook.com/SUN.THE.METAL.BAND
Anything else you’d like to add before signing off?
Thank you for this Interview! Cheers from Paris France.
