Experimentation is the soul of Sunshine Express, one of the most prolific bands to emerge from Niagara’s fast-growing alternative scene. MattUU (vocals & guitar), JassChau (sampler) and AidanR (bass) embody an unorthodox pioneering spirit with colourful songs, striking visuals and a dazzling, electronic approach to rock ‘n’ roll.
On “UNSHINE,” Sunshine Express‘ audacious new single, the band further embraces their affinity for live recording, enlisting drummer Justin Dobbelsteyn to push spontaneity and experimentation to the max. Singer MattUU delivers dry-humour nihilism—first slow, then fast, then faster—with anthemic zeal. An icy, warped piano cuts through a turbulent rock instrumental—first frenetic, then dizzying, then kaleidoscopic. In the age of laptop mixes, algorithmic niches and lonely doom scrollers, S.EX is spearheading—and invites you to join—an alternative charge; venturing outside the box, fusing genres and championing the chaotic, communal spirit of rock ‘n’ roll.
What can you share with readers about your new project?
UNSHINE is our latest single. It’s our experimental take on rock ‘n’ roll, meant to embody the genre’s adventurous spirit. It’s also a sarcastic rallying cry, about finding hope through fatalism.
Ultimately, life gets the better of us. You can’t fight the forces of time, of your accumulating responsibilities. So instead of trying to shine, to feel the pressure of living your best life (whatever you think that means), just follow your heart. Do what compels you. Un-shine every day, for all it matters.
How does this release compare with your other projects you had in the past?
UNSHINE continues where our last single, I LUV SEX, left off.
We returned to our bassist’s rural recording studio and resumed a live-off-the-floor recording approach. No metronome. No set BPM. We hit “record” and made the song happen, together, in real time. We used distant room mics to capture the ambiance of the space, to add to the live feel.
This time, we enlisted the help of jazz drummer Justin Dobbelsteyn. We explored new sounds: warped analog piano and vocals run through Kaoss Pad effects. We pushed for more spontaneity, experimentation, and intensity.
What about this single makes you most proud?
Our live-recording approach is a major challenge and invariably leads to imperfections. But in 2024—when most other music production is done in a cramped studio apartment, mixed on a laptop, snapped to a grid track, and quantized—it seems vital to record the way we do.
Sometimes people talk about making music as “content” or a “product”, and I’m like, “Why even bother?” Day-to-day life is already enough like an assembly line. Why make music like that, too?
We see music as our chance to get together and make something authentic. I’m proud that UNSHINE was made in that spirit. I also think the production, the arrangement—all that—is pretty sensational.
Was there a specific goal you were trying to accomplish with this release?
I think the goal of this release is the same as the overriding goal of the band: to carry forth the spirit of rock music.
That means being creative and authentic but also, importantly, getting involved with other people. You work with other people to push past your own limitations—your playing, taste, sensibilities. It’s a chance to be less calculated, less self-centered. You take part in creating something without knowing exactly where it’ll end up.
It’s about a sense of freedom and adventure, and about making something a bit beyond reality.
What inspires you to create music? What motivates you to keep going?
Life seems rather dull, rather pointless, if you’ve already been there, done that. So while we embrace the spirit of rock ‘n’ roll, we really reject the idea of making revivalist music. It’s not about mimicking the aesthetics of some past golden age—psych rock, garage, surf, Americana, whatever. It’s about embracing the spirit of inventiveness that created those movements in the first place.
To the degree we’re successful, making music becomes more than an artistic adventure. It becomes a physical, real-life, out-of-the-house, out-of-the-city, playing-who-knows-where adventure. That’s exciting.
If you could collaborate with anyone – dead or alive, famous or unknown – who would it be and why? If it’s an indie/DIY artist, please include a link so readers can check them out.
Is there a big-name artist that would be cool to work with? Honestly, right now, it’s just more exciting to work with other artists in our local scene. Where other scenes tend toward conformity, exploring a narrow range of styles, Niagara is unique for its openness, earnestness, and non-trendiness.
Our label, ROUTINE EXPLOITS, is a great jumping off point. Through the label, we’re connected with other artists who share a pioneering ethos: Days on Parade, halfdecentheart, August Yours Truly, Maggot Pizza, The Moonlight Circus, and others.
Together, we’ve put together a couple “Niagara Invasion” shows, where we venture off to another city. It’s a great time and a great way to present this new culture we’re all part of.
I’d love to take something like that on a big tour.
Where is the best place to find you and stay connected?
We’re most active on Instagram! Music on Spotify. Videos on YouTube. And all our other links.
I really appreciate your time. Is there anything you’d like to share before we sign off?
The UNSHINE music video is up now.
Sunshine Express – UNSHINE | Official Music Video
It was a big, collaborative effort with our ROUTINE EXPLOITS label mates. Visual effects were mixed on-the-fly by Liam Flagg, a.k.a. CllrDwllr. Set design was the work of our photographer, Porter. We were also assisted by the other bands present—thanks Days on Parade, Maggot Pizza, halfdecentheart, & The Moonlight Circus!
