Drawing us in with an ascending, astral synth and a dimensional bassline with textured vocal ad libs, expanding with a cerebral melody, intricate percussion and a dynamic riser, Sunstroke Rain opens Life is Sacred with intrigue.
The opus, created with producer Mera Bhai, evolves with ethereal vocals, tapping into an affirmative and conscious energy with its prose. Needless to say, we are in awe. There is an 80s adjacency to the overarching sound with feels nostalgic and familiar. We appreciate the meditative moments, fused with a danceability.
The glistening riffs draw us in further with ASMR style vocal details before a cosmic rap delivery that reminds us of early Madonna. Life is Sacred invites us to connect with the universe and value our shared reality, whilst offering a cohesive tapestry of enlightened sound.
Speaking on the intention and purpose of the release, Sunstroke Rain confesses, “Currently, many crises, conflicts and wars encourage a divisive ‘us versus them’ mindset. Most people simply want to live peaceful lives with their families and friends, pursue education and work, and focus on building a better future. The constant flow of negative news can be stressful and confusing, often spreading misinformation. It’s important to step back and reflect on the life you’re living and how you want to move forward. This song is made to remind us that life, nature and its creatures are such fantastic creations. Life is sacred – we should appreciate and protect it.”
We learn that Sunstroke Rain and Mera Bhai first crossed paths in September 2023 in London, marking the beginning of this inspiring collaboration. They spent four intensive days together in Mera Bhai‘s studio, during which their creative synergy became strikingly apparent. The fusion of their eclectic influences resulted in a sound that is both exciting and contemporary, underscoring their distinct musical chemistry and creative connection.
Reflecting on the project, Sunstroke Rain shared her enthusiasm, exclaiming, “I’m really happy about the result! We made this song after only four days together in his studio. As we didn’t know each other before, this is something that really surprised us!”
Mera Bhai also expressed, “I loved working with Karin. Sunstroke Rain is such an interesting project, and it was a breath of fresh air working with someone focused on pushing musical boundaries. She tries her utmost to create music that works but sits outside conventions.”
Together, their brilliant blend of styles not only showcases their individual talents but also the powerful result of their combined creative energies. This partnership marks the beginning of a promising journey, hinting at more groundbreaking music to come.
Sunstroke Rain, an anagram of Karin Turesson, is renowned for her genre-blending electronic dance music. Combining magnetic synths, playful melodies, and direct lyrics, she has captivated audiences across Europe. Karin has collaborated with notable artists such as Nina Persson (Cardigans), Robyn, and Tingsek. Her diverse portfolio includes music for theater, films, television, symphony orchestras, and Swedish TV programs, as well as numerous adverts and documentary films. Karin’s talent has earned her awards and scholarships from prestigious bodies like the Swedish Arts Grants Committee and STIM. Her debut album “Spark,” released in 2022, received critical acclaim and airplay, including a tribute to Greta Thunberg on KEXP.
Karthik Poduval, known as Mera Bhai, is a versatile producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist. As a founding member of the psych band Flamingods, he blends diverse influences into a unique sound. Mera Bhai’s work has been featured in Mixmag, DJ Mag, Music Tech Mag, Amazing Radio, BBC Asian Network, and BBC 6 Music, highlighting his innovative approach. He is also a key member of the Asian Underground collective Daytimers, reinforcing his influential presence in the music scene.
We love what Sunstroke Rain and Mera Bhai have manifested, and have added Life is Sacred to our New Music Spotlight playlist, and our brand new TRIPPY playlist, whilst we continue to anticipate future releases from the creators, and stream their wider discographies!