Sunny Reyne - I've Been Sleeping Too Long (Album) + 10 Questions

Following widespread support across PBS-FM, Triple J, BBC Radio 1 & 2, plus Clash and Wonderland, Sunny Reyne shares her debut album 'I've Been Sleeping Too Long'. Arriving on Thursday 9th November via Bridge the Gap, the record encompasses a warm, rooted & soulful sound, exploring themes of friendship, love, tackling patriarchal structures and coming to terms with death.

Written in collaboration with producer Lewis Moody (Cherise, 30/70), 'I've Been Sleeping Too Long' marks a period of Sunny uncovering deeper and more nuanced understandings within her songwriting. Developing upon the minimalistic, rhythmic vocal lines and understated instrumentation from her 2022 debut EP 'Right Now', the album is a love-letter to the soul, jazz, RnB and alt-rock she grew up on, whilst also integrating contemporary influence from the likes of Brittany Howard and Lianne La Havas.

Discussing the record, Sunny comments: "The album covers themes of friendships, love, death, fear and the moments that happen in the small hours of the day; the early hours of the morning and the late hours of the evening, when time feels sleepy and sacred but when thoughts can be at their most chaotic and heightened. I am at my most creative generally at these times of day and it is when I am most able to put sense to my songwriting. This album is an ode to those moments that feel precious and where time is only yours."

Album opener 'Safe' sets a steady, contemplative pace, building into the urgent groove and glistening piano of 'Cold Morning', which delves into the warm safety of a bed shared on a cold, winters morning. The theme of sleep and comfort returns on 'Left Alone', a Emily King & Cleo Sol-inspired cut channeling gospel vocal & piano harmonies as a blanket to stave off the clutches of a nightmare. Elsewhere, Sunny uses 'Burnt' to reflect upon the death of a close family member, and the process of grief and acceptance, whilst 'Overthrown' is a comment upon the stifling effect of the patriarchy on women who are shut down for speaking up.

Sunny's music has found widespread support via Australia's community radio stations, including PBS and Triple R, whilst also turning heads in the UK. Tastemakers across national radio, including BBC R2's Jamie Cullum, BBC R1's Victoria Jane and Jazz FM's Tony Minvielle, as well as publications like Wonderland, Jazzwise and The Pit LDN have all started to take notice. 2022 saw her debut UK live performance at Brixton's Madame Jazz showcase, whilst 2023 has seen her support MADELEINE and House of El, and make her debut UK festival appearance at How The Light Gets In.

Sunny sat down with Wordplay Magazine to answer our infamous 10 Questions:

1. So tell me, how did it all begin? What sparked your love for music?

I grew up around a lot of music as a child, so it was almost inevitable that I’d decide to follow it! My love for the nu-soul and jazz sound came from an early age, listening to the music and the voices of jazz greats like Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday and then finding my love for the soul music of the likes of Erykah Badu and D’Angelo. I studied jazz singing at school and university, so I was given the freedom to hone my songwriting and technicality there. I then really delved into my love for the UK jazz scene and I think my songwriting managed to grow and develop from there, a mix of all the different sounds I was hearing.

2. Who are some artists that influence you and that you want to work with in the future?

I’ve always been very inspired by Nick Hakim and Jordan Rakei. They’re two artists who continuously manage to create music that stays refreshing and new and that embodies all my favourite styles and genres without conforming to anything too mainstream or similar each time. They know how to take minimalism and turn it into something beautiful without it ever feeling too overworked. It’d be a dream to collaborate with them in the future!

3. What projects do you have coming up and can you give us any info on them?

Well I’ve just released my debut album ‘I’ve Been Sleeping Too Long’, which came out on the 9th of November via Bridge The Gap. It was recorded in 2021, so it feels a bit surreal finally having it out in the world for people to hear. It was written in collaboration with UK-based producer Lewis Moody (Cherise, 30/70), who I also worked with on my EP Right Now, that I put out last year. The album covers themes of friendship, love, death, fear and the moments that happen within the small hours of the day: the early hours of the morning and the late hours of the evening, where time feels sleepy and sacred but where thoughts can be at their most chaotic and heightened. I am at my most creative generally during these times of the day and it is when I am most able to put sense to my songwriting. This album is an ode to those moments that feel precious and when time is only yours.

4. How would you describe your sound?

I’d describe it as an earthy, alternative take on nu-soul and alt-jazz sounds, delving into richer vocals and production with simplicity at its core.

5. What's your proudest moment to date so far as an artist?

To be able to gig and perform here in London, where so many of my influences came from definitely feels special.

6. Do you have any advice for our readers who may be trying to play the mad game of music?

Believe in yourself! There can be moments of frustration and times when you want to give up, but if you’re not able to back yourself then I don’t think anyone can. And once you have the ability to trust your skills, you’re bound to find yourself kicking goals.

7. Are there any artists on your radar right now that we should check out?

I’m loving the music that Olive Jones is currently putting out. She’s a London-based singer with a voice of honey. I initially got into her sound through her band Noya Rao and her current solo music is equally as beautiful.

8. What albums are on heavy rotation on your Spotify playlist currently?

Lahai by Sampha and Heaven by Cleo Sol albums are on heavy rotation at the moment. I’ve also been returning to Slugs of Love by Little Dragon a lot this year.

9. What do you like to do when you're not making music?

I love finding the time to read, to go to cafes, to go running, to see films.

10. Name Three things you can't live without when in the studio?

Tea (there’s no limit to the amount of tea I could drink when recording), candles (got to create the right vibe) and snacks (obviously).