Tag: Music Train

Keeping It Simple — Sunny State Revisits and Reimagines ‘Solutions’ Single With New Acoustic Version

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Sunny State’s Chris Reed is releasing a slew of new singles, including acoustic versions of several songs.

With a growing catalog, Sunny State prefers to keep things simple.

The reggae-fusion quartet of Chris Reed (vocals, ukulele, guitar, sax), Julian Perez (lead guitar), Freddie Vega (bass), and James Moreno (drums, percussion) is revisiting and reimagining past singles as acoustic versions—starting with “Solutions.”

“When we first did this song, it was our first single … and the band was split on their happiness of the song. Some said, ‘Oh, this doesn’t sound like the way we play it live,’ and I thought, ‘It does, but it also doesn’t,’” Reed said.

“It was also our first time working with [co-producer/engineer] Ryan Palma in the studio. We were getting to know each other and figuring out how things would sound in the studio.”

Originally released in 2019, “Solutions” captures the San Jose, California band’s vibrant sound and reiterates the importance of unity, gratitude, and freedom in today’s society.

Reed sings, “Your pure voice is on my mind / Through sleepless nights and red wine / We philosophize as we rhyme / Of what can be done in this precious time.”

“This song itself was unique because it was a crowdsourced-lyric song. I was asking people, ‘Give me words that you want to hear, and I’m gonna write a song about it,’ and I did,” he said.

“In the second verse, we talk about family, and the meaning of that over time evolves. The third verse is more unique to an individual woman and so forth.”
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Ray of Hope – Sunny State’s Chris Reed Tackles Pandemic Mental Health Struggles

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Chris Reed recounts his pandemic mental health challenges in a recent MABH COVID-19 Diaries Series article. Courtesy photo

Sunny State’s Chris Reed wants to demolish his pandemic wall.

The San Jose, California reggae fusion frontman and multi-instrumentalist slowly destroys each emotional barrier that arose unexpectedly over the past year. Reed successfully smashes those internal blockades by sharing his mental health struggles with family, friends and fans.

In April, Reed penned an intimate piece for Stanford University’s The Millennium Alliance for Humanity & The Biosphere (MAHB)’s COVID-19 Diaries Series called “My Life As An Artist Suddenly Didn’t Seem Relevant.” The article deeply explores the lingering fear and frustration Reed and his family encountered over the past year as personal and professional challenges mounted.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month, The Stratton Setlist chatted with Reed about his experience and how he tackled his troubles. His story serves as a constant reminder for artists, musicians and creatives to openly discuss their mental health struggles with others. Here’s how Reed overcame the stigma and got real about his situation:

How did you come to write this piece for MAHB?

MAHB is a grassroots effort that provides a central meeting place for individuals and groups concerned about loss of biodiversity, climate change, overpopulation and other issues.

In late summer, Aminah Hughes mentioned she was looking for artists to quote about the mental and emotional struggles during the pandemic for a piece she was writing for Around the Sound. Once that article was shared, Michele Guieu, MAHB arts community coordinator, asked if I’d be interested in writing something for their COVID-19 Diaries Series.

I considered this to be a great honor and was humbled and a bit intimidated to write anything for such a prestigious organization. Naturally, I accepted and started milling over what exactly to write. I find MAHB’s mission to align with my wish for the world to be more collaborative and connective.

Continue reading “Ray of Hope – Sunny State’s Chris Reed Tackles Pandemic Mental Health Struggles” →