Music
Press
The combination of Philosopher Kings guitarist James Bryan's deft string play and the enchanting vocals of Aleza Coldevin ... renders a fresh , witty disc about a city girl's dating misadventures . - Toronto Star
Discography
Sunshine State Korean album version (Beatball Records) 2008
Sunshine State Japanese album version (Dreamusic)2008
Sunshine State debut album (Umi Entertainment) 2007
Day Job Remixes (Do Right Records )2007
Honey Jam compilation (Universal) 2007
Required Listening Vol. 2 (Do Right Records)
Photos
Bio
Sunshine State began as musical therapy for vocalist Aleza and guitarist/producer James Bryan and has become one of the most vibrant new acts out of Canada. Influenced by everything from Bossa Nova to New Order, Sunshine State brings an infectious acoustic sound and hook filled songs to follow a single young womans search for love in the city .
With exotic Panamanian/Norwegian beauty, and a personality that shines through every song, Alezas unique voice has drawn comparisons to Blossom Dearie, and Feist . Meanwhile, James is one of Canada's top guitarists and an award winning producer and songwriter, with a hand in over a million albums sold and many top 40 radio hits, working with artists including: Nelly Furtado, Fefe Dobson, the Philosopher Kings.and Divine Brown .
Releasing a three song EP in 2006, Sunshine State secured a national Canadian tour opening up for The Philosopher Kings, and subsequently sold over 3000 CDs off stage . Notable local Dj/tastemaker John Kong fell in love with the crowd favorite Day Job which led to the international release of several remixes on his Do Right label in January 2007. This 12 inch release including remixes from DJs Alistair Johnson & Circle Research managed to sell out immediately in Japan & Canada , and win new fans in the UK.
Susnhine States debut album was recorded in Toronto at James studio and was released in Canada in May 2007 on his label Umi Entertainment . With Alezas crystal clear voice and James soulful and dynamic acoustic guitar as the core , the duo were joined by some of their most talented friends .Marc Rogers, one of Canadas top bassists(Susan Tedeschi, , Philosopher Kings) , percussionists David Gouveia and Daniel Stone and top session and touring drummer Davide Direnzo(Jacksoul , Holly Cole ) bring warmth and soul to the tracks. As producer and mixer , James Bryan also added some gritty drum programming to balance the organic feel of the band , making the album a seamless marriage of old and new.
The album received great reviews in both mainstream and underground press and first signle Day Job was placed on compilations like Honey Jam (Universal) and "Required Listening" ( Doright Music./Outside) . Dayjob was also featured in national radio & TV ads for the Greys Anatomy spinoff Private Practice in the fall of 2007 .
A brilliant live show have won Sunshine State loyal fans and a strong buzz from their hometown of Toronto to the UK , US and Japan The band performed a series of shows in London , (Regal Room , Slaughtered Lamb) and Los Angeles(Hotel Café, Temple Bar ) though the fall , attracting new fans and critical praise ( top ten artists to watch in 2008 on L.A.s KGRL radio ) .
Meanwhile , the buzz on Day job continued to build in Japan as the song went top 40 across Japan , hitting Number One on several key stations . Then , Japanese label Dreamusic released the album there in Feb. 2008 .
After seeing a Sunshine State gig in LA , Canadian filmaker Phil Price offered to make a video for Dayjob , which was completed in May , after receiving a Bravofact grant .
Back in Asia , the buzz from Japan spread to Korea , as Beatball Records released the album , with brilliant new artwork , in September , and deals are pending in 5 more Asian territories .
With songs and a sound both refreshing and instantly relatable , Sunshine State has enough soul, humour and good vibes to keep you smiling after the song fades out.
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