Today, Shanghai raised artist, SSUN makes her musical debut with her EP Eclipse.
SSUN pulls from personal experience to create three emotive songs that blend her classical training with pop and R&B influences.
We chatted with the Toronto based artist about her debut EP, the “Dear Lover” music video, and what fans can expect from the rising artist.
Congratulations on the release of your debut EP, ‘ECLIPSE.’ How does it feel to have it out in the world?
Thank you so much. I’m grateful and just excited to release my first EP. I can’t wait to share my music journey with the world.
Why did you decide to introduce yourself with an EP and a single versus just a single?
My team and I had multiple discussions, we went back and forth a bit. But when we listened to these 3 songs…in order… we felt as though it would give a better experience for the listener as a whole from beginning to end. I think as an EP, the songs really take the listener on a journey.
What was the writing process like for the EP?
For me, the writing process just felt easy. My team and I wrote based on feeling so the songs came organically, especially for the ballads. For ‘Dear Lover’, I was playing around with different chords, and we knew where we wanted to go with the song and what we wanted to say, so it actually didn’t take too long to finish.
How would you describe the sound of the EP?
For me, the sounds of ‘Eclipse’ express a range of emotions; from a place of vulnerability – something more mellow to something more upbeat that you can dance to.
You are classically trained. Do you find that it influences your sound?
Most definitely, I think I’m always finding ways to incorporate my classical training – its something that’s second nature to me. I’ve grown up with classical music in my home, so it’s always been my comfort zone, even though I like to experiment with different elements and sounds. But for me, classical music is not only a genre, playing is more of a meditative practice for me – I use it as a way to relax.
What inspired your single, “Dear Lover”?
I wrote “Dear Lover” during the pandemic. The news – here and back home was just heartbreaking. There was and still is, so much suffering and loss, so I really wanted to capture the current times with the song. I just really wanted to connect with the listener, to find hope in sadness, and to appreciate what we have.
If you could set fans up in the perfect environment to listen to the EP, what do you imagine it looking like?
To be honest, wherever the listener is most comfortable. It could be their bed, car, office – wherever.
How do you hope people feel when they listen to your music?
Well, music is a universal language – it crosses multiple barriers; we have all experienced love and loss, desire…and joy in dancing. So it’s not so much “How” I want people to feel when they listen to my music.. I just want them to feel something.
What can fans look forward to next?
I’m not saying too much…but more music is definitely on the way. ?
What is one quote that you have heard or that you go by that you want to ECHO out to the world?
Nothing is a waste of time, if you use the experience wisely.