By Sunlight

September 8, 2012

by John Phillips

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“What is true by lamplight is not always true by sunlight.” – Joseph Joubert, French moralist/essayist

Starting with a quote is a bit cliché, especially by anyone like Joubert, who doesn’t exactly get remembered for much other than cute little quips. Still, there is much truth that can be found in an oversimplified message. For the members of the band By Sunlight, maybe the quote would be more along the lines of, “What is true in Sacramento is not always true anywhere else.”

The gentlemen that occupy the moniker By Sunlight (originally known as Bridges) decided a few years back that a new perspective would suit them nicely, and packed their bags and took off to the city synonymous with mediocre sports franchises (at least those remaining), Starbucks, its weather, and its iconic music scenes. By Sunlight’s Mike Sparks laughed over the phone during a recent interview when asked if Seattle’s dismal meteorology caused any changes in his music.

“It’s funny that every time I do an interview I get asked that. I guess so?” Sparks remarks, in a sort-of vocal shrugging. “I woke up this morning and it was overcast and I almost had a tear of joy. I mean, it’s beautiful now, but I really like that weather. It’s temperate for me, you know? Living in Sacramento was heinous. I couldn’t stand it at all.”

But, hey, not all of us living here love the heat. Still, moving to Seattle was behind a large part of how he developed both as a musician and as a person. Sparks continues, “We were ready to get the fuck out of there. Hey man, sometimes when it’s 4:30 p.m., and the sun’s down, and I’ve got three beers in my body, yes, I might feel a bit of darkness in the spirit. There are tons of metal bands up here, tons of punk bands up here, and there is a lot of reflection of that environmental aesthetic in how people behave here, but I wouldn’t describe it as a sullen city either. Yeah, biometrics is a huge fucking change in my life, but going from everything I know to where I don’t know anything, that I would say was a more profound affect rather than the climate.”

After residing in the city for a handful of years and constantly touring, By Sunlight finally decided to settle down and take a year off from the road. They took to inviting another Sacramento musician, Evan Ferro (of the bands Bright Light Fever and Roman Funerals), to make the journey up to the Pacific Northwest and have Sparks, producer and band member Robert Cheek, and Ferro move in together in order to record their latest album.

“We would go home after work or whatnot, and we would go straight to working on the record,” Ferro recalls. “Whether it was writing or fine-tuning, it was nonstop. It was a lot of thought, a lot of annoying ourselves with how much we were thinking about it. But, ultimately it became what we wanted it to be.”

Sparks considers the decision to bring Ferro into the picture to be just what the band needed. “It’s kind of what saved our band,” says Sparks. “After the aesthetic exhaustion, fatigue, and demoralization that you can sometimes get from working so hard at a band, and not really getting anything, you sort of question your art all the time. It’s that sort of weird, entropic little head thing you can get, and it really pulled us out of all that.”

Robert Cheek, who even now is instrumental as a producer and sound engineer locally—working on albums for Doom Bird, Life in 24 Frames, and others—is an extremely valuable asset as both a musician and technical mind, and the other members in the band are very aware of it. Particularly since By Sunlight is a very technically-minded project, employing many elements that build on and flow through each other, with a sound that is both intricate and intensely mellow, it takes a lot of abstract thought to orchestrate and balance so many elements peacefully.

“I think I’m just so blessed to be in a band with people like [Robert]—where music is really the only thing of interest to him. That ethos alone is enough to get a boner for a dude in your band,” Sparks says through a chuckle. “I mean, not literally. It’s like if you have someone you work with intimately all the time that share the same enthusiasm as you, and also you’ve got this huge technical talent.”

“Yeah, he’s valuable. He’s done all our records prior to this one, and even with this one he helped, definitely, and did some work also. Yeah, it’s a huge one-up, and we all couldn’t be more grateful for the opportunities that affords us.”

Ferro agrees, taking it a step further: “[Cheek] is a genius. There is not a better word for it, really. He puts so much work into what he is doing, whether it’s a band he is working with or a band he is in. Bob plays in Roman Funerals as well, so I have the experience of not one but two bands with Bob. To have him in a band is a musician’s dream come true. If you’re having second thoughts on a song you are writing, go to Bob and Bob - SubMerge Magazine

July 25, 2008

by Jonathan Carabba

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As wildfires burn throughout California, carpeting the skyline with smoke, Seattle rock band By Sunlight (formerly known as Bridges) are in the middle of a two week long west coast tour that will bring them to The Blue Lamp in downtown Sacramento on Saturday July 12. It’s only a few days into their trip and Mike Sparks Jr. (vocals/guitar) has already made a trip to the emergency room thus leading to a cancellation of one show. Don’t worry though, he says he is OK, “I got some medication and it makes me feel like a crazy person so we’re good to go.”

With a new name and a new self-titled EP available online and at shows, By Sunlight is looking forward to a bright future. Submerge recently spoke with Sparks before playing a show in southern California.

So I read you guys recently changed your name from Bridges to By Sunlight. What’s up with that? Was it a tough decision?

It was definitely a tough decision I know that none of us really wanted to do it. Unfortunately as boring as it is there’s a band called The Bridges that put out a record on Interscope recently and it was kind of one of those things where we just felt like if we wanted to take ourselves seriously we would have to at least kind of watch that and keep that in mind. We didn’t want to get hit with some crazy lawsuit in like six months, you know?

Yeah you always hear crazy stories about shit like that happening. Bands get pissed if someone has their same name.

For sure, if you go to their Myspace page, it’s pretty funny. The Bridges are like some kind of alt-country girl band or something. They’re like the Spice Girls of alt-country or something [laughs]. We just didn’t want to fuck with it.

How do you think fans and friends are going to react? What has been the overall vibe of everyone’s reaction?

I’d say it’s kind of all over the board. To be honest with you we got a pretty fair amount of negative feedback.

Really?

Yeah and this is something that we have kind of discussed: change is kind of hard. You develop a relationship with a band, and then they do something that you aren’t immediately behind so of course you’re going to be like, “Man what are they doing?”

We put a lot of thought into it and I think that this record that we’re coming out with is probably the best thing that we’ve done. Jack [Clemens, bass] said it like, “You either have to grow with us or not.” It’s just a band name; you know what I mean?

Yeah I want to talk about the new record. Does it have a title?

It’s going to just be self-titled. We mulled around a couple ideas but I felt like it was cooler to just not title it.

Is it considered an EP or is it a full length? How many tracks does it consist of?

Yeah I don’t know actually that’s another logistical question we have been mulling over. It’s six songs, but it’s forty minutes. If it’s a length issue I think I would definitely call it an LP but if it’s a track number issue than it’s definitely an EP. I don’t know, we’re describing it as an EP. We went in with that intent and it kind of turned into something more than we anticipated.

When and where will it be available?

Yeah, we’re doing something kind of new. We’re not pressing CDs, we might press some, like 100 or something. Or maybe we’ll press some vinyl; I would much rather do that.

We’re doing this thing where you get this little card at our show for $5 and it’s about the size of an ID. On the back of it is a little code and a Web site. You go to the Web site and enter in the code and you can download all the songs in like three different formats. You can look at all the lyrics and see all the credits and all that kind of stuff.

It’s a very innovative approach. What was the inspiration for that?

There’s a band in Sacramento called Bright Light Fever that we used to work with all the time. We’ve been friends with them for a really long time. They called and said, “Hey I think this is what we’re going to do. We want you guys to jump on board and the two of us can try it and see if it works.”

That’s where the business is going. Everything is digital right now, you know?

Absolutely, I can’t see any reason not to. Especially if you factor in gas prices and pressing fucking 1,000 CDs is like $1,500 or $2,000. It’s not a little bit of cash, you know? So this way the cards will be cheaper, it just makes more sense. Maybe it will help get the music out there on a different level.

I want to talk about your move up to Seattle. How do you like it up there and how is it compared to midtown Sacramento?

That’s a good question. I think all of those counter culture heavy pockets in any city are kind of similar. I really like Seattle man. It could be something as simple as the fact it’s a lot less hot [laughs].
It’s a really music oriented city. I feel like if Sacramento had a little bit more of a chance it would be like Seattle because there is such a core in Sacramento of ki - SubMerge Magazine

September 2008

by Rabbit Hole Music

By Sunlight play an impressive brand of angular indie-rock. They strive very hard to create intelligent and forward thinking music that doesn't come off as snobbish. Originally located in Sacramento, CA, they went by the name Bridges for several years and released a stellar debut album, The Underscore. Then in the summer of 2007, the relocated to Seattle, re-tooled the lineup, and in early 2008, changed their moniker to By Sunlight. Now we also have their wonderful self-titled album to appreciate as well.

The album features 6 tracks and weaves on elegantly for 40 minutes. It's very hard to pinpoint their unique sound. They combine the experimental elements of Codeseven and Death Cab For Cutie (at least "Narrow Stairs" Death Cab) with the quirky eccentricities of Mellowdrone or Dismemberment Plan. It's really endearing how they can take their technical prowess and make it accessible and even gorgeously catchy. This is especially evident on "Collapse To Begin." Sadly for collectors, a hard version of the album has yet to be produced. But it can be purchased for peanuts from all of the major digital media outlets and their website. It's worth every penny, and I highly recommend. - Rabbit Hole Music

September 2008

by Rabbit Hole Music

By Sunlight play an impressive brand of angular indie-rock. They strive very hard to create intelligent and forward thinking music that doesn't come off as snobbish. Originally located in Sacramento, CA, they went by the name Bridges for several years and released a stellar debut album, The Underscore. Then in the summer of 2007, the relocated to Seattle, re-tooled the lineup, and in early 2008, changed their moniker to By Sunlight. Now we also have their wonderful self-titled album to appreciate as well.

The album features 6 tracks and weaves on elegantly for 40 minutes. It's very hard to pinpoint their unique sound. They combine the experimental elements of Codeseven and Death Cab For Cutie (at least "Narrow Stairs" Death Cab) with the quirky eccentricities of Mellowdrone or Dismemberment Plan. It's really endearing how they can take their technical prowess and make it accessible and even gorgeously catchy. This is especially evident on "Collapse To Begin." Sadly for collectors, a hard version of the album has yet to be produced. But it can be purchased for peanuts from all of the major digital media outlets and their website. It's worth every penny, and I highly recommend. - Rabbit Hole Music

January 2009

by Shawn Robbins

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I love when bands seem to semi-consciously develop a sound that represents their hometown. This seems to be the case with the contemporary prog-rock sound coming from By Sunlight (formerly known as Bridges). The band has this murky cloud-like feel that carries along very nicely and perfectly captures that late afternoon Seattle atmosphere. Drawing influences from Sunny Day Real Estate and Stereolab, By Sunlight creates intelligent rock that moves and mystifies. Best to get in on this act early. - Kata Rokkar

January 2009

by Shawn Robbins

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I love when bands seem to semi-consciously develop a sound that represents their hometown. This seems to be the case with the contemporary prog-rock sound coming from By Sunlight (formerly known as Bridges). The band has this murky cloud-like feel that carries along very nicely and perfectly captures that late afternoon Seattle atmosphere. Drawing influences from Sunny Day Real Estate and Stereolab, By Sunlight creates intelligent rock that moves and mystifies. Best to get in on this act early. - Kata Rokkar

January 7, 2009

by Dallas VonKillbot

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We’ve been lacking hard in the Band You’ve Never Heard Of postings, so let's kick it off again with a group of indie killers. Hailing from Seattle, WA, By Sunlight are gaining notoriety around the Northwest and West Coast areas. Their shimmery sound has been crafted over the years under their former moniker, Bridges, and they now have a new name and new record to show off to the world. Currently the group is doing a 15-date tour down the West Coast, which you should probably check out if you’re in the California/Oregon area.

Theoretically, I should provide you with some off-topic experience I’ve had involving the band or while listening to the band’s music, or at least make some shit up to sound like a better writer, but you know what? Fuck it. I’m not conforming to all that jazz. Instead I’m going to quote Ryan Prado from when he declared Bridges the band of the day awhile ago:

"Formed from ex-members of Sacramento’s Mister Metaphor, Seattle, WA’s Bridges are a progressive math-pop conglomerate with more syrup-sweet melodies than you can shake an abacus at. The band is currently on tour through mid-July on the West Coast, and last night melted the apathy of a cozy crowd at Chico, CA’s Cafe Coda.

The group played for about 40 minutes, without stopping for anything, fashioning a seemingly endless song, which was actually several seamless segues into different tunes. Think early Velvet Teen or don’t. If you live on the West, check these guys out at these select dates. You won’t be disappointed." - Synthesis Weekly

February 20, 2009

by Nikki Benson

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When By Sunlight started their set, they were a bit behind the eight ball. With their fans and fans of The Appleseed Cast streaming in, the place was packed. That is usually a good thing, but in this case the chatter level was so high that I could barely hear Mike Sparks speak when he was trying to soften the crowd. But the show must go on!

Right before they started their first song Mike announced, “We are going to play 32 minutes of mid-tempo rock and roll in your face-hole.” That statement being something of a paradox was actually very accurate. Their style pulls from so many different elements -- retro-sounding vocals, math-rock, and a little post-rock infusion -- but they somehow manage to have the overall feeling of the music be very chill and relaxing. Their music made me feel optimistic.

As the set progressed you could tell that the crowd was getting into it by the gradual decreasing level of chatter. By Sunlight flowed from one song to another so smoothly I wasn’t sure when one song ended and another one began. With all the changing styles that were distinct yet beautifully melded, they held my interest from start to finish. - SSG Music

May 25, 2010

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By Sunlight rounded out the evening with their rock sound and sweet vocals. By Sunlight was the band I came to see, and they certainly didn't disappoint. It was a joy to watch them truly get into their music and play their music. Vocalist and guitarist Mike Sparks was especially active on stage, moving between his mic and the drums when he wasn't singing, and headbanging along as well.

Like Silian Rail's earlier set, By Sunlight also played their new songs. Though I couldn't clearly hear the lyrics, the music alone lives up to their previous album and has already won me over.

John O'Connell on drums was amazing, as was Jack Clemens on bass, and I can honestly say that every time Mike Sparks and guitarist/background vocals Robert Cheek harmonized, it was a little slice of beauty.

After thanking their audience at the beginning for sticking around -- it'd just hit 11:00 pm by then -- they powered through one song after the next, playing both new and old, and transitioning between each with the kind of fills that make up the intro to pieces like "Summer." Being able to hear "Ghost" live? Was wonderful.

Given the lineup and the genres, I wasn't expecting any major adrenaline high. The cocoon buzz I got was just as great, the product of good songs and that unique breathlessness that comes from the total immersion into music of a live show. Overall, it was completely worth the effort of driving down and navigating the streets of San Jose. If you get a chance to see any of these artists live -- especially Silian Rail and By Sunlight -- I recommend going. If you're from the Bay Area, Silian Rail and By Sunlight will be doing another show in San Francisco tomorrow, 9PM at MilkBar SF. - The Medley View

May 25, 2010

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By Sunlight rounded out the evening with their rock sound and sweet vocals. By Sunlight was the band I came to see, and they certainly didn't disappoint. It was a joy to watch them truly get into their music and play their music. Vocalist and guitarist Mike Sparks was especially active on stage, moving between his mic and the drums when he wasn't singing, and headbanging along as well.

Like Silian Rail's earlier set, By Sunlight also played their new songs. Though I couldn't clearly hear the lyrics, the music alone lives up to their previous album and has already won me over.

John O'Connell on drums was amazing, as was Jack Clemens on bass, and I can honestly say that every time Mike Sparks and guitarist/background vocals Robert Cheek harmonized, it was a little slice of beauty.

After thanking their audience at the beginning for sticking around -- it'd just hit 11:00 pm by then -- they powered through one song after the next, playing both new and old, and transitioning between each with the kind of fills that make up the intro to pieces like "Summer." Being able to hear "Ghost" live? Was wonderful.

Given the lineup and the genres, I wasn't expecting any major adrenaline high. The cocoon buzz I got was just as great, the product of good songs and that unique breathlessness that comes from the total immersion into music of a live show. Overall, it was completely worth the effort of driving down and navigating the streets of San Jose. If you get a chance to see any of these artists live -- especially Silian Rail and By Sunlight -- I recommend going. If you're from the Bay Area, Silian Rail and By Sunlight will be doing another show in San Francisco tomorrow, 9PM at MilkBar SF. - The Medley View

August 25, 2010

by Aaron Carnes

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By Sunlight originally formed in Sacramento, but relocated to Seattle in 2007. It's reasonable to assume that someone in the band just couldn't take it anymore and announced, "We need to get our asses back to California so we can see the sun again. Let's go on tour!" Thus does an indie rock band full of charge, dynamics, and thick sonic arrangements come to San Jose this week. Their guitars pack a punch at times, but twinkle and sparkle at others. The drums pound mechanically, yet also swirl and sweep into tribal rhythms. The vocals punctuate the songs' force, building on top of a gorgeous, moody musical bed with which the band lives up to its name. -- Aaron Carnes, sanjose.com - SanJose.com

August 25, 2010

by Aaron Carnes

-

By Sunlight originally formed in Sacramento, but relocated to Seattle in 2007. It's reasonable to assume that someone in the band just couldn't take it anymore and announced, "We need to get our asses back to California so we can see the sun again. Let's go on tour!" Thus does an indie rock band full of charge, dynamics, and thick sonic arrangements come to San Jose this week. Their guitars pack a punch at times, but twinkle and sparkle at others. The drums pound mechanically, yet also swirl and sweep into tribal rhythms. The vocals punctuate the songs' force, building on top of a gorgeous, moody musical bed with which the band lives up to its name. -- Aaron Carnes, sanjose.com - SanJose.com

May 11, 2012

by Jessica Kaminski

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Well, at least one good thing has come out of North Carolina in the past couple of weeks: By Sunlight has returned victorious from tracking their latest album with Scott Solter. By Sunlight is a five piece from Seattle, by way of Sacramento, California, that specializes in indie pop composed of "equal parts shimmer and punch."

Grounded by the impeccable drumming of John O’Connell and the driving bass of Jack Clemens, the catchy hooks hang effortlessly off the rock-solid rhythm section. You can catch them this Saturday at Chop Suey. They are known for their intense live show, so be sure to wear your sock garters as they just might rock your socks off. - SSG Music

May 11, 2012

by Jessica Kaminski

-

Well, at least one good thing has come out of North Carolina in the past couple of weeks: By Sunlight has returned victorious from tracking their latest album with Scott Solter. By Sunlight is a five piece from Seattle, by way of Sacramento, California, that specializes in indie pop composed of "equal parts shimmer and punch."

Grounded by the impeccable drumming of John O’Connell and the driving bass of Jack Clemens, the catchy hooks hang effortlessly off the rock-solid rhythm section. You can catch them this Saturday at Chop Suey. They are known for their intense live show, so be sure to wear your sock garters as they just might rock your socks off. - SSG Music

August 2, 2010

by Lori Baron

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By Sunlight was the first band I wrote home about when I moved to Seattle in 2008. Coincidentally, By Sunlight (formerly known as Bridges) had only recently moved to Seattle from Sacramento, California a few months prior. Their seamless live performance and shimmering, dynamic sound caught my attention immediately.

By Sunlight consistently performs a delicate balancing act between impressive musicianship and melodious beauty. Last month the band released a 7" split with Oakland’s Silian Rail on Side With Us Records. One of By Sunlight’s tracks off of the EP is “No More Miracles,” a graceful and meandering song that proves the band far transcends the typical math pop formula. - The Seattle Sound

August 2, 2010

by Lori Baron

-

By Sunlight was the first band I wrote home about when I moved to Seattle in 2008. Coincidentally, By Sunlight (formerly known as Bridges) had only recently moved to Seattle from Sacramento, California a few months prior. Their seamless live performance and shimmering, dynamic sound caught my attention immediately.

By Sunlight consistently performs a delicate balancing act between impressive musicianship and melodious beauty. Last month the band released a 7" split with Oakland’s Silian Rail on Side With Us Records. One of By Sunlight’s tracks off of the EP is “No More Miracles,” a graceful and meandering song that proves the band far transcends the typical math pop formula. - The Seattle Sound

September 2, 2010

by Lori Baron

-

Sunday night I caught Seattle’s By Sunlight at the Sunset Tavern with guests Manuok (San Diego) and Summer Darling (Los Angeles). I spoke with Mike Sparks of By Sunlight about their innovative method of distributing music.

“We do it all digitally,” says Sparks. He hands me what looks like a credit card with a code on the back that allows the user to download their full-length album from the band’s website. By Sunlight’s merchandise table looks remarkably different from the usual: several $5 download cards are displayed in lieu of CDs, there is a poster with a code on the back available for sale, along with t-shirts and a 7” vinyl split with the band Silian Rail. Looking at the display, it is obvious that By Sunlight is a forward-thinking band of the digital era.

I ask Sparks about the role that social media plays in their band, and I am rather surprised by his response. By Sunlight’s Myspace page does feature four songs, but the site has become little more than a means of communication with other bands. Facebook, on the other hand, is a different sort of tool altogether and more for communication with friends and fans.

Sparks informs me that the band has had over 14,000 downloads, and the accessibility of their music has helped the band tremendously. Sparks tells me they are entirely “self sufficient,” and not just in distributing their music, but also recording (By Sunlight guitarist Robert Cheek engineered, produced, and mixed their album) and touring, which they book and finance independently.

Sparks goes on to describe some serious drawbacks of 21st Century DIY. We’ve experienced what Sparks describes as “the death of manufactured media.” It is much harder for bands to earn money with digital media, and while accessibility may be a great promotional factor, the bottom line is that “we have been hung out to dry.”

Finally, I ask Sparks where he saw music distribution heading in the next decade. “I’d like to see CDs become obsolete,” he responds. As for the resurgence of vinyl, Sparks sees it as more “memorabilia” and a tangible piece of art for the fan. He describes the difference in sound as “organic and bizarre” as opposed to the clarity of digital music.

Instead of curmudgeonly grumbling about what was lost and what music distribution once was, By Sunlight charges forward utilizing social media, downloads, and innovative promotional techniques to make their music heard. The band is finding a light instead of cursing the darkness. Sparks asserts, “We are embracing the future.” - The Seattle Sound

September 2, 2010

by Lori Baron

-

Sunday night I caught Seattle’s By Sunlight at the Sunset Tavern with guests Manuok (San Diego) and Summer Darling (Los Angeles). I spoke with Mike Sparks of By Sunlight about their innovative method of distributing music.

“We do it all digitally,” says Sparks. He hands me what looks like a credit card with a code on the back that allows the user to download their full-length album from the band’s website. By Sunlight’s merchandise table looks remarkably different from the usual: several $5 download cards are displayed in lieu of CDs, there is a poster with a code on the back available for sale, along with t-shirts and a 7” vinyl split with the band Silian Rail. Looking at the display, it is obvious that By Sunlight is a forward-thinking band of the digital era.

I ask Sparks about the role that social media plays in their band, and I am rather surprised by his response. By Sunlight’s Myspace page does feature four songs, but the site has become little more than a means of communication with other bands. Facebook, on the other hand, is a different sort of tool altogether and more for communication with friends and fans.

Sparks informs me that the band has had over 14,000 downloads, and the accessibility of their music has helped the band tremendously. Sparks tells me they are entirely “self sufficient,” and not just in distributing their music, but also recording (By Sunlight guitarist Robert Cheek engineered, produced, and mixed their album) and touring, which they book and finance independently.

Sparks goes on to describe some serious drawbacks of 21st Century DIY. We’ve experienced what Sparks describes as “the death of manufactured media.” It is much harder for bands to earn money with digital media, and while accessibility may be a great promotional factor, the bottom line is that “we have been hung out to dry.”

Finally, I ask Sparks where he saw music distribution heading in the next decade. “I’d like to see CDs become obsolete,” he responds. As for the resurgence of vinyl, Sparks sees it as more “memorabilia” and a tangible piece of art for the fan. He describes the difference in sound as “organic and bizarre” as opposed to the clarity of digital music.

Instead of curmudgeonly grumbling about what was lost and what music distribution once was, By Sunlight charges forward utilizing social media, downloads, and innovative promotional techniques to make their music heard. The band is finding a light instead of cursing the darkness. Sparks asserts, “We are embracing the future.” - The Seattle Sound

December 3, 2011

by David Martinez

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To make it short: By Sunlight is the grandchild of four (now five) musicians living in Seattle, WA. They blend elements of post rock, math rock, some jazz, pop music, and little dash of love.

Introspective, comforting, dreamy, spacious, stellar, and nostalgic, they musically waltz through songs with some of the most defined vocal content that I’ve heard in a long time. Nuance here is taken very seriously, and you can hear the intense cradling care in each passage - it’s truly inspiring and beautiful.

Without much further ado ... By Sunlight!


Who is By Sunlight? How did the band form?

By Sunlight was originally called Bridges, which was a project I started in Sacramento in the aftermath of my previous band (Mister Metaphor). Originally Bridges was going to be the moniker of my solo project, but as the record was finished and players began to fall in place it became a real band. A year or so into it, our bass player amicably left the band. The rest of us decided we needed a change of scenery so we moved to Seattle, and changed the name to By Sunlight. It felt like the band was different, and the name change represented that metamorphosis into something new.


Do you feel that living in Seattle has influenced the band? Is that environment supportive for your type of music?

I’m not sure that the culture in Seattle has changed our sound at all, however the move itself, rearranged our concept of ourselves. It was the first move to a bigger city for most of us, and something about that magical uncertainty of change can affect the songwriting process. It does help that Seattle is rich with Art and music, and it certainly makes it easier to network with like-minded individuals. Also the rain makes you stay in frequently, facilitating more cerebral activities ... and beer drinking.

How do you write music? What does the process consist of? Is the music written down or demoed?

Well, we have a pretty set way of doing things in regards to our songs. Most of the time, I’ll come up with a part or two on my own, or with Robert [Cheek, guitarist]. We’ll flesh it out a bit between the two of us and then bring it to the band, where we’ll tweak it and figure out different arrangements and inflections. This process usually involves a ton of demoing. We write really slowly, as I think most of us (especially me) are perfectionists to almost a fault. I could show you almost 100 one-to two-minute demos, but our published output is exponentially less prolific. None of us can read music well enough to write it down but, again, the demoing process is an invaluable tool.


What influences you to make such introspective and loving music? Where does it come from (i.e. nostalgia, feelings)?

That's sort of a difficult question. I’m never really sure where the songwriting spark originates. It usually starts with a basic idea that sort of comes out of the ether and slowly narrows itself into something more tangible. I’m influenced by art and life and other music, just as most musicians are. All I’ve ever really wanted to do is create the type of music that inspires people, as so much music has inspired me. I think when the band started, I was really interested in making something beautiful. When we were working out our first batch of songs it was extremely innocent: just four guys in a room trying to make the best music they could. As time goes on, I think the approach is becoming more formulaic, but opening up into something even more unique. With our next record will come a darker vibe, with more intense chord structures, and lyrics that are more image-invoking.


Describe your band in terms of genres, if any apply:

I sort of hate the genre game. I would just call it rock music.

Do you write more music than what you release?

Yeah, as I mentioned, By Sunlight has a huge demo catalogue, and most of the members are engaged in tons of other projects and write music on their own as well.


How regimented is By Sunlight with practicing and dedicating time? Is there a schedule?

It’s fluctuated a lot in the last couple of years. Overall, I would say that we are engaged in By Sunlight related activities about five nights a week, and in those days we practice as a full band three to four times a week. However, sometimes we’ll go two weeks without practicing together, if someone is on tour with one of his other projects. We have a pretty open line of communication between us, so it's never difficult to coordinate.


For Mike: Have you taken vocal lessons? How did you develop your voice? How do you maintain it (i.e. techniques, not smoking, etc)?

Nope, never taken lessons. I think that everyone has a different voice, and anyone can sing well, if they just practice. I try to sing as often as I can, and over the years I’ve learned my strengths and weaknesses.


How often do you listen to your own music?

Embarrassingly often. It’s important to - Musical Mathematics

September 2, 2012

by Alina Shanin

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Local indie rock band By Sunlight recently accomplished a major goal: They recorded exactly the sound they imagined since their beginning seven years ago. After months of hard work and a cross-country road trip to North Carolina, their new album Penumbra is finally done and ready to be shared with the world.

Producer Scott Solter, who’s worked with many successful groups in the past (including St. Vincent, Spoon, John Vanderslice, and Pattern is Movement), couldn’t pass up the chance to record the unique sound that can only be compared to itself.

This 10-track record takes the listener on a colorful journey through space, with tons of ambience and flow. "Penumbra," by definition, is the negative space of the moon, which fits in with the feel of the album perfectly. According to guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Evan Ferro, the band’s goal was to put out a “night” record about playing music, possibly transporting the listener into the late-night club scene where their shows tend to take place.

Michael Sparks Jr. (guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist) is also proud of the new record, which encompasses different aspects of the group and includes every band member’s best qualities. From Sparks’ and Ferro’s vocal harmonies to John O’Connell’s impressive drumming and Jack Clemens' innovative bass lines, it’s obvious that everyone in the group is passionate about their explorative style. Third guitarist Robert Cheek adds another layer of creativity and thickness to their sound, which always gets the audience to sway along during live shows.

Of all the songs on the record, "Chandelier" is Sparks’ favorite. “That’s basically the closest we’ll ever get to writing a perfect pop song, in my opinion … it’s like the song I’ve been waiting to write.” The song is very well constructed, and engages the listener with a natural flow and relaxed energy.

As for Ferro, he said the song "Prufrock" would have to be his favorite because of its sentimental significance. This was the first song the two frontmen wrote together while Ferro was transitioning into By Sunlight and moving his entire life to Seattle.

The chemistry within the band has allowed By Sunlight to explore new aspects of their music, some of which have been influenced by artists like Talk Talk, Scott Walker, and even Steely Dan. Adding horn and string sections to parts of the album definitely enhanced the sound and further pushed the band’s dreamy tone. Melody Mundy, a familiar name to the band from their previous teamwork on their 2008 self-titled album, arranged the recording of the strings in Sacramento, California.

Penumbra is currently being shopped around to record labels, and By Sunlight is excited to see where it takes them. If everything goes according to plan, the record should be released this fall.

Regardless of what happens, these musicians perform because it’s second nature to them. “We just want to make music that inspires people like so much music has inspired us,” Sparks said. - Seattle Music Insider

September 2, 2012

by Alina Shanin

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Local indie rock band By Sunlight recently accomplished a major goal: They recorded exactly the sound they imagined since their beginning seven years ago. After months of hard work and a cross-country road trip to North Carolina, their new album Penumbra is finally done and ready to be shared with the world.

Producer Scott Solter, who’s worked with many successful groups in the past (including St. Vincent, Spoon, John Vanderslice, and Pattern is Movement), couldn’t pass up the chance to record the unique sound that can only be compared to itself.

This 10-track record takes the listener on a colorful journey through space, with tons of ambience and flow. "Penumbra," by definition, is the negative space of the moon, which fits in with the feel of the album perfectly. According to guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist Evan Ferro, the band’s goal was to put out a “night” record about playing music, possibly transporting the listener into the late-night club scene where their shows tend to take place.

Michael Sparks Jr. (guitarist/vocalist/keyboardist) is also proud of the new record, which encompasses different aspects of the group and includes every band member’s best qualities. From Sparks’ and Ferro’s vocal harmonies to John O’Connell’s impressive drumming and Jack Clemens' innovative bass lines, it’s obvious that everyone in the group is passionate about their explorative style. Third guitarist Robert Cheek adds another layer of creativity and thickness to their sound, which always gets the audience to sway along during live shows.

Of all the songs on the record, "Chandelier" is Sparks’ favorite. “That’s basically the closest we’ll ever get to writing a perfect pop song, in my opinion … it’s like the song I’ve been waiting to write.” The song is very well constructed, and engages the listener with a natural flow and relaxed energy.

As for Ferro, he said the song "Prufrock" would have to be his favorite because of its sentimental significance. This was the first song the two frontmen wrote together while Ferro was transitioning into By Sunlight and moving his entire life to Seattle.

The chemistry within the band has allowed By Sunlight to explore new aspects of their music, some of which have been influenced by artists like Talk Talk, Scott Walker, and even Steely Dan. Adding horn and string sections to parts of the album definitely enhanced the sound and further pushed the band’s dreamy tone. Melody Mundy, a familiar name to the band from their previous teamwork on their 2008 self-titled album, arranged the recording of the strings in Sacramento, California.

Penumbra is currently being shopped around to record labels, and By Sunlight is excited to see where it takes them. If everything goes according to plan, the record should be released this fall.

Regardless of what happens, these musicians perform because it’s second nature to them. “We just want to make music that inspires people like so much music has inspired us,” Sparks said. - Seattle Music Insider

December 3, 2012

by Nolan Ford

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My introduction to the musical world of By Sunlight was in the winter of 2006. It was a particularly hectic Friday night with my band performing a show in Red Bluff that was immediately followed by a second gig here in Chico alongside touring act, Brilliant Red Lights. I also recall scrambling to catch a late night performance by La Fin Du Monde at a separate venue before reconvening with our touring friends at a party.

At the gathering, BRL bassist Evan Michalski and I discussed the latest and greatest music from our respective necks of the woods. At the time, it didn’t get any better for me than The Red Robot – a post-punk, indie-rock adrenaline rush out of Redding, California. Michalski informed me that there was also something very special happening in his hometown of Sacramento that I needed to hear – an indie-rock band called Bridges, led by a songwriter named Mike Sparks. Thus began my appreciation for the group of musicians who would soon be renamed By Sunlight. Six years later, the band remains one of the few from that era that continues to perform.

Their first album, The Underscore, was released in 2005 and defined the band’s sound – crooning vocals and somber lyrics supported by glassy telecaster guitar tones and wandering yet hooky bass lines, all guided by unpredictable percussive patterns. After two years of touring on the record, Sparks and his band agreed it was time for a change and relocated from Sacramento to Seattle.

“It was just time to go, you know? What do you do? You leave your hometown, right? You have to,” insisted Sparks.

“It’s important at some point to go out there and do what the rest of the world is doing. I think Sac is a great city with great people and great bands and all that, but I don’t know…I felt like I was standing still.”?

The attention to detail By Sunlight demonstrates within each of their compositions seems to distinguish them from other musicians in their genre. It’s rare that a track is arranged with a traditional verse/chorus structure, and you certainly won’t ever hear any guitar solos – the songs don’t need them. I inquired as to where Mike’s interest in song crafting originated.

“Probably Mario Paint. I know that sounds silly, but when it first came out they had that music program, and there was just something really fascinating – like some unknown language that I had no idea about. And Mario Paint made it to where I could do that without knowing anything. I just became like, ‘Oh I need to learn how to do this.’ I know it’s really silly, but it’s totally true.”

Upon relocation to Seattle, the band produced a self-titled album that they were able to tour on for years without losing interest in the material – a testimony to the meticulous nature of their songs' compositions and their adaptation for live performance. And Sparks loves being on stage, but being a touring musician is something that he constantly struggles with.

“I don’t travel well. Some people were born for that shit. I’m just not like that. I get nervous, I’m high-stress, I drink too much on tour, I get anxiety. The only part during the day I’m having fun, generally, is either when I’m with my friends that I don’t see very often or when I’m playing. So that’s like 22 hours in the day where I just feel like I’m waiting around or uncomfortable or thinking about how I haven’t pooped in the last day or so. The fact that I’m out playing music and seeing the world – it’s great on paper. But you know, I’m a mess, dude. I’m a complicated guy, and I get myself all worked up in this shit.”

Come 2010, By Sunlight finally got a break from their rigorous tour schedule. It was time to start writing and recording their latest album, Penumbra. An endeavor several years in the making, the album is their proudest effort to date. Mike broke down his artistic approach and how it manifests on Penumbra.

“What’s really important to me as a musician and as an artist is to be conscious of what you’re doing: to be doing things directly and coming from a place of intelligence.”

Sparks continued, “In regards to that and specifically in regards to Penumbra, there are a couple things that were consistent in the music and lyrics. I wanted it to be extremely vivid and extremely image-inducing, using a lot of alliteration – like something that falls out of your mouth with a very specific yet nondescript eloquence.”

Sonically the album has a dreamy aesthetic that certainly could be described as eloquent, but what makes the listening experience especially memorable is the emotive weight of the lyrical content. A phrase appearing more than once on the record that caught my attention was, “I am here to disappear.” I asked Mike if there is any one major theme or idea happening throughout Penumbra.

“A lot of it is about making peace with disappointment. The title track is basically about the last 10 years playing in bands and touring, and kind of beco - Synthesis Weekly

December 3, 2012

by Nolan Ford

-

My introduction to the musical world of By Sunlight was in the winter of 2006. It was a particularly hectic Friday night with my band performing a show in Red Bluff that was immediately followed by a second gig here in Chico alongside touring act, Brilliant Red Lights. I also recall scrambling to catch a late night performance by La Fin Du Monde at a separate venue before reconvening with our touring friends at a party.

At the gathering, BRL bassist Evan Michalski and I discussed the latest and greatest music from our respective necks of the woods. At the time, it didn’t get any better for me than The Red Robot – a post-punk, indie-rock adrenaline rush out of Redding, California. Michalski informed me that there was also something very special happening in his hometown of Sacramento that I needed to hear – an indie-rock band called Bridges, led by a songwriter named Mike Sparks. Thus began my appreciation for the group of musicians who would soon be renamed By Sunlight. Six years later, the band remains one of the few from that era that continues to perform.

Their first album, The Underscore, was released in 2005 and defined the band’s sound – crooning vocals and somber lyrics supported by glassy telecaster guitar tones and wandering yet hooky bass lines, all guided by unpredictable percussive patterns. After two years of touring on the record, Sparks and his band agreed it was time for a change and relocated from Sacramento to Seattle.

“It was just time to go, you know? What do you do? You leave your hometown, right? You have to,” insisted Sparks.

“It’s important at some point to go out there and do what the rest of the world is doing. I think Sac is a great city with great people and great bands and all that, but I don’t know…I felt like I was standing still.”?

The attention to detail By Sunlight demonstrates within each of their compositions seems to distinguish them from other musicians in their genre. It’s rare that a track is arranged with a traditional verse/chorus structure, and you certainly won’t ever hear any guitar solos – the songs don’t need them. I inquired as to where Mike’s interest in song crafting originated.

“Probably Mario Paint. I know that sounds silly, but when it first came out they had that music program, and there was just something really fascinating – like some unknown language that I had no idea about. And Mario Paint made it to where I could do that without knowing anything. I just became like, ‘Oh I need to learn how to do this.’ I know it’s really silly, but it’s totally true.”

Upon relocation to Seattle, the band produced a self-titled album that they were able to tour on for years without losing interest in the material – a testimony to the meticulous nature of their songs' compositions and their adaptation for live performance. And Sparks loves being on stage, but being a touring musician is something that he constantly struggles with.

“I don’t travel well. Some people were born for that shit. I’m just not like that. I get nervous, I’m high-stress, I drink too much on tour, I get anxiety. The only part during the day I’m having fun, generally, is either when I’m with my friends that I don’t see very often or when I’m playing. So that’s like 22 hours in the day where I just feel like I’m waiting around or uncomfortable or thinking about how I haven’t pooped in the last day or so. The fact that I’m out playing music and seeing the world – it’s great on paper. But you know, I’m a mess, dude. I’m a complicated guy, and I get myself all worked up in this shit.”

Come 2010, By Sunlight finally got a break from their rigorous tour schedule. It was time to start writing and recording their latest album, Penumbra. An endeavor several years in the making, the album is their proudest effort to date. Mike broke down his artistic approach and how it manifests on Penumbra.

“What’s really important to me as a musician and as an artist is to be conscious of what you’re doing: to be doing things directly and coming from a place of intelligence.”

Sparks continued, “In regards to that and specifically in regards to Penumbra, there are a couple things that were consistent in the music and lyrics. I wanted it to be extremely vivid and extremely image-inducing, using a lot of alliteration – like something that falls out of your mouth with a very specific yet nondescript eloquence.”

Sonically the album has a dreamy aesthetic that certainly could be described as eloquent, but what makes the listening experience especially memorable is the emotive weight of the lyrical content. A phrase appearing more than once on the record that caught my attention was, “I am here to disappear.” I asked Mike if there is any one major theme or idea happening throughout Penumbra.

“A lot of it is about making peace with disappointment. The title track is basically about the last 10 years playing in bands and touring, and kind of beco - Synthesis Weekly