Rapidly rising indie trio Sunday (1994) have expanded their creative universe with the release of the deluxe edition of their self-titled debut EP. This extended version, now released under Arista/RCA Records (Sony Music) following their early success, features three additional songs and is led by the new track, ‘Blossom’. Paige Turner and Lee Newell join us to dive into the story behind their music, their creative process, and what’s next for the band.
Based in LA, Sunday (1994) are starting their day at 10am when we connect, a contrast to my own 6pm. “It’s not as glamorous as it seems. We don’t go out that much. Everything feels so different after the pandemic here. The weather is very nice, though, which helps your mood,” Paige Turner shares. “If you go grocery shopping, it’s always busy because no one here has proper jobs – everyone is in bands or making TikToks!” Lee Newell adds with a laugh.
The tracks from the deluxe edition of Sunday (1994)’s self-titled EP were written after the original release, as the band felt they still had more to express. “We didn’t want that chapter to end,” Paige explains. “We signed with the label halfway through the process, but we’d already written the songs and made that decision. Those songs were written quite recently.” Lee chimes in, “We’re such a new band, and everything has happened so quickly. We didn’t want to do an album just yet, but we wanted more songs for the tour, so we could make a full set.”
Despite the positive response to their music, the band remains cautious about letting that influence their creative process. “For me personally, it’s a double-edged sword,” Lee admits. “Getting great reviews means a lot to me. To get such an amazing reaction felt really nice, to be honest. But I try not to let that dictate the writing process, as that can be dangerous. You end up creating things based on what you think people want to hear, instead of writing from the heart.”
Describing their sound as “dreamy, nostalgic, and whimsical,” the band notes these elements aren’t intentional. “The unique thing about us is where we grew up, in two different worlds, bringing both perspectives into the music,” Paige says. “I like being inspired by old things and adding a modern twist. There are a lot of modern references, but the music feels reminiscent of the past.”
Lee reflects on their approach to lyricism, highlighting the contrast between their emotional styles: “We both deal with our feelings quite differently. I feel like, being English, I tackle difficult things with humor. We try to make it conversational. We’re not trying to paint grandiose pictures; we’re just relaying what’s happening, which can be quite powerful. It’s better to let the listener figure it out for themselves.”
Social media plays a significant role in shaping Sunday (1994)’s identity, both visually and sonically. “I’m chronically online, so it comes naturally to me,” Paige laughs. “We’ve found our way to do it without sacrificing the art or vision.” Lee adds, “People think there’s only one way to approach it, but I believe it can be powerful. Our music is as much a visual experience as it is sonic. Without social media, it wouldn’t be as interesting.”
Having played only two live shows, the band are discovering how to translate their visual artistry into live performances. “There’s personality in the set, little moments that reveal who we are. You have to be there!” Paige jokes. Lee adds, “It’s interesting because we’ve never heard the songs live until we’re in the rehearsal room. The songs become three-dimensional; it’s like watching a film in the cinema compared to your TV at home.”
Looking ahead to 2025, the band are excited about what’s to come. “A lot of touring, a lot of time in the UK, festivals, more music. We’re working on the next batch of songs, so they’ll be coming. Vinyl as well,” Paige reveals. Lee closes with a laugh, “You know, standard stuff… taking over the world, nothing too strenuous.”
Sunday (1994)’s deluxe version of their self-titled debut EP is out now.
