Relocating from Prague to study film, a cinematic undercurrent lingers in sunnbrella’s repertoire, though a penchant for melding genres results in an artist whose work is difficult to pigeonhole. Evolving from humble lo-fi bedroom pop beginnings to echo the shoegaze-leaning influences of Slowdive and yeule, sunnbrella’s glitch-laden new offering “have your say” is a musing on loneliness in the midst of city living.
A glitching kaleidoscope self-described as “chronically online pop”, the valentine’s day release branches out into a confused metropolis of darting electronics – a far-cry from a traditional ode to love that may be expected from a 14 Feb release.
Currently in the middle of a UK tour with indie cult act Beach Fossils, Zbirka describes the track as a song “about the isolation that life in a big city can sometimes make us feel. Superficial relationships, fake smiles, and promises.
While isolation may take centre stage on “have your say”, he adds: “at the same time, there’s so much life and endless experiences with people from all over the world.”
Delving into the track’s making, he notes, “I wanted to get that dichotomy across sonically as well, leaning more heavily into cold, bright, and digital production but hopefully with a melody underneath. It’s a mix of shoegaze, breakbeats and an 8-hour+ screen time.”
As sunnbrella hints toward a wide-eyed fascination within a melancholic setting, the new release delicately navigates a fine balance – wandering between the loneliness and chaos that catalyses creativity.
