Cameron Stallones, better known as Sun Araw, is an American musician. Previously a member of the band Magic Lantern, he has released several albums of experimental music, including a collaboration with Jamaican reggae group The Congos. He has also worked as part of the Not Not Fun label 'supergroup' Vibes.
Sun Araw | |
|---|---|
 Performing live in March 2011 | |
| Background information | |
| Birth name | Cameron Stallones |
| Also known as | Prince Sunarawma
Aristocrat P. Child DJ Si Si Si Gracias |
| Born | Austin, Texas, U.S. |
| Origin | Austin, Texas, United States |
| Genres | Experimental,[1] neo-psychedelia,[1] hypnagogic pop[2] |
| Years active | 2007 - present |
| Labels | Not Not Fun, Woodsist, Sun Ark Records, Thrill Jockey, Gotta Let It Out, Keroxen, MIDA, Goodfellas, Mental Groove Records, RVNG. Intl, Monofonous Press |
| Website | sunaraw |
Biography
editOriginally from Austin, Texas, Stallones now resides in Long Beach, California.[3] Stallones was associated with the Not Not Fun label, and released his debut album, The Phynx, in 2008.[1] This was followed later that year with Beach Head.[4] He has been prolific since then with three albums released in 2010 and two in 2011. Stallones also collaborated with Pocahaunted on the Passage album.[1]
Stallones set up his Sun Ark studio in his Long Beach home, where he records most of his music.
His 2012 collaboration with M. Geddes Gengras and The Congos Icon Give Thank reached number seven on the Billboard Top World Albums chart. [5] Sun Araw and The Congos also performed live together.[6]
Name
editAraw is a Tagalog word meaning sun or day, depending on context, so Stallones' stage name literally translates to sun sun. However, as Stallones recounted to LA Weekly,[7] he considers his name to mean "sun day", which is a pun referring to Sunday, and more specifically the Christian Sabbath day. Therefore, Stallones considers his stage name to mean "sacred rest", despite "rest" not being one of the meanings of araw. One justification for this he provided was that he participates for a time in many bands—but his one man show Sun Araw is something he can always rely on when he takes a break from other music projects.
Musical style
editHis 2010 album Off Duty was described by Allmusic writer Gregory Heaney as "pulsing, Krautrock-influenced retro-futuristic lo-fi."[8] Jon Pareles, writing for The New York Times, described Sun Araw's music as "a happy jungle of electronic repetition and live playing. Loops and echoes reconfigured reggae, funk and Afrobeat in dizzying ways; the music cackled and hopped, ready to trip up dancers or just get trippy in decidedly 21st-century groove."[9]
His style has been characterized as experimental, containing "sampled loops, echoed vocals, bursting bass, and random moments."[10] His music has also been described as "neo-dub" and "psych-rock."[11]
With releases like Icon Give Thank in 2012, it is described by Andy Beta of Pitchfork as a "psychedelic gospel album".[12] Furthermore, tracks like "Thanks and Praise" are described as "beyond dub, dancehall, roots, (his previous release) Ancient Romans, never really sounding like... the aforementioned genres".[12] This "psychedelic" flavour to his music can be found in other release such as On Patrol or Off Duty.
Pitchfork currently features 10 reviews of Sun Araw releases from 2010 to 2020, with an average rating of 7.34 (out of 10).
Discography
editStudio Albums
edit- The Phynx (2008), Not Not Fun
- Beach Head (2008), Not Not Fun
- Heavy Deeds (2009), Not Not Fun
- On Patrol (2010), Not Not Fun
- Night Gallery (2011), Thrill Jockey - with Eternal Tapestry
- Ancient Romans (2011)
- Icon Give Thank (2012), RVNG Intl - with M. Geddes Gingras and The Congos, released with the Icon Eye film in the FRKWYS series
- The Inner Treaty (2012)
- Belomancie (2014)
- Gazebo Effect (2015)
- Professional Sunflow (2016), W.25TH - with Laraaji
- The Saddle of the Increate (2017)
- Guarda in alto (Movie soundtrack) (2018), Goodfellas
- Rock Sutra (2020)
- Fantasias for Violin & Guitar (2020), MIDA - with Maarja Nuut
- Lifetime (2024)
All released by Sun Ark Records unless stated.
EPs
edit- Boat Trip (2008), Woodsist
- Leaves Like These (2009)
- In Orbit (2009), Stunned Records - with Matthew Lessner
- Off Duty (2010), Woodsist
- Major Grotto (2010)
- Sun Ark Prayer Tapes Vol. 1 (2012)
- Sun Ark Prayer Tapes Vol. 2 (2012)
- Music from Harvester (movie soundtrack) (2015) - with Nicholas Malkin
- 21.09.15 (2016), Otoroku - with Orphy Robinson
- Adventures In Object-Hood! ("Music From The Great Link") (2018), Ikuisuus - with Noel Meek
- DX "CLASSICS" (2019)
- Cetacean Sensation (2022, physical release by Discrepant)
All released by Sun Ark Records unless stated.
Both Sun Ark Prayer Tapes had a combined physical tape release by Briefield Flood Press, under "Sun Ark Prayer Tapes 1 & 2".
Singles
edit- Hey Mandala! (2008), Not Not Fun
- Sun Ark (2010), Not Not Fun
- Houston Abstros (2011), Monofonus Press
- I'm Gonna Cross That River Of Jordan (2012), released by The Great Pop Supplement - with Spacemen 3
- Sun Araw / Ralph White (2013), Monofonous Press
- Fluid Array (2019) - with Mitchell Brown
- VHW7 (2021) - with Tomo Jacobson
All released by Sun Ark Records unless stated.
Live Albums
edit- Livephreaxxx!!!! (2010), Leaving Records - with Matthewdavid
- Activated Clown (2019), NNA Tapes
- AQUA X: Super Coracle / Tarzana Split (2023), Keroxen - with Tarzana
- La Solo (2023)
All released by Sun Ark Records unless stated.
DJ Mixes
edit- Super Slayerss (2010)
- Meteor Hits 2013 (2010), Rose Quartz
- MMX (2011), Opening Ceremony
- Got To Get Over! (Parts 1 & 2) (2011), Where's Yr Child - VS. Heatwave
- Dummy Mix 98 (2011), Dummy Mix
- He Who Carved The Crater Created The Key (2011), Dublab
- Open: This Is The Literature - Disco Hermetics (2012), Dublab - VS. Heatwave
- Forget Our Fates (2014), Sun Ark Edit Bay - with "DJ Purple Image (Alex Gray)"
All released by Sun Ark Records unless stated.
Live bands
editSun Araw, despite being Cameron's solo project, is often played live with others in band or trio combinations.
This is often named as the "Sun Araw Band", but there are exceptions. These are usually numbered ascending from 1 upwards, written in Roman Numerals. This number change often occurs when the members change, but there are exceptions.
Band formations are listed with a list of members along with their role (where available), as well as credited releases.
Sun Araw Band V
editReleases:
- Formatting Formants: Brisbane (2012)
- Formatting Formants: Adelaide (2012)
Sun Araw Band IX
editReleases:
- Two From The Desert: Yucca Valley (2012)
Sun Araw Band X
editReleases:
- Live ROMA (2013) - with Dracula Lewis
S. Araw Trio XI
edit- Cameron Stallones - Guitar
- Alex Gray - Synthesizers
- Mitchell Brown - Drums
Releases:
- Gazebo Effect (2015)
Sun Araw Band XII
edit- J. Leland - Congas, percussion
- Alex Gray - Computer synthesis, bamboo saxophone
- Cameron Stallones - Synthesizers, MIDI guitar
Releases:
- Live in Oto (2015)
- Live in Oslo (2015)
- Live Kraniche Bei Den Elbbrücken (2016), Hafenschlamm Rekords
Live Kraniche Bei Den Elbbrücken is credited to Sun Araw Band XII, despite not sharing the same members or instrumental roles. This variation of members is listed below:
- Cameron Stallones - Synth, guitar, voice
- "J. Gray" - Percussion
- J. Leland - Synth, bamboo saxophone
S. Araw Trio XIII
edit- Cameron Stallones - MIDI Guitar, synthesizers, vocals
- J. Leland - MIDI Drums, percussion
- T. Jacobson - "MIDI Ribbon"
Releases:
- Antwerp (2016)
- Warsaw (2016)
S. Araw Trio / Band XV
edit- Cameron Stallones - Guitar, synthesizers
- M. Riordan - Synthesizers
- J. Leland - "VDrums", percussion
Releases:
- Jupiter Wilson (2017)
- Hot Tub in Tallinn! (2018)
Sun Araw Band Ensemble (2017)
edit- Cameron Stallones - Guitar, synthesizer
- M. Riordan - Synthesizer
- R. Magill - Saxophone (unspecified)
- C. Mitchell - Percussion, "pocket trumpet"
Releases:
- Live At Zebulon (2017)
Sun Araw Duo XVI (2024)
edit- Cameron Stallones - Synthesis, drum program, midi-guitar
- M. Riordan - Yamaha Portasound-470, bass synthesizer
Release:
- LA DUO (2024)
All Sun Araw Live Band releases are released by Sun Ark Records unless otherwise stated.
Music Aliases
editCameron Stallones over the course of his career has also made music under several aliases other than Sun Araw. These aliases define either solo releases, or group projects.
Known aliases are listed below, with their own releases, discographies and information.
Aristocrat P. Child
edit- Sun Ark Edit Bay #1 (2012), Sun Ark Records
- All Your Heart: The Label Under The Label (2012), Sun Ark Edit Bay
- Now We're Getting Somewhere! (2012), Sun Ark Edit Bay
- We Got Telephones (2012), Sun Ark Edit Bay
Aristocrat P. Child was an alternate alias of Cameron Stallones used to publish DJ mixes.
DJ Si Si Si Gracias
edit- Hallo Wee Trenty Thirty (2013), Tiny Mix Tapes
- Parallel Desires (2014), Sun Ark Edit Bay
- Thatness / Thereness (2014), Sun Ark Edit Bay
- DB12 003 (2020), Duca Bianco
DB12 003 is a vinyl 12" pressing of Aristocrat P. Child's "Sun Araw Edit Bay #1".
DJ Si Si Si Gracias was an alternate alias of Cameron Stallones used to publish DJ mixes.
Prince Sunarawma
edit- Irene (2012), Atelier Ciseaux
Members:
- Nimai Larson - Djembe
- Cameron Stallones - Guitar
- Taraka Larson - Harmonium
- Sebastian Jovanic - Synthesizer
- Pete Swanson - Mastering
The record sleeve notes this as a "hurricane jam(!)", recorded during hurricane Irene.
Celebrate Music Synthesizer Group
edit- Celebrate Music Synthesizer Group (2013), Sun Ark Records
Members:
- Cameron Stallones
- M. Geddes Gengras
- Tony Lowe
- Butchy Fuego
Turban Chopsticks
edit- Mexican Food (2013), Sun Ark Records
Members:
- Alex Gray - Drums
- Cameron Stallones - Guitar
- Tony Lowe - Guitar
Turban Chopsticks was a live recording / jam session recorded live in Adelaide 2012.
Sohni Chambers
edit- Yaw-Mah-Ha (2010), Goaty Tapes
Members:
- Cameron Stallones - Galaxie 8180 Organ
- Nick Malkin - 5-Piece Drum Kit
Each track is a live jam recorded at various times in the day, recorded on the tracklist.
Hold The Phone
edit- Safe Breezes [Improvisations for strings and synthesizer] (2011), Sun Ark Records
Members:
- Cameron Stallones - "Strings"
- Barrett Avner - Synthesizer
High Ceilings
edit- High Ceilings (2014), Sun Ark Records
Members:
- Cameron Stallones
- Dave Saymek
- Mitchell Brown
In popular culture
edit- The tracks "Harken Sawshine", "Horse Steppin", as well as an original cover of Neil Young's "Thrasher" were featured in the 2011 independent feature film The Woods written and directed by Matthew Lessner.[13]
- The tracks "Horse Steppin" and "Deep Cover" were featured in the 2012 video game Hotline Miami.
- Sun Araw stars in the 2013 short film Chapel Perilous, written and directed by Matthew Lessner, which won the Audience Award at the Sundance Film Festival.
References
edit- ^ a b c d True, Chris "http://www.allmusic.com/artist/sun-araw-p1179756/biography Sun Araw Biography", Allmusic, retrieved 2012-05-20
- ^ Keenan, Dave (August 2009). "Childhood's End". The Wire. No. 306.
- ^ Steeply, M. Hugh 2009 "http://www.tinymixtapes.com/features/sun-araw Sun Araw: Interview", tinymixtapes.com, August 2009, retrieved 2012-05-20
- ^ Raggett, Ned "http://www.allmusic.com/album/beach-head-r1716226/review Beach Head Review", Allmusic, retrieved 2012-05-20
- ^ Simpson, Paul. "Sun Araw". AllMusic. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
- ^ "Sun Araw, M. Geddes Gengras and the ICON GIVE THANK crew's top 20 reggae finds from Jamaica". Fact Magazine. May 15, 2012. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
- ^ Ryder, Caroline (2010-06-10). "Heavy Drone for Bunnies". LA Weekly. Retrieved 2021-12-09.
- ^ Heaney, Gregory. "Off Duty/Boat Trip - Sun Araw". AllMusic. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
- ^ Pareles, Jon (April 22, 2012). "Private Electronic Lagoons Just Above the Aural Horizon". The New York Times. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
- ^ Raggett, Ned. "Ancient Romans - Sun Araw". AllMusic. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
- ^ Sharp, Elliott (April 10, 2012). "Sun Araw & M. Geddes Gengras Meet The Congos: Icon Give Thank". The A.V. Club. Retrieved December 9, 2021.
- ^ a b "The Congos / Sun Araw / M. Geddes Gengras: Icon Give Thank". Pitchfork. Retrieved 2024-02-24.
- ^ Jagernauth, Kevin (January 10, 2011). "Exclusive: Listen To Sun Araw's Neil Young Cover 'Thrasher' From Sundance Film 'The Woods'". IndieWire. Retrieved December 9, 2021.