Enjoy the latest single from Portland-based songwriter Sparxsea. ‘Daylight’ features urgent drums and rolling rhythms, jangling guitars and a flowing, fluent vocal melody. This is an anthem for showing love and encouragement for those around us, believing in our loved ones when they need us, and her words are heartfelt, hopeful and rousing: “I see a daylight burning bright in you // and rays full of golden truth // seeding creation in my heart // a garden full of memories // an everlasting light.”
Sparxsea explained the inspiration behind the song to AUK: “I was in a dark place when I wrote ‘Daylight’, grieving the loss of my mother to an opiate overdose. I didn’t have very much belief that I could become happy again. The words in this song came to me. It felt like my mom was singing them to me. Now, I sing them to myself and anyone in this world that might need them. I was scared a lot of the time because of my upbringing. My family had a hard time dealing with the daily implications of my parents’ alcoholism. Getting through nights and ‘dealing with the hands we were dealt’ was our primary focus. Although I had big dreams and kept them quiet, I never forgot the times my mother said, ‘you can do anything you put your mind to,’ and my father’s dedication to supporting our family despite its dysfunction. These things kept me moving in the direction of my heart. Even a little belief goes a long way.”
The accompanying video was filmed by Just One Look Media and edited by Sparxsea herself. The beautifully-shot images of mustangs rescued from abusive homes have a particular meaning for Sparxsea, as she explains: “With this video, I’m raising money for a farm in Maine that supports neglected and abused wild mustang horses, called Ever After Mustang Rescue. They’re in dire need of money and volunteers due to the passing of their founder and matriarch, Mona Jerome, who spent immeasurable time ensuring the horses got optimal care and interacted with their vibrant community of horse lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and families. They need someone to believe in them, so I hope this song will help shine a bright light upon their organisation.”
They were going to film the video on Jerome Dupree’s (Morphine) horse farm, but he connected Sparxsea with Ever After, which is close to Sparxsea’s hometown. The beautifully cinematic video for “Daylight” was filmed by Caitlin Carolan (Just One Look Media), and directed/edited by Sparxsea. ‘Daylight’ will be released via non-profit label CommunityZ RecordZ, who work with influential artists to give back to grassroots charities in their hometowns, with a Go Fund Me and all proceeds from the single will go to help Ever After get back on its feet.
This is the fifth single to be released from Sparxsea’s debut full-length album, ‘On The Sea’. Music has been a way for Sparxsea to process the trauma and conflict of her young life. She grew up in a small town in Maine, surrounded by forest and the peace it provides. However, her home-life was scarred by nightly turmoil, influenced by alcoholism, abusive relationships and dysfunctional parenting. She says: “This album wasn’t always fun to write. but it was very cathartic. It’s a shrine to all the realisations and exciting moments in my healing process. When I was a teenager, I’d feel this deep connection to the stories music was telling. I want my music to do the same. I want the younger generation to be exposed to positive music that brings people together. These songs are about liberation.” Indeed, this is music that is full of compassion and emotional connection, music that will reaffirm your belief in yourself and others. It’s powerful, emotive stuff. Check it out.
From up north but now hiding in rural Suffolk. An insomniac music-lover. Love discovering new music to get lost in - country, singer-songwriters, Americana, rock...whatever. Currently enjoying Nils Lofgren, Ferris & Sylvester, Tommy Prine, Jarrod Dickenson, William Prince, Frank Turner, Our Man in the Field...
