“I couldn’t do anything else; the energy inside of me had to get out in some way,” shares indie-rock artist SUNSCREEN, when asked, “why music?” His recently released debut album “EAT SUNSCREEN,” is a culmination of his commitment to delivering an uplifting and immersive experience through sound. SUNSCREEN shares that when something brings you so much life, you know you are meant to do it. 

Growing up in Singapore, SUNSCREEN was introduced to music early on, through his exposure to church bands. He was inspired by their live expression and sought to find a similar creative outlet. From drumming in his church band and later joining high school choir, SUNSCREEN developed his vocal skills and love for indie and alt rock. Influenced by 2010s bands such as Foster the People, Young the Giant, and The Happy Fits, he gradually developed his own music, production style, and vision, in the midst of aligning with his passion. 

When asked about the origin of the name SUNSCREEN, he reflected that he wanted something that could immediately set the tone and feeling for his music, which he symbolically associated with the sun. The idea evolved when joking with a friend, “wouldn’t it be funny if my name was just Sun…Screen?” The name stuck, and genuinely captures his playful and lighthearted genre. 

With his debut album, “EAT SUNSCREEN,” each song radiates the warmth of the sun, the energy of summer, and a carefree spirit. SUNSCREEN describes it as a reminder to delight in the little things in life. Whether in moments of happiness or sadness, these works can elevate your mood, inspire resilience, offer a supportive escape, or just simply activate the party. 

Take the first track of the album, “Move With Me,” an infectious indie surf-rock song with a bright and colorful zest. The music video shot in Cincinnati, celebrates togetherness, with a fun cha-cha vibe and choreography that embodies the joy of dancing and self-expression. This song sets the stage for the rest of “EAT SUNSCREEN,” and serves as a great introduction to both the themes of the album and SUNSCREEN’s artistry.

His energy and vocal delivery throughout the album, combined with catchy hooks and uplifting lyrics, draw attention to life’s simple pleasures. From falling in love, to moments of connection with nature and the excitement of travel, to the refreshing sensation of cold water on a hot summer day or a breath of fresh air, or the loyalty of a beloved pet, each track showcases a vibrant aspect of life’s tapestry. And it’s not just happy moments that bring us joy, but the mindset we cultivate that helps us stay present and navigate life’s ups and downs. In his song “Let It Out,” SUNSCREEN sings, 

“Stop taking your time with the bad of yesterday

Life is push and pull

You can get through

Let it out

Don’t rewind and take a step back

To react to all the things you can’t change

You won’t rearrange

The problems you face

Come on, just let it out” 

As humans, we are packed with resilience and strength that many of us don’t even know we’re capable of enacting. SUNSCREEN’s sentiment “Let It Go,” offers a mantra for us to stay present, let go of things that are out of our control, and bounce back. And once we can release, we can really revel in the special moments of life that are all around us at any given time. What we do have control over, as SUNSCREEN points out, is what we focus on.

Self-written and produced, SUNSCREEN shares that this aspect was one of his favorite parts of creating the project. From being alone in a room experimenting with endless creative possibilities, SUNSCREEN mad-scienced this album into existence. Blending island vibes and “surf’s up” energy from his Singaporean childhood with danceable rhythms and wholesome lessons, the album brings SUNSCREEN’s life to life. Musically rooted in his indie-rock influences, the album is built on drums, bass, and guitar, but SUNSCREEN integrates many unique touches. For instance, you’ll hear an acoustic guitar layered on an 808 bass, or you’ll hear sprinkles of lively staccato or the islandy vibrance of steel drums. With such a variety, both the music and messages offer a little something for everyone. 

Hear for Yourself

To stay up to date with SUNSCREEN, connect here.

In closing, SUNSCREEN shares with readers and listeners alike to “[not] wait until January 1st to start on your “New Years” resolution. Time is merely a concept, and because we live life right now, why not put your best foot forward today?

Austin, TX – November 19, 2024 – Millennium Resorts, the Austin-based musical duo composed of Scott and Jonathan, are back with their latest single, “Not Gonna Do What You Say.” Known for their genre-blending sound, the duo leans into a more pop-influenced direction with this track while retaining their trademark thought-provoking depth.

Driven by a bold bassline and a straightforward melody, “Not Gonna Do What You Say” is an anthem of frustration and rebellion. “I think it’s really just venting frustration at, you know, government and politicians and corporations telling you one thing and doing another,” says Jonathan. “There’s an anti-war element in the opening lines, but the song is really about that broader feeling of distrust and dissatisfaction with authority. It’s something that resonates regardless of what side you’re on.”

The duo cites influences ranging from Pink Floyd to Michael Jackson, but this track takes cues from the latter with its electronic-heavy, rhythmic foundation. Jonathan explains, “Scott would say this is more of a pop effort because it’s got less guitar and more heavy bass and electronic beats. The melody is pretty simple—probably the simplest I’ve ever written—but it just fits perfectly with the vibe of the song.”

Writing and producing the single also marked a shift in their creative dynamic. “This time, I got to take the lead as the main vocalist, which was a first for me,” Jonathan shares. “Scott’s voice is already established in the band, so we made sure he sang on the bridge. It’s got this great part where we’re harmonizing—it felt like a real evolution for us.”

While Millennium Resorts remains focused on releasing singles, they haven’t ruled out the possibility of a new album. “We’re moving away from the big concept approach of our last album, In the Key of David, and focusing on shorter, tighter tracks,” says Jonathan. “This song may end up on an album, but for now, we’re just cranking out songs and letting them speak for themselves.”

Millennium Resorts debuted in 2023 with their acclaimed album In the Key of David, a genre-defying record praised for its hypnotic grooves and cinematic depth. Tracks like “Happiness” and “Eternal Rest” showcased their ability to blur the lines between psychedelic rock, shoegaze, and dream pop. With “Not Gonna Do What You Say,” they continue to push boundaries, delivering a track that is both accessible and uncompromisingly bold.

For fans of Tame Impala, M83, or Michael Jackson, “Not Gonna Do What You Say” offers a fresh perspective on defiance and individuality. Millennium Resorts invites listeners to share the song with others who can connect with its message. “If you have people who like this kind of music, please share it with them,” Jonathan urges.

“Not Gonna Do What You Say” is available now on all major streaming platforms.

About Millennium Resorts

Hailing from Austin, Texas, Millennium Resorts is a duo dedicated to crafting music that transcends genres and challenges perceptions. Their debut album, In the Key of David, solidified their reputation as innovators, blending elements of prog rock, dream pop, and shoegaze. Scott and Jonathan continue to evolve their sound, drawing inspiration from their eclectic influences while maintaining their unique artistic voice.