‘Sitting in the Stars’ is a rousing rock ballad which, in lyricism and composition, dives deep into the range of feelings that grief stirs in us all. The track is a moving blend of poetic imagery, anthemic musical build and stunning harmonies, from icon of ‘I Wish I was a Punk Rocker (with Flowers in my Hair)’ fame, Sandi Thom. Through a universal experience, the grief captured by the track is deeply personal too. Songwriter Alan Hunter said, of penning the rock ballad,
“We all go through it in life- I lost an old pal and Mike (Martin) lost his brother, so it was a difficult time. The song basically wrote itself as soon as I sat at the piano. There is no doubt everyone has someone they want to sit in the stars with but we can’t, so it’s about holding on to the memories and finding the strength to carry on.”
Emerald Sunday is a Scottish indie/rock band, made up of founding member Alan Hunter (guitar/vocals),with Euan Mushet (bass), Mike Martin (vocals), Matthew Fleming (lead guitar), Mike Juraszewski (drums) and Andrew Taylor (keys). Hailing from Kirriemuir, the same Angus town as AC/DC icon Bon Scott, the rockers have performed on the same stages as some of Scotland’s rock and indie legends, including Big Country and Primal Scream.
With an eclectic mix of influences, ranging from Oasis and Stereophonics to Porcupine Tree and Skid Row, the band’s sound has drawn comparisons to Emerson Lake and Palmer and, fellow Celts, Feeder. Following a charity event in Leeds, connections were made with Richard McNamara, of Embrace fame, which led to McNamara producing and performing on their album, ‘Willow’.
Written on an old piano just 2 days after the passing of our singer Mike’s brother James. The track is hugely emotional and came about following a difficult year for some of us in the band. Vocalist Mike Martin lost his Dad and brother in the space of just 6 months and Alan lost an old song-writing friend during the last year or so. This being said, it focuses on learning to move on and deal with loss, digging deep into happy memories of days gone by and seeing our lost loved ones in our dreams.” – Alan Hunter
Sandi Thom is a chart-topping singer-songwriter from Banff, Scotland. Her single ‘I Wish I Was a Punk Rocker (with Flowers in my Hair)’ topped the charts in the UK, Ireland and Australia, earning double platinum status down under.
‘Sitting In The Stars’ written by Alan Hunter
Arrangements by Emerald Sunday and Mark Tindal
Produced/Engineered/Mastered by Mark Tindal
at Open Eyes Production
Performed by Emerald Sunday and Sandi Thom