City Island “Shining Light”
“Shining Light” is a blast of epics and a timeless, golden celebration that worths remembering. Neon-soul and retro soul intricately and authentically woven together with subtlety. While a delightful twist of rock and indie pop set in its undertone. City Island dive into their love for Motown and Soul in this track. With smooth vibe, luscious soundscape and fierce energy, listeners are certainly in for a treat. Their sounds draw similarities to bands such as Silk Sonic and alike. “Shining Light” is quite true to its name. It’s bright and powerful. It feels like firework and celebration.
Love and passion is in the air. It seems that they have ignite a power within them. Fierce, unapologetic, and completely refreshing. If you know the band before “Shining Light,” you’d hear that nostalgia and soul has never been apart from their music. “Shining Light” feels like a rediscovery of their potential, where they delve into their love and origins and connect to that spark and energy that has been burning at core of their musical identity since the beginning, at the same time, they envision a modern rendition that pushes the evolution of the genre.
“Shining Light” is part of their upcoming EP, which City Island has teased to be an introduction of their sounds and inspirations. Be sure to keep tuning into this eclectic band. Read our interview below and learn more about them:
Punk Head: I love the smooth and eclectic vibe of ‘Shinning Light.’ What inspired you to write the song?
City Island: ‘Shining Light’ was inspired by the many soulful love songs we grew up hearing from artists like Etta James, Aretha Franklin, and Luther Vandross. We try to let that sound and passion inspire us and translate into the love we’ve felt in our lives.
PH: Was there any challenge that you encountered while making the track?
City Island: The biggest challenge we faced while making this track was layering all the live and electronic elements and making the track sound unique within the genre of retro soul. Every choice of sound evokes an era and you’re always making sure the band sounds true to its source material.
PH: What do you aim to accomplish in the near future?
City Island: We want to continue polishing our sound and influences with the musical projects we tackle next. ‘Shining Light’ is part of a larger EP coming soon and the EP is an introduction to our sound and inspirations.
PH: Who are your biggest influences?
City Island: We are most inspired by the R&B artists who have given fresh takes on the genre. These include artists/groups like Jacob Collier and Silk Sonic who are able to create powerful arrangements in their tracks and artists like Allen Stone, Black Pumas, and Amy Winehouse who have crafted that timeless sound in their music.
PH: What is the one thing that you’d like your fans to know about you?
City Island: We have been friends for 24 years and all our songs come from very personal experiences. We hope the warm environment the songs create evoke deeply positive memory for the listener as well. This is our favorite part about creating and sharing music.
