If you’re looking to know more about the creative force behind the newest single from The Sunnyside Uppers, you might be out of luck. “If All Is Lost” is a mysterious offering from a group that seems to pride themselves on their own mystique.
Known only as “The Kid”, the creator of the track is a new addition to a reputedly fresh incarnation of a fraternal organization that dates back to 1934. Much like their American counterparts, the group was intended to promote positivity and healthy living during the Great Depression. As time went on and the group’s social relevance diminished, it came time for a strive towards redemption.
Enter the current lineup, a self-proclaimed ragtag bunch based in Saint John, New Brunswick who’ve seen their own share of hard times.
Subsequently, enter “The Kid”.
Though not much is known about him, his insight into the creative process of this song is surprisingly vivid. It was written and recorded all in the same day, with the help of his brother, who is a recording engineer.
“[It was] during a period when I was trying to write something daily, plus become more attuned to the cosmic winds of inspiration,” he says, “or whatever you want to call it.”
The song feels driven by an urgency to find its footing, and maybe that’s because it is. “The Kid” explains that the song was captured in about 20 minutes, after isolating himself in a room to block out all distractions.
“The word ‘now’ is repeated in the first two lines and it bugs me every time I hear it, but I’ll never recapture the specific energy of this performance. I guess it’s fitting.”
All of this bleeds through into the end result of the song. “The Kid’s” muffled vocals are earnest as he stews over the hopelessness of not knowing how to fix a problem he’s caused. A layer of murk coats the song, like it was recorded from within the very same cosmic winds he finds himself chasing.
Though it’s only the third track the collective has officially put out into the world, it paints a definitive picture of the path they’re trying to tread. The Sunnyside Uppers insist that they’re tired of shallow entertainment, and this single proves that they’re doing something about that themselves.