Amsterdam-based duo sunsets & bad bets is formed by classical composer David Collier and jazz singer Sydney Imani. Initially the pair met while studying at Conservatorium van Amsterdam and reconnected to start making music together years later in the summer of 2021. Having collaborated on what was intended to be a one-off single, their sonic chemistry was so good they decided to work together on more music and thus sunsets & bad bets was born.
Now working on their debut album, titled Love & the internet, the release is a concept record themed on dating in the digital era. Set to drop at the end of this year, the album tells the story of the protagonist’s journey from excitement, through to ambiguity and disillusionment, before eventually finding love in herself.
In the build up to the forthcoming LP, the pair have released their debut single via whisht records, “Sunshine on a rainy day” to introduce themselves and their sound to the world. With a grooving alternative R&B sound, on their first track they lay down an infectiously catchy, soulful pop hit that showcases the duo’s talents as composers and performers.
Commenting on the inspiration for the song, David shares, “It was summer 2021, and I got a call telling me my granny was sick, and they weren’t sure if she would make it. It was during some of the worst travel restrictions and I wouldn’t be able to go and see her. We’re really close so I was devastated so I decided to channel how I felt into writing music. Sunshine on a rainy day was the result.”
Adding, “The song is in two parts. The first half expresses the love I feel for her, and the second half is coming to terms with the idea that she’s dying. Musically it’s a departure from the music I had been writing, and this song started the collaboration with the singer, which became sunsets & bad bets. My granny also managed to pull through, it was just a brief health scare.”
Full of colourful instrumentation and smooth lead vocal lines, with “Sunshine on a rainy day”, sunsets & bad bets deliver a hazy lofi jam that marks them as an act to watch as they embark on this exciting new project.
Listen to Sunshine on a rainy day below
More from Music
Frannie B drops new single “Echo”
Based in Oxford, Frannie B has been making an impact in the UK music scene with a pop-focused sound that …
Brand new single from Nick Norton-Smith
London-based composer and multi-instrumentalist Nick Norton-Smith has built a decorated career across an unusually diverse musical landscape, moving between film, …
New full-length record from Divergent
While some musical ambitions take a little longer to find their moment, the journey for Iowa-based trio Divergent has been …
