Folk Rock from New Sunday

Einar Askelsson’s musical vision was never part of a carefully mapped out career plan, it arose from necessity. Before New Sunday became a recording project, songwriting began as a way to face some of life’s darkest moments, transforming personal struggle into creativity and, ultimately, a new and meaningful sense of purpose. Today, the project reflects that journey, blending rock, folk and subtle country influences into songs that place candid songwriting and thoughtful storytelling at their very centre.

Around a decade ago, Einar found himself battling Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (CPTSD), living with severe anxiety, panic attacks and emotional flashbacks that made even the simplest routines overwhelming. Mornings became particularly difficult, with anxiety so intense that it could take until the afternoon before facing the day felt possible. During therapy, he was encouraged to find something that might help interrupt that cycle and almost by instinct, he reached for a guitar.

At the time, his musical knowledge was limited to only a handful of chords, nevertheless, each morning he sat down to play, allowing simple improvisations to gradually soothe the anxiety that had dominated his life. Writing had already played an important role in his recovery and he’d filled notebooks with poems as a way of processing difficult thoughts and emotions, translating feelings into words when conversation alone wasn’t enough.

That context became the framework of New Sunday, a collaborative studio project centred around his songwriting. Einar writes both the music and lyrics, develops the initial arrangements and prepares demo recordings before passing them to vocalist Elizabeth Monroe and executive producer and mixer Simon Jones. Together, they shape those initial ideas into full recordings, with additional musicians brought in where required.

Earlier this year, that vision took its first public steps with the release of debut single “All Days And All Nights,” with the sophomore release “Echoes In The Dark” arriving in March. Now New Sunday continues that journey with its latest single titled “The Empty Street,” a song which blends elements of rock, folk and delicate pop appeal. Brought in by the playful flutter of airy vocalisations as the bounce of guitar and flicker of strings combine above the patter of drums, a country-tinged scene flows with dreamy atmosphere and laid back rhythm.

Simmering down as the lad vocals enter, the soft taps of drums, pulse of bass and twang of guitar notes build up the energy as the song blooms into a dazzling chorus brimming with memorable melodic lines and poignant lyricism. Flowing with singalong vocals and dancing strings, the song presents an enchanting musical moment that’s catchy, moving and truly impossible not to love. With smooth rise and fall in the arrangement, stunning vocal performance and exquisite musicianship, it’s a superb display of Einar’s songwriting flair.

Rising to a spectacular finale where rolling drums propel expressive vocals, “The Empty Street” delivers an epic listening experience that’s anthemic and intimate in equal measure. New Sunday stands as compelling proof that creativity can come from the most unexpected circumstances and what first started as a daily ritual to manage anxiety has since flourished into a collaborative musical project driven by determination, patience and hope. Through “The Empty Street,” Einar Askelsson continues to show that songwriting can become a means of connection and as New Sunday’s catalogue continues to grow, it’s sure to win over countless fans around the world.

Listen to The Empty Street below

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