Sunday (1994) invites us into their world of heartfelt storytelling and DIY ethos.

In this Q&A, we explore the genesis of single ‘Tired Boy’, the inspirations drawn from 90s romance films, and the creative process that unfolds within the confines of their one-bedroom apartment. As we unravel the threads of their artistic vision, Sunday (1994) offers insight into their love for fim, multi-disciplinary approach, and the challenges faced as independent artists navigating the music industry's ever-changing landscape.

For those unfamiliar with your music, can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?

The rumour is that we’re a band called Sunday (1994), we’re half from the UK, half from the US and we allegedly write melancholic songs.

Congratulations on the release of ‘Tired Boy’! Can you tell us about the inspiration behind the song and how it came together? 

Thank you! Tired Boy flew in through the window and landed on our laps and here we are. I was giving Paige her first guitar lesson and the chords you hear are the first she ever wrote.

You write songs that evoke the bittersweet nostalgia of 90s romance films. What draws you to this particular era and aesthetic?

Oh, do we now? Whenever me and Paige get together to write songs there’s never a set theme, we just throw things at each other until something sounds good to us. Violent but effective. But yes, I could hear Tired Boy play as the credits roll on a Richard Curtis film. Not that it was intentional. What do I know? I’m just a simple man that owns a travel book store in Notting Hill.

How do your different upbringings influence the music you create together?

Paige was born and raised in the California sun, and I was bored and braised in the gloom of Slough. Somehow we found each other and we both shared the same loves and loathes. So we combined them to make Sunday (1994). X, our drummer, still doesn’t know where he’s from.

Could you share some insights into the process of writing and recording your music in your one-bedroom apartment?

It usually begins with a simple track, I’ll plug my guitar or bass in and record some ideas until it sounds ok. Then me and Paige will start singing and see what sticks. Sometimes the lyric comes first, sometimes the melody. Then we edit and rearrange and edit and drink and drink until a song appears out of nowhere.

The music video for ‘Tired Boy’ offers viewers a glimpse into your day-to-day lives. How important was it for you to convey authenticity through this visual medium? 

In this current economy we didn’t have much of a choice to be honest. Our songs are reflections of our personal experiences so it made sense to share what we typically get up to (when there’s a camera in your face).

You mentioned being cinephiles. How does your love for film influence your songwriting and overall artistic vision?

I said we were cinephiles? God, I must stop talking. Yeah we like films! Our lyrics tend to be quite visual so it’s easy to see the movie in your mind. Musically, we just go with what sounds good to us. Visually, I’d say our aesthetic takes cues from a few eras of cinema. But ultimately we just like what we like.

Can you discuss the significance behind your band name, Sunday (1994), and its stylisation resembling a film title?

We wrote our first song on a Sunday, it sounded like it should be in a movie, plus Sundays tend to be quite weird and sad. So we stylized it as such! Lolita (1962), Casablanca (1942), Sunday (1994)

As an independent band with a DIY attitude, what are some of the challenges you face, and how do you overcome them? 

Money, naturally. We’ve not overcome that particular challenge yet. But to be honest we are pretty much self-sufficient so it’s nice to have total creative control. We record, produce and mix everything ourselves. We do the art. We shoot the videos. So, should we work with a label in the future they’re going to have to be willing to let us do our thing! But yeah, money.

In addition to writing music, Lee creates the band's artwork and handles video and photography. How does this multi-disciplinary approach contribute to your overall artistic identity?

I think this is quite common in this day and age for bands to do art in-house. I enjoy it. It keeps everything aesthetically cohesive. It’s very important to us. It must look how it sounds, and it must sound how it looks. Both me and Paige collaborate on everything, it’s never just one person.

What do you love right now?

Vegan ice cream bon-bons, The Zone of Interest, Hangover Square by Patrick Hamilton, Fitbit Sleep-Score of 80 and above, 16 Lovers Lane by The Go-Betweens, capo on the 1st fret and Malta.

What do you hate right now?

The meat industry, Maestro, the distance between me and my friends, de-essers, capo on the 3rd fret and Malta.

Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s still important to you?

Pet Shop Boys - Behaviour. In my opinion they’re the best pop songwriters the UK has ever produced. And when they hold back a little they’re even more special. This was their autumnal album. Autumnal. I really need to stop talking.

What can fans expect from your upcoming releases? Are there any themes or messages you're particularly excited to explore?

If you like stuff, then you’re gonna love this.