Artist description Paper Sun is a dynamic collaboration of three unique songwriters that were all drawn to Los Angeles to pursue the revival of roots music within popular culture. At the core of Paper Sun is the belief that nothing is more relevant than the traditional cornerstones of music: melody, harmony and rhythm. After a full year of inspired performances in various Los Angeles clubs, these elements of groove, blues and soul are available in a 3-song demo entitled, “Sun’s Comin’Up”, produced by Chris Fuhrman (Garrison Starr, The Innocence Mission).

Music Style Jazz/Groove/Pop

Musical Influences Ani Difranco, Led Zeppelin, Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, Dr. John

Similar Artists Funk/Groove version of Fleetwood Mac, Steely Dan, Dave Mathews Band, Brand New Heavies

Artist History Joel Eckels began Paper Sun in Atlanta, Georgia as a project to support his own original material, but later teamed up with fellow singer/guitarist, Sally Smithwick, who was writing songs and performing in the Nashville scene. It was not long before they found themselves drawn to Hollywood, where they soon met singer/songwriter/keyboardist, Krister Axel, who had recently arrived in Los Angeles from the Midwest. With the addition of Adam Marcello on drums and Carson Cohen on bass guitar, Paper Sun was reborn. “We feel very lucky to have three strong songwriters in this band,” says Joel. “It’s something you don’t find too often these days. Our styles are very different from one another, but they all seem to lead to the same place.” Every set list is written to showcase a few songs from each songwriter, and with so many talented singers, tight vocal harmonies have become a signature element of Paper Sun’s live show. From dirty funk to soul, and from soul to blues to pop, Paper Sun makes use of the entire heritage of American music. The songs are smart and catchy, the harmonies are real, and the sound is just like an old Motown record…timeless.

Group Members Joel Eckels-Guitar,Vocals Sally Eckels-Guitar, Vocals Carson Cohen-bass Krister Axel-Keyboards Adam Marcello-Drums

Instruments Acoustic and electric guitars, bass, keyboards and drums

Albums Paper Sun (self-titled), Ocean (EP), Live at the Gig

Press Reviews Paper Sun Paper Sun Liquid Blue Records Reviewed - 5/13/00 It's just plain GOOD!! And I hope you can appreciate the weight of that statement since it took me a week to figure out how to describe it. I have listened to the self titled debut release from Atlanta-based Paper Sun for four days trying to ascertain the source of my extreme enjoyment. My conclusion: The songs are well crafted, the lyrics are intelligent and the sound is lush. The 12 track CD features the effortless talents of band mates Joel Eckels (vocalist,songwriter, guitarist); Jennifer Lowe (percussionist and drummer); Tim Garwood (bass); Damian Cartier (piano and keyboards); Ed Whalen (electric guitar); and guest appearances by some top notch Atlanta musicians including Sean McIntyre, Aaron Thompson, Sally Smithwick, John Hopkins and Patrick McAloon among others. Favorite tracks: Fragile (track #3) a bosa nova jazz laden ditty, featuring the sultry muted trumpet stylings of Joe Gransden. Freedom Song (track #11) a thickly funk riddled, wah-wah peddled, piano-jazzified concoction featuring a flute solo by Ed McLennan that quite literally gave me chills. Favorite line: "I woke up with a soul tied to my finger/ a reminder of the soul that was once there" (from Freedom Song) Although they have a sound wholly their own, for the sake of rendering a basis of comparison, I would say that if you like the vibe of mellower Eagles, Police, Train or Vertical Horizon, I guarantee you'll enjoy Paper Sun as much as I do. It's sophisticated pop (an oxymoron - I know), it's light jazz, it's alternative rock, it's folk, it's funk...it's just plain GOOD!!! Paper Sun is a bright spot in indie music. Put your shades on and take it in. -Karsten Durand / Atlanta Music Scene

Location Los Angeles, CA - USA

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