Toronto, ON-based musician, SSUN has released her new single, “Motive” from her first-ever EP, Eclipse.
“Motive” is an upbeat, quintessential pop song that follows the release of her music video “Dear Lover”, an ode to coping with loss and navigating the difficulties of the pandemic. While “Dear Lover” tapped into the depths of SSUN’s powerful vocal range, “Motive” was created to be a happy and uplifting tune – ideal for dancing.
Check out the video for “Motive” below, and find out more about SSUN via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi everyone! I’m SSUN and I am a singer-songwriter currently living in Toronto. I was born and raised in Shanghai and moved to Toronto in the summer of 2015. Music has always been a deeply rooted passion for me since a very young age. My dad began teaching me musical composition at the age of three and it’s been a huge part of my life ever since. As a child, I didn’t understand the full impact of having this exposure to composition and music at such an early age, but now I can see that it has shaped who I am – music is in my blood, and I’m proud to continue pursuing this passion through the release of my first ever EP, Eclipse, which is out now.
This EP consists of three tracks I have been so proud to share with the world, and I can’t wait to share more about what’s next for me with you all!
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
I write from the heart and my music channels my emotions. I use a range of styles to reflect the emotion I want my music to convey, and I have fun using a range of vocals in my work, from belting out ballads while playing the piano to delivering fun pop songs that anyone can dance to. For me, Eclipse reflects a range of styles based on the emotional, creative process. My music stems from a place of vulnerability, and writing based on feelings allows the process to happen organically.
How have you been keeping creative during the Pandemic?
I actually wrote Eclipse during COVID! The pandemic is tough to cope with, and I wrote “Dear Lover” in response to that. It’s a song that captures the sudden loss of a loved one, particularly grappling with all that is left unsaid and undone.
As I continued the process of bringing Eclipse to life, a few months into the pandemic when I needed something a bit more uplifting and dance-worthy, I wrote Motive, which has a fun beat and a lighthearted style. Spending more time at home this year provided me with the chance to create something for myself and to focus on my music.
I have also been spending more time connecting with friends, family, musicians, and other artists through social media, experimenting with content and ways to connect with my audience. You can follow along with me on Instagram @xoxo.ssun where I’ll be sharing upcoming collaborations with artists I admire, new music updates, and more!
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
“Dear Lover”. I really want people who listen to my music to feel something – an emotion or connection – and this song is all about the emotive vibe. I think it’s a song that resonates with people because we’ve all experienced loss at some point in our lives. I want my music to be relatable and honest, to reflect how I’m feeling, and to show others out there that you aren’t alone. We all cope with situations in life differently and if my music can help anyone through a difficult time, or put a smile on their face, then I feel like I’ve succeeded.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
Ah, there are a lot! I would definitely have to say The Weeknd, Drake, Justin Bieber, Alessia Cara, and Michael Buble.