THE NAME Sundrown may seem to be an odd name for a band. However, once the music created from this trio is heard, it’s evident how much the name fits the band. The images that come to mind when the word Sundrown is pondered reflect the colorful destruction of light as the darkness inevitably takes over. This beautiful chaos when day and night are mixed represents Sundrown’s music faithfully. THE MUSIC Within Sundrown’s music is an attractive blend of hard rock and blues with a psychedelic twist. The raspy lead vocals are mixed with an angelic-like back-up vocalist, and the lyrics are dark and mysterious, yet almost light and open at the same time. Sundrown brings a flavor of their own to the musical table. The chemistry between the band members is apparent in the way their instruments blend together, inventing a creative swirl that stand out among today’s mainstream music. This band’s open-minded outlook and willingness to expand musically is manifested in the modern flare of the double bass that hits your chest, the guitar riffs that are influenced by the 70's era rock, blues and alternative era, and the melodically aggressive bass lines that seem to mediate between the two. They refuse to be pegged to one genre, as each member’s musical backgrounds are so diverse. THE ARTISTS Van Hartsell: Lead by guitarist and songwriter/vocalist Van Hartsell, Van been in the South Carolina music scene for close to 15 years. His bluesy yet aggressive sound within his contribution to Sundrown has developed as a product of his influences. The major influences on his guitar techniques would be blues-based rock guitar players. Guitarists like Warren Haynes, Dean DeLeo, John Christ and Slash, these artists directly impact Van when he writes. Lyrically, Van is inspired by songwriters like Chris Cornell, Jeff Buckley, and Warren Haynes, as he writes using metaphors linking one subject matter to another. The subject matter is usually his own specific personal experiences, as opposed to general issues. Daniel Namias: Here is the source of modern flare heard in Sundrown. Daniel’s drive and determination combined with his generous collection of cymbals and drums set him aside from the standard. His percussion experience spans over 11 years, including performances in symphonic, orchestral, jazz, heavy metal, and punk bands as well as years of training in various drum lines and drum instruction. His experience genuinely shows through his contribution to this band as strongly as his outgoing personality. Daniel’s strongest influences include Jon Wysocki from Staind, Carter Beauford of The Dave Matthews Band, and Spencer Petterson’s work in Hidden in Plain View. Heather Gainey: Although Heather has only been a bassist for a short amount of time when compared to her band mates, she has always had music in her blood. Singing since she was able to talk and tinkering with various instruments throughout the years had been her only vice to let the music flow through her veins – until she found her calling in Sundrown. She was a great addition to the well-rounded dynamic duo, as her input intercedes between the two. Heather’s in-the-pocket notes and interesting bass lines fill Sundrown’s music to the point of completion. THE PRODUCT The band joined in January of 2008, but they already have 3 albums recorded and available free for your listening pleasure. The first album, entitled As We Watch the Sun Drown, was recorded by Van Hartsell and guests at Your Pick in Florence, South Carolina and released in late 2007. Their 2nd album, Something or Another, was recorded at the infamous Jam Room in Columbia, South Carolina and was released in July of 2008. Sundrowns 3rd record "The 8th Day Bliss", was released in September of 2009. They also have Performed on the television showLive at the Jam Room , available through Carolina on Demand, channel 1234 on Time Warner Cable. In March of 09, Van Hartsell played on the FOX 43 show "Not The News."  Van performed "20-26" and "Vile of Promises" acoustic and Sundrown is looking at having all live performances uploaded to their video section by September 09. Since the release of "Something or Another", Sundrown has had over 1,800 downloads of all albums and over 800 CDRs given to fans as of September 09.  Sundrown has received much success on internet and terristrial radio (www.fatcatradio.com, www.crossfireradio.com, www.radioio.com, www.jango.com, www.lastfm.com  and several other indie radio sites as well as terristrial stations 93.5 FM in Columbia SC).  Sundrown has had "Something or Another" played in it's entirety on FatCat radios popular show "Monday Marathon" and have recently become a staple on FatCats flagship show "The Big Show."  Sundrown has also received ample terrestrial airplay from KSJD out of Colorado on their "RBS Indie Showcase" show. As of September 12th 2009 Sundrown released their third and most accomplished record entitled "The 8th Day Bliss."  The album was recorded at the newly Managed "Your Pick Studios" with Mike Dowling at the helm.  Sundrown are kept their fans in-the-know by filming video blogs documenting the process of creating "The 8th Day Bliss" from pre-production to completion.  These videos are available in the video section of Sundrown.net as well as their myspace page.