Aspartame Sunshine
Austi Stenson and Emily Erekson, with frequent appearances from Just J (beat box), comprise the band known as Aspartame Sunshine. The band formed in 2015 and has since released an EP featuring five original songs including “South Dakota,” “Smooth,” and “Fire.” These songs can be listened to on their SoundCloud page. A digital copy of the EP can be purchased here.
Most of Aspartame Sunshine’s lyrics and melodies are written by Austi with accompaniment and harmonies by Emily. Their style of music doesn’t “fall squarely into one genre” but rather they “are interested in anything that is beautiful yet unexpected.” A few of the artists that they like include Ingrid Michaelson, Bjork, Bach, and The Shins.
Emily received her Master of Music Degree in Piano Performance at Brigham Young University (BYU), and her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Piano Performance at Southern Utah University. She has taught piano, sight singing, and private piano. She has also performed in the Czech Republic with the International Music Academy, in Paris, France, with the European American Music Alliance, and at the Julliard Jazz Festival at Snow College.
Austi grew up in a musical home with a songbird of a mother, however, she has little to no formal training. She studied business and communication at Utah Valley University. In 2008, she discovered the art of singing and songwriting and has been writing her life’s experiences into music ever since.
Austi and Emily recently performed “Our Savior’s Love” and “South Dakota” on an episode of Mormon Channel Studio hosted by Nik Day. They hope their music is not only appreciated for its unique sound, but for the sincerity with which each lyric is delivered.
Follow Aspartame Sunshine
Recent Posts
The Piano Guys Release First Live Album and Announce Tour Dates
Jon Schmidt, Steven Sharp Nelson, Paul Anderson, and Al van der Beek, all of whom are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, comprise the American musical group known as The Piano Guys. Their immense success is attributed to their series of...
80-Year-Old Grandparents Celebrate 60th Anniversary with Piano Duet
William Hazlitt, an English writer remembered for his humanistic essays and literary criticism, is quoted as having said, “To be capable of steady friendship or lasting love, are the two greatest proofs, not only of goodness of heart, but of strength of mind.” And,...
Cedar Breaks Wins at International Family Film Festival
Cedar Breaks Band wins Best Music Video for “My Dog” in Hollywood at the International Family Film Festival, held last weekend from November 6-8. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wdpR773wLLQ This is the second consecutive win for the band in this...
Imagine Dragons Introduces One4 Project to Support Refugee Relief Efforts
One of the top trending news stories at this hour is about the ongoing refugee crisis. With hundreds of thousands of refugees desperately seeking humanitarian assistance, particularly across the Middle East and Europe, there are many people who are wondering what they...
BYU Noteworthy – Amazing Grace (My Chains Are Gone)
The beloved classic hymn “Amazing Grace” is not only sung in church congregations, in many different languages worldwide, but it is also sung during other occasions. The Christian hymn which was published in 1779, was written by English poet and clergyman John Newton...
David Archuleta and BYU Vocal Point – Nearer My God to Thee
David Archuleta, the American Idol pop star, served a full-time two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the country of Chile from 2012 – 2014. He recently bid farewell to the older of his sisters, Melissa Jasmine Archuleta (Jazzy), for...