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
Latter-day Saint, Yulia Tymochko, Finishes as Runner Up in “Voice of Ukraine” Competition
Yulia Tymochko is a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as “the Mormon Church) from Rivne, Ukraine. Recently the 37-year-old music artist finished as the runner up on season 11 of Ukraine’s national televised competition, Voice...
Mother and Son, Jasmine and Ian Turner, Create Music Together
Jasmine Turner is a mom of eight (seven boys and one girl) and has been involved with music her whole life - as a soloist, choral director, and vocal coach. She put her music aspirations on hold for several years but finally convinced one of her kids to “take their...
Why is Benson Boone No Longer on “American Idol”?
The ever-popular reality television show, American Idol, is currently in its 19th season. This season several members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (often referred to as “the Mormon Church”) auditioned for the competition. Eight Latter-day Saint...
Why Latter-day Saint Music Artist Tiffany Houghton Walked Away from the LA Music Scene
Tiffany Houghton was born Tiffany Crystal Houghton on 6 December 1993 in Dallas, Texas, to Steve and Jennifer Houghton. She has four siblings – Steven, Tanner, Sam, and Mckenna. She has had a keen interest in music and singing since childhood. During her childhood and...
Latter-day Saint Sister and Brother, Ammon and Liahona Olayan, Compete on American Idol
The ever-popular reality television program, American Idol, is currently in its 19th season. This season includes several contestants who are members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (commonly referred to as the “Mormon” church). The eight Latter-day...
The 2021 Youth Music Festival Delivered a Message of Hope and Encouragement
The 2021 Youth theme of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, “A Great Work,” is taken from Doctrine and Covenants 64:33-34. The scripture reads, “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small...