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
Spark Singers Testify in Song that Christ is the Hope of the World
We live in a day and time when hope seems to be more of something that is fleeting than of something that is sure. Our daily news broadcasts often paint a dismal picture of the world’s condition. Thus, many people live in a world of despair believing that there is no...
Monica Scott and Sarah Arnesen Create Beautiful Music “In the Bleak Midwinter”
Christmas is about spending time with our family and those we love as we celebrate the real reason for the season – the birth of the Savior of the world – Jesus Christ. Not only is it a time when we give gifts to and receive gifts from family and friends, but the...
Working With Lemons Serving Others “In the Bleak Midwinter”
In a new Christmas video “In the Bleak Midwinter” which is a Christmas carol based on a poem by the English poet Christina Rossetti written before 1872, Working with Lemons demonstrates the joys of serving others. In the video, we see the family caroling together...
Paul Cardall’s New Christmas Song – Son of God
Soon it will be Christmas Day, and once again the hearts and minds of Christendom are focused upon those extraordinary events that took place in a little town called Bethlehem during the night of miracles that occurred more than two centuries ago. The timeless...
Yahosh Bonner and Abraham Thomas – Testimony in Song – “You Raise Me Up”
This Week’s “Video Find of the Week” features the talented vocals of Yahosh Bonner and Abraham Thomas singing an excellent rendition of “You Raise Me Up.” The heart and soul put into their presentation render not only a powerful message to everyone that no matter how...
Monica Scott’s Beautiful Arrangement of “Away in A Manger”
Christmas is a wonderful, magical time of the year. There seems to be a special feel in the air. Shoppers rush here and there to find that perfect gift to give to each person on their gift list. Beautifully decorated homes line the streets of neighborhoods. In...