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.
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