It’s not every day that you come across a song that feels like a heavy weight lifted off your chest. But flipturn’s new single “Sunlight” does just that. The track is not just another indie-rock anthem; it’s an emotional journey, a cathartic release, and – at its core – one of the most personal songs frontman Dillon Basse has ever written.
The story behind "Sunlight" is intensely personal. Dillon has always been open about his family's struggles, but this song takes a deeper dive. The lyrics track his mother’s battle with addiction, and the role Dillon and his sister played in supporting her through recovery. It’s a song about real love – the kind that doesn’t just support you when you’re at your best, but holds you up when you’re at your lowest. The track’s rawness shines through with lines like, “Amy’s on her way to rehab again / Lily’s gonna drive her there,” a direct reference to Dillon’s little sister driving their mom to rehab.
But it's not just the words that hit hard. The music – a blend of distorted guitars and crashing cymbals – amplifies the emotion behind the lyrics. It’s gritty and loud, but also vulnerable, perfectly capturing the tumultuous journey of addiction and recovery.
“I started writing words for it the day my mom had to be driven to rehab again by my little sister,” Dillon explains. “I wanted to tell a story of acceptance of those closest to us for who they are because ultimately, they are the people shaping us and changing us the most.”
The inspiration for “Sunlight” also came from Dillon’s mom’s newfound hobby of growing bonsai trees after rehab, a symbol of life’s painful but necessary pruning. “Like a bonsai tree’s branches needing to be cut in order for it to grow, human beings also need to be pruned in order to grow, even if it hurts like a motherfucker,” Dillon says. That balance of growth and pain is woven throughout the song, creating a powerful narrative of transformation.
To bring the song’s themes to life visually, flipturn has teamed up with animator Kohana Wilson, who crafted a stunning video that ties together the song’s personal lyrics and the symbolism of the bonsai tree. The video captures the essence of trying to find control amidst the chaos, and the need for growth – both personally and within the family.
If you thought “Sunlight” was a one-off emotional track, think again. It’s part of flipturn’s highly anticipated album Burnout Days, out January 24, 2025, via Dualtone Records. And based on the singles already released, this album is shaping up to be something truly special. With tracks like “Rodeo Clown” and “Juno” already gaining radio attention and praise for their infectious hooks, Burnout Days is set to deliver more of the same vulnerability and emotional depth.
Of course, it’s not all deep reflection. flipturn is hitting the road in 2025 for their biggest tour yet, with shows in some of their largest venues to date. So, if you’re ready to feel all the feels, be sure to catch them live at spots like Terminal 5 in NYC and The Novo in LA.
In the end, “Sunlight” is more than just a song. It’s a window into the band’s soul, an open invitation to join them on a journey of growth, healing, and acceptance. And if there’s one thing we know for sure, Burnout Days is going to be an album worth the wait.
Check out this latest release and listen to more of Flipturn on Spotify & YouTube.
Σχόλια