Wouldn’t we all love to leave our dull, grey cubicles behind if the rent could still get paid? This is the theme behind “Day Job”, the fun, catchy song about the monotony of the everyday 9-5 grind by local Toronto acoustic folk-soul-pop outfit Sunshine State. The band formed when good friends, musician/producer James Bryan (Philosopher Kings) and singer/songwriter Aleza, decided to make music about modern life and love as a form of musical therapy. Notable local Dj/tastemaker John Kong fell in love with the crowd favorite “ Day job “ and is releasing several remixes on his Do Right Label by much sought after producer Alister Johnson and well respected hip hop heads Circle Research.
Alister Johnson has been steady making waves in the music industry with his versatile production of both his original material and remixes and re-edits. His remixes include: Feist, Hird w/ Yukimi Nagano, LAL, Layah Jane and Voice. As DJ Catalist he has created dance floor anthems with the ‘unofficial re-edits/remixes” of Ruth Brown, Billie Holiday, James Brown and Love. He takes ‘Day Job’ and converts it from “acoustic pop” to a broken, electrolatin-esque rhythm. He strips the track right down to the raw vocal and brings in highly regarded and original ‘Day Job’ bassist, Marc Rogers who improvised on the main progression when he laid down the bass for the remix. Also contributing is Alister’s brother Oliver Johnson, who plays a bossa guitar style throughout the track. The remix maintains an up-tempo samba feel thanks to reputable Toronto percussionist Dave Gouveia. Johnson adds moog bass, keys and another layer of beats that gives this rework a deep sound, rich with a Brazilian-infused electronic feel.
Following their dope remix of Ivana Santili’s ‘Everlasting’, Do Right’s hip hop aficionados Circle Research are back to give some more shine to Sunshine State. The CR re-rub transforms ‘Day Job’ from a foot tapper to a headnodder by keeping the original flavor and arrangement and adding a fat beat, some keys, claps and cuts. Also included is a ‘dub version’ for those that prefer savory to sweet. CR are hard at work on the follow-up album to their debut Mulligan Stew and continue to rock dance floors near you!
Do Right! turns ‘Day Job’ into a night time affair that is dedicated to all those who live the double life; office by day, musician after dark or to those that think a song about dental plans, muffin breaks and ergonomic chairs is just plain funny.
