New ’80s rock-inspired duo Ghosts of Sunset from Ludington, Michigan and Anchorage, Alaska have been hard at work during lockdown. As their name suggests, they induce lucid imagery of sunsets and vast landscapes through their dazzling rock ‘n’ roll charm. That nostalgic sound can serve as a comfort for anyone who has been craving energy from a simpler time. Now signed to Golden Robot Records, bandmates John Merchant and Todd Long are gearing up for the band’s first major releases and preparing to make a name for themselves during a trying time for the music industry. Learn more about their history and future plans in our interview below!
What have you been up to during the pandemic?
Todd – Writing and recording new music for Ghosts of Sunset, and I have recently become a new father in September. Been busy!
John – Trying to do interviews, work on 2021 touring plan, writing and recording our full-length follow-up to our soon to be released EP “Headed West.”
Has the lockdown impacted your songwriting this year in any way?
Todd – We’ve been fortunate enough to be able to take advantage of the downtime. We get to write, record, shoot quarantine videos and do interviews. About the only good side to it for us since you can’t really play “real” shows.
John – If anything, it gave us some more time to work and allowed collaboration with our friends who might normally be touring.
What’s your favorite show you’ve ever played?
Todd – For myself I’ve been lucky enough to play some very legendary venues. I would have to go with CBGBs. I got to play there in the early 2000s. Such a magical hole in the wall.
John – Live gigs are kind of like pizza. When it’s good, it’s really really good, and when it’s bad it’s still pretty good. For me, playing with my favorite bands like Faster Pussycat, Lynch Mob, LA Guns, Autograph, etc… is always a lot of fun.
If you could tour with any band/artist, who would it be?
Todd – Maybe Bon Jovi or Poison? Would take almost anything right now though!
John- Any of the 1980s band we grew up on that are still out putting on compelling live shows. A Bon Jovi tour would be pretty awesome. If Springsteen ever needs me I’ll always be there!
What 2020 album would you recommend to someone who believes there’s no good new music?
Todd – I have a few – Knuckle Puck – 20/20, Neck Deep – All Distortions are Intentional, All Time Low – Wake Up Sunshine, Black Swan – Shake The World, Michael Grant and The Assassins – Always The Villain.
John – I like a new band from Michigan called Barrel Bones. If you like Soundgarden or miss Chris Cornell, check out Barrel Bones. Anything the band Lucero releases is almost always great. Dirty Honey rock. Wildstreet who are on Golden Robot have a killer band.
What are your plans for 2021?
Todd – Ghosts of Sunset plan to release our debut EP “Headed West” in February of 2021 via Golden Robot Records. Hopefully play some shows. Keep writing and recording new music.
John – Hopefully our industry will recover and we’ll be able to get out and do some limited touring. We’re in negotiations with a booking agent now, so we’ll see how the stars line up.
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