Send Me Higher is the debut single from Sugar Nova. The new duo from Denver is made up of Luke Miller (from the band Lotus) and singer Rachel Eisenstat. The track is a sexy Nu-Disco track that pairs funky live bass, Nile Rodgers-style guitar, ‘90s House piano and electronic beats with Eisenstat’s soulful vocals. The song captures the energy and exuberance of coming out of the pandemic and getting back to the dance floor. "Send Me Higher" brings to mind Dua Lipa, Kiesza's “Hideaway”, and Jessie Ware’s disco takes.
By Kamil Bobin
Discovered via Musosoup
Hello Sugar Nova. What strengths do you have that you believe make you a great musician?
Rachel - “I think a strength we both share is being able to use our classical training as a toolbox for being creative rather than allowing that background to box us into a set of perceived rules. Some other strengths might be discipline with regular practice and a willingness to try a lot of different techniques and styles to expand what I can do as a vocalist.”
Luke - “Working hard and know when to be more minimalist and restrained are things I see as my strengths.”
What is your dream project?
Rachel - “I have a vision of having a retreat center and live music venue on some acreage where people from a lot of different walks of life can come together and recharge through music and dancing and celebration.”
Luke - “I’d would love to soundtrack a movie.”
Your latest track is 'Send Me Higher'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?
Rachel - “This one started with a melody and lyrics that the arrangement was then developed around, and most of our other songs happened the opposite direction, with chords and groove that the melody and lyrics were layered on top of, more or less.”
Luke - “I took a melody and lyrics Rachel wrote and worked up a nu-disco track. I think it really came together when I got Tim Philpott to play bass on it. He had some tasty fills that really brought the groove to life.”
What makes you angry?
Luke - “Maybe angry isn’t the right word, but I get frustrated when something is done poorly or half-finished and it makes my job twice as hard.”
What is the most surprising fact you’ve learnt about yourself?
Rachel - “I’m more introverted than I thought! I've always been really outgoing, but lately (maybe it's the pandemic?), I've been really into having more alone time to recharge in some ways.”
What do you dislike about your work?
Rachel - “I really dislike all the administrative work of running a business as a musician, and how easily that can dominate your time as an artist. I'm still trying to find the balance to make sure I prioritize being creative on a regular basis instead of just getting sucked into the emails and social media posts and accounting.”
What is one message you would give to your fans?
Listen
Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it?
Rachel - “It can be. I like being alone to do my deepest creative work, but I need a collaborator to bounce ideas off of and refine whatever we're working on together. Otherwise, I get stuck in my own head a lot. Sometimes I like getting together in person to work even when it's not necessary just because I'm more energized and focused when I'm surrounded by fellow creatives.”
Luke - “I counteract lonely studio life with having great friends that know how to listen and have fun.”
What do you think is the most beautiful thing you’ve ever seen or experienced?
Luke - “Yosemite during the superbloom of flowers is one of the most beautiful sights I’ve seen.”
What are your plans for the future?
Rachel - “I’d love to deepen my creative and songwriting processes, keep collaborating with Luke and see how this new Sugar Nova sound continues to develop. Outside of music, I am thinking about how I can feel more connected to the natural world in the next chapter of my life. City life is great in so many ways, but I long for more immersive experiences in nature at the moment.”
Luke - “We are releasing the first Sugar Nova album in early 2023. Then I’m looking forward to writing the next album.”