EPK – Surface of The Sun – Dragon (EP) (2020)

EPK – Surface of The Sun – Dragon (EP) (2020)

Publicist – Jon Asher – jon[@]ashermediarelations[.]com

For fans of Tool, A Perfect Circle, Chevelle

Band: Surface The Sun
Album Title: Dragon
Release Date: Aug 17, 2020
1. Dragon (3:47)
2. Vanguard (6:19)
EP Length:  10:06

Surfaceofthesunmusic.com | Instagram.com/surface_of_the_sun_music | Facebook.com/surfaceofthesun | Youtube.com/@surfaceofthesun

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“Panacea is a very well put together release and really showcases Eggers’ production and musical skills” – Powerplay Magazine UK (2019 – Panacea EP)

[Download EP Cover | Download EP Lyrics]

Band: Surface The Sun
Album Title: Dragon
Release Date: Aug 17, 2020
1. Dragon (3:47)
2. Vanguard (6:19)
EP Length:  10:06

EP Credits:
Music: All music and lyrics written and performed by Devon Eggers, except the drums, which were performed by Chris Warunki.
Produced, recorded, edited, and mixed by Devon Eggers at Surface of the Sun Studios.
Mastered by Andrew Downton at Railtown Mastering.
EP Artwork: By Vohrart
Member of SOCAN
Content is Canadian Music (MAPL)

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The EP as a whole and track by track:

Musically the two songs were meant to contrast.

Dragon was written to be on the fringe of what I would normally classify as a Surface of the Sun song. I had the radio in mind when I wrote this and tried to keep the song within boundaries that one typically needs for radio, but still make sure it has the Surface of the Sun feel. Vanguard was meant to be more progressive and contrasting, and a current example of the roots of Surface of the Sun.

Lyrically, Dragon and Vanguard are essentially parts 2 and 3, after the lyrics of Oblivion. Oblivion is basically about overcoming the voice inside that might tell one they are not good enough; it’s about overcoming self-doubt. Dragon is about, now having beaten that voice, finding that inner strength, the Dragon, to become what one is meant to or wants to be. Vanguard is about, now having become that thing, the dragon, becoming a leader who can inspire others to do the same. So, it’s cyclical. It’s a process of growth that repeats itself, spreading from one person to the next.

Musically:

Dragon: Dragon is a catchy, yet heavy track, that is driven by a kick drum like a dance (EDM) song would be. It even has, after the bridge, an EDM-like “drop” into the final chorus. It blends a dance-like feel into a prog-rock track.

Vanguard: Vanguard is a longer, progressive soundscape that follows a unique arrangement that allows for interesting builds and dynamics between sections. The vocal arrangement is kept simpler to allow for more complexities within the Asian instruments that complement the heavy guitar tracks.

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Fun Facts – Story Angles

1. Surface of the Sun is a solo project by Devon Eggers, with almost 100% of all things being created and done by Devon Eggers. Each album is a massive undertaking that requires him to wear multiple hats, use multiple skillsets, have crazy patience, utilize thorough planning, and manage a project that normally requires several skilled people. He also does this while being 100% independent, with no finanical support or other support of any kind. Surfuce of the Sun is likely to be one of the most “independent” and “solo” projects anyone will encounter.

2. Oblivion, Surface of the Sun’s first hit single, was not written to or intended in any way to be a radio single. Yet, through an interesting combination of events, ended up reaching 26 on the Canadian Rock Radio TOP 40 chart.

3. Oblivion, released in 2019, captured the attention of Billboard, giving Devon Eggers and Surface of the Sun an artist spotlight.

4. Devon received a 4-page interview spread in Long & McQuades 2019 fall cataloge.

5. Devon Eggers also writes, performs, and releases music from multiple genres under his own name. These are entirely solo endeavours, just like Surface of the Sun. He is also a novelist, having written two books in a series that has received 5-star reviews on Amazon. Book 3 is in the works.

Photo Credit – Charmaine Schmaltz

After moving to Vancouver, Canada, in 2002 to obtain an education in audio engineering, Devon Eggers worked as an in-house and freelance engineer in many of the major studios around the city. During this time, he focused on developing his skills as an engineer and producer, learning from studio regulars such as Garth Richardson (Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chevelle, Rage Against the Machine), Devin Townsend (Strapping Young Lad, Devin Townsend Project), and Dave Genn (Matthew Good Band, 54-40).

During that time Devon also wrote original material with other musicians. Nothing serious ever developed, but he continued to write, finding his sound and voice as an artist. It wasn’t until around 2005, intrigued by the challenge, that he decided to pursue his music as a solo endeavour, which required moving beyond being just a guitar player. Devon focused on developing his skills with other instruments and singing and then wrote his debut album, A Dying Star. He performed all music and lyrics (except for drums), and after some significant life changes, completed recording and mixing the album in a very small town in northern British Columbia. In 2011 Devon chose the project name, Surface of the Sun, and A Dying Star was released.

Since then Devon released the EP, Panacea(2019), which had it’s single, Oblivion, peak at 26 on the Canadian radio Rock TOP 40 charts, and the single, Dragon (2020). From Oblivion’s success, Devon received an Artist Spotlight by Billboard in 2019, and a feature article by Long & McQuade in the Fall 2020 magazine.

Devon experimented with other genres releasing two EPs under a secondary solo project that will be re-released under his name in 2021. He also self-published his first novel, an action-packed thriller with a sci-fi twist called, Sky View (available as an e-book on Amazon and Kobo). He continues to develop his expertise as a safety professional specializing in improving workplace safety and culture and started acting in short films in 2020.

Devon also offers multiple music services including mixing, training, and production. Please feel free to send him a message on Facebook if you’re interested to learn more about these services.  

Discography:
2011 – A Dying Star
2019 – Panacea
2020 – Dragon