Sonny’s early CDs include This Is My Story, This Is My Song, released in 2002, followed the next year by Sordid Tales of Love and Woe, Sweet Lorraine featuring Jolie Holland on harmonies.
In 2000, he wrote and directed his first short movie “Kid Gus Man.” In 2005, he garnered a residency at the Headlands Center for the Arts to write and perform the play The Dangerous Stranger, and received a residency in 2006 from the LAB in San Francisco to produce part two of the saga, “Stranger Danger!”
Sonny also wrote “Steppin’ Out,” a column for the New Mission Newspaper, in addition to publishing stories in various literary magazines.
In 2005, Watchword Literary Magazine commissioned Sonny to produce One Act Plays, a CD that includes Edith Frost, Neko Case, Miranda July, Jolie Holland, Andy Cabic, Virgil Shaw, Mark Eitzel, John Dwyer and Mekons’ Rico Bell, among other talented artists. Following this was the release of Fruitvale, a collaboration with Wilco’s Leroy Bach and other Chicago musicians that features songs Sonny wrote about his then neighborhood in Oakland.
In 2009 he released Tomorrow is Alright (soft abuse/secret seven) with his band Sonny & The Sunsets, a loose collective of musicians including Shayde Sartin & Tim Cohen of The Fresh & Onlys, Tahlia Harbour of Citay and The Dry Spells as well as Sub Pop recording artist Kelley Stoltz. The Sunsets now include Ryan Browne, Tahlia Harbour, and Kelley Stoltz.
In 2009 he acted in a short film by Robert Arnold All Animals.
In March of 2009, he gained another residency through The Headlands Center for the Arts to begin a large project called “100 records” in which 100 artists make 7” record covers of fictional bands that he supplies the music for. The show debuted for a seven week run at Gallery 16 in San Francisco in April 2010. It then travelled to Okay Mnt Gallery in Austin, Texas and will finish in New York at Cinders Gallery. Artists involved were William Wiley, Alika Cooper, Chris Johansen, Alice Shaw, Paul Wackers, Rebecca Miller, and about 90 more…
Tomorrow Is Alright was released on August 31, 2010 via Fat Possum. The album’s single, “Too Young to Burn,” made its way around the blogosphere and caught the attention of many.
After multiple tours and various collaborative/solo releases, Sonny and the Sunsets released their 2nd full-length, Hit After Hit, via Fat Possum on April 12, 2011.
On April 23, 2012, Sonny & The Sunsets signed with Polyvinyl Records for their 3rd album, Longtime Companion (AKA Sonny & The Sunsets’ country album). Longtime Companion was released June 26, 2012. Another Sonny & The Sunsets album will follow in 2013 on Polyvinyl.
[unknown]
Sonny & The Sunsets Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
In Sonny & The Sunsets's song "The Unknown," the lyrics touch upon the concept of the unknown and the fear that it often evokes within us. The song reflects on the uncertainties and mysteries of life, encouraging the listener to embrace the unknown rather than shy away from it. The lyrics seem to suggest that even though the unknown might be intimidating, it is also a realm of limitless possibilities and growth.
Throughout the song, Sonny Smith's vocals carry a sense of contemplation and vulnerability, perfectly capturing the essence of grappling with the unknown. The lyrics also hint at the idea that the fear of the unknown often stems from our desire for control and certainty. By acknowledging that life is full of uncertainties and embracing the unknown, the song suggests that we may find unexpected joy and fulfillment.
"The Unknown" is a thought-provoking track that invites introspection and encourages us to confront our fears. It presents a reminder that life is an ever-evolving journey, filled with moments that are beyond our comprehension, and yet, it is in these unknown realms that we may find the most profound experiences and revelations.
Line by Line Meaning
The unknown
The indefinite or unidentified aspect of something
Lyrics © O/B/O APRA AMCOS
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
Daniel Finnerty
Never heard of this band before, from England.
I'm impressed.
Brian Whitmer
This show was so good. The reverb on Sonny's guitar (which you can hear really well on this recording) was so cool. It was just a reissue deluxe with the tag still on. Love that each of their live shows they bring a little different mix and production to the sound. The current set up rocking P Bass and Strat is super rad too. Gives it that punk flavor. And their ability to freestyle and put on a super entertaining show just gets better over the years. Hope they keep it up.
Hayden Dominique
He looks like Mac Demarco’s father who taught him everything he knows, but is unimpressed by Mac’s successful career eclipsing his own.
Randy Thomas & the Insecures
Lol. Check out my new band Randy Thomas & the Insecureshttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JdphOi5eRNA&t=4s&ab_channel=RandyThomas%26theInsecures
Tommy Richards
Seriously underrated
Chip Walter
More live vids please!!! Sonny's noisy electric guitar sounds wicked in these performances. Pretty please more tour dates for the new album? Here's a crazy idea- Come to Florida... WE LUV U IN CENTRAL FLORIDA SONNY
turtleman
Sound so sweet live wish I was there.
Tirza Naramore
Brilliant. Good to see some nice videography along with these classic tunes! Almost, but not quite as good as running into a rambling Easy Leaves cowboy singing and playing on the river...
Jessica Stallings
I was there!! Doug Fir Lounge. Man, that drummer. I'm swooning.
O.freeze
Sonny is my dad!