The band formed in Sydney in 2004 and were originally known as The Spark. The brainchild of Alex Burnett (vocals, guitar) and Dave Hall (drums), Sparkadia became a reality with the addition of Nick Rabone (bass) and Josephine Ayling (keyboards, guitar, vocals) in 2006.
They first came into prominence in Australia with their debut EP titled Things Behind the Sun. The EP was released in Australia on 20 February 2007; with the lead single "Morning Light" being the #1 most downloaded track off Australian national broadcasters Triple J's website with 32,000 downloads in two months. This was followed by extensive Australian touring and led to signing with UK label Ark Recordings.
With a line-up change in 2008 with Tiffany Preece replacing Josephine Ayling, Sparkadia released their debut studio album Postcards on 31 May 2008. The album was recorded with producer Ben Hillier (Blur, Depeche Mode, Doves, Elbow etc.) at Miloco Studios, London. The album peaked at #23 on the ARIA albums chart.
The debut single off the album Animals was The Guardian's single of the week and received rotation on BBC Radio One. This was followed by the release of the singles "Too Much to Do", "Jealousy" and "Morning Light".
Subsequent single "Too Much to Do" was B listed by Radio 2, played by everyone from Colin Murray to Terry Wogan, and earned accolades from Mojo, Q4 Music and The Guardian. All four singles received airplay on Australian radio station Triple J. In January 2009 Sparkadia's hit Jealousy was number 79 in the triple j Hottest 100 of 2008.
The singles "Talking Like I'm Falling Down Stairs" (10 September 2010) and "China" (27 January 2011) were released in Australia and "Mary" (14 February 2011) was released in the UK ahead of the album "The Great Impression" (18 March 2011). The Great Impression debuted at no. 8 on the ARIA Albums Chart and at no. 1 on the ARIA Australian Artist Albums Chart. Talking Like I'm Falling Down Stairs came in at number 24 in the triple j Hottest 100 of 2010.
In 2011, Burnett made a new name for himself with the release of Sparkadia’s The Great Impression on OK!Good Records. The 12 track debut album showcases Burnett’s great skill in songwriting, with definite influence from 80s pop groups. Stylistically, The Great Impression combines retro elements and sprawling, anthemic choruses with evocative lyrics to form a bold work that is heartbreaking and uplifting all at once. “I wanted to write big songs”, says Burnett. “I wanted to go there on The Great Impression and see what would happen. It felt right.” Already a big chart success in his native Australia and growing in popularity in the UK, The Great Impression is all set to make just that on US audiences as well.
http://okgoodrecords.com
Up in the Air
Sparkadia Lyrics
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The winds of the west will lead you when you want to take a flight
Everything is Up in the Air
I can't see you anymore and you won't tell me why
All we do is fantasise that the answer's in the sky
The song 'Up in the Air' by Sparkadia is a melancholic, yet catchy song about lost love and the feeling of being lost. The lyrics portray the singer stumbling upon their former lover at a market stall, where they are metaphorically compared to a kite floating in the air, directionless and free. The winds of the West are mentioned, perhaps suggesting that the direction of their life is unknown, and they have the freedom to choose what they want to do. However, the phrase 'when you want to take a flight' implies that the person may not necessarily want to fly and is simply forced to keep moving forward due to the unpredictability of the winds.
In the chorus of the song, the phrase 'Everything is Up in the Air' is repeated, emphasizing the theme of uncertainty and confusion. The singer seems to be at a loss, unable to understand why their lover has distanced themselves and refuses to communicate. All they are left with are their fantasies of finding answers in the sky, a symbol of hope and possibility.
Overall, 'Up in the Air' is a beautiful yet poignant song that encapsulates the feeling of being lost in a world of uncertainties and unknowns.
Line by Line Meaning
I found you at a market stall floating like a kite
I came across you in a market booth and you appeared carefree and at ease, like a kite soaring in the wind.
The winds of the west will lead you when you want to take a flight
If you desire to go on a journey, the prevailing winds that blow from the west will guide and direct you.
I can't see you anymore and you won't tell me why
I am unable to catch a glimpse of you, and you refuse to reveal the reason why you have gone away.
All we do is fantasize that the answer's in the sky
Our only recourse is to daydream and let our imagination run wild, as we believe that the solution to our problems lies above in the celestial heavens.
Everything is Up in the Air
This phrase summarizes the entire song, stating that everything seems to be uncertain and unpredictable, as if suspended in mid-air with no clear direction or resolution.
Contributed by Colton C. Suggest a correction in the comments below.
GOBBLERTLH
One of my favourite Sparkadia songs! =D ♥