CODY LAWLESS SHARES NEW SONG + VIDEO “IT’S ALWAYS WARM IN SAN ARAYA”
DEBUT ALBUM SUNSHINE STATE OF A HAPPY CAMPER FOR JUNE 23 RELEASE
“…refreshingly charming and playful blend of melodies and lyrics.” – Wolf in a Suit
“His performance is smooth and engaging, as he showcases his sharp songwriting skills, piecing together mesmerizing melodies with ease.” – Earmilk
New York, NY (May 18, 2023) – Cody Lawless (formerly KNOWN.), an indie-pop singer-songwriter hailing from Mission, B.C., is sharing his new single, “It’s Always Warm in San Araya,” and its gorgeous accompanying music video. Speaking on the fictional town at the center of his forthcoming debut album, Sunshine State of a Happy Camper, Cody said “This album, on the surface, is about a small beach town called San Araya and its inhabitants, and their struggles and triumphs in life. Covering subjects such as love and lust, appreciating existence, psychedelic drugs, and bohemian lifestyles.”
LISTEN TO “IT’S ALWAYS WARM IN SAN ARAYA” HERE
The song follows on the heels of “Friday Night With The Neighbours,” released last month and featuring Lawless’ high school friend and frequent collaborator Powfu. Previously released singles “Get There, Stay There” and “Hold My Hand, Maria” will also appear on Lawless’ forthcoming LP, due for release June 23, 2023 on MNRK Music Group. Lawless is also thrilled to announce that he will be supporting Powfu on the “Gathered by the Lantern” tour in Europe and UK later this year. Lawless will also be performing in Toronto, ON during Canadian Music Week, on June 7th at The Wheat Sheaf. Additional details below.
Speaking on the new song, Lawless (née Cody James Henn) said, “‘This song means a lot to me because it sets the tone for the album, a fiery high energy intro with a booming bass line. This song is a reminder to me to always stay true to what you think and how you feel.” The song is preceded on the album by “Clyde Cooper Speaks,” which serves as a “radio intro of an alter ego, Clyde Cooper, setting the tone on how sunny and nice the weather is in San Araya. A made up town in the fantasy of Sunshine State of a Happy Camper. It begins with the ignition of a car engine, and finishes by flowing into “It’s Always Warm in San Araya.””
WATCH “IT’S ALWAYS WARM IN SAN ARAYA” VIDEO HERE
Lawless’ forthcoming full-length debut was recorded in Vancouver, and produced by Lawless with KULTARGOTBOUNCE (Powfu, Manila Grey). Sunshine State of a Happy Camper frames Lawless’ heady yet introspective timbre with booming basslines, delicate guitars, and addictive beats. The album explores the tests and triumphs of characters in the fictitious town of San Araya.
The 9-track collection is a deeply personal and introspective work showcasing his growth both as a musician and as an individual with blissful grooves, ear-worm riffs, melodies, and Lawless’s soft falsetto adding a sense of vulnerability and emotional depth. The self-penned sounds on this record include confessional lyrics that hit hard with Gen Z peers.
Speaking on the significance of the album and its themes, Lawless says, “This album, on the surface, is about a small beach town called San Araya, its inhabitants (Maria, Grace, Sally, Dillan, Jenny, etc.) and their struggles and triumphs in life. This album is my story about wanting to break free from where I was in my life during the writing process. All the songs were instrumented, written, and recorded in under three hours each. I like to really just feel the music and the moment.”
“The album is a state of mind,” he continues. “No matter what is going on in life, you can smile and choose to be okay. Sunshine state of mind, bright future, bright mind. The happy camper is you. It’s an indie rock album with ear worm melodies and extremely catchy guitar and bass riffs. High energy songs that carry a fun groove and lyrics that touch on the aspects of young adult life.”
Sunshine State of a Happy Camper Track Listing
- Clyde Cooper Speaks
- It’s Always Warm in San Araya
- Get There, Stay There
- Grace
- Sunlight City
- I’m So Lucky
- Sally
- Friday Night With The Neighbours (feat. Powfu)
- Hold My Hand, Maria
Cody Lawless, the artist formerly known as KNOWN., amassed over 30 million streams under that name, touring coast-to-coast across his native Canada and the US. A songwriter since his pre-teens, at age 20 Cody found his falsetto voice and moved away from rap in favor of a nuanced mélange of indie pop, pysch, rock and rap.
Cody Lawless CA Tour Dates:
06/07/23 – Toronto, ON @ The Wheat Sheaf
Cody Lawless UK/EU Tour Dates:
09/23/23 – Amsterdam, NL @ Lovelee (SOLD OUT) *
09/24/23 – Berlin, DE @ Frannz Club *
09/26/23 – Milan, IT @ Biko Club *
09/28/23 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz 3 *
09/30/23 – Munich, DE @ Kranhalle *
10/01/23 – Paris, FR @ Les Estoiles *
10/03/23 – London, UK @ O2 Academy Islington *
10/04/23 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Institute² *
10/06/23 – Manchester, UK @ Gorilla *
10/07/23 – Dublin, IE @ The Academy Green Room *
* = supporting Powfu
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