"Family" is the latest single from Wildlife Freeway, the new musical project from Joshua Tree, California based singer/songwriter Sunny Atema. The stirring indie folk tune and accompanying video is the latest track off of her forthcoming full length album set for release this February via Community Music label.
Wildlife Freeway's "Family" is a tender and contemplative song all about acceptance, healing and community. Atema reminds us all that our family continues to build throughout the years and that family is not only the one we were born into but those chosen friends we meet along the way. She confides that it is "the most important song I will ever write." It is a year of therapy in a song, and lets us know that in this life we can't change where we come from, but we can, day by day, move through the chapters of our lives recognizing who our family becomes. Sonically, the stripped down song impresses with Atema's unique soulful infused twangy vocals lulling into a simple yet memorable melody over lush acoustic guitar.
In the accompanying visuals, Atema can be seen in Brooklyn buying a piano and having her family help her move it across the city on foot. The people she meets along the way join in on the move and become part of the "family," culminating into a final scene where everyone is surrounding her at a local record store. The video reinforces the meaning of how important it is to be part of a community and how one's family is always in flux.
Inspired by interconnectivity and the natural world, Sunny Atema created Wildlife Freeway in 2020. Infusing elements of Jazz, folk, and pop, Atema teamed up with acclaimed musician/producer Alex Ebert (Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros), to record her upcoming debut eleven track album.
Take a listen to "Family" now and remember to cherish those around you.
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