About a decade ago, Rusted Root founding member Jim Donovan set out to create something new with his band Sun King Warriors. Their new album is coming out soon and features the song “The Way You Shine.”
Jim Donovan recently spoke with WYEP's Joey Spehar.
What’s your musical history up to this point?
- Personally, I was a founding member of Rusted Root 1990-2005, co-writer of Send Me On My Way, 3X platinum
- Sun King Warriors: Started in 2014 as an experiment "Could I have a band again, but switch roles to writer/singer and be the least experienced person on the stage? 10 years later we're releasing our third album.
- Our third album Like A Light will be released on Oct.19
- We'll be celebrating with an Album Release Show at Mr. Smalls Theater Sat. Oct 19 at 7 p.m.
How do you describe your sound?
Sun King Warriors is vintage style rock, with two tons of drums and a touch of Americana.
Tell us more about the song "The Way You Shine." What inspired you to write it and what does it mean to you?
TWYS is a song to all of our kids. It was written during the pandemic where I witnessed people I love struggling with anxiety. The message is one of reminding people to show up for each other — especially those who are suffering.
What was the first album that really changed your life?
Sly and The Family Stone Greatest Hits (1970)
Who are some other Pittsburgh artists you think more people should listen to?
Dizzier
Poster Child
Zinnias Garden
Social Justice Disco
Any other super interesting things about you we should know?
I'm a TEDx speaker with a viral talk called "How to Trick Your Brain Into Falling Asleep"
NASA engineers chose "Send Me on My Way" as "wake up" music for the Mars Exploration Rover Opportunity.
Sun King Warriors are:
Jim Donovan: Lead Vocals, Guitars
Kent Tonkin: Bass, Vocals
Joe Marini: Drums, Vocals
Dan Murphy: Guitars, Mandolin, Harmonica, Vocals
Bryan Fazio: Congas, Percussion
Kevin McDonald: Lead Guitars, Vocals
