The Penguin Rocks logo
The Penguin Rocks Menu



 

Sunsleeper Releases "Blemishes"

Published by New Jersey Stage

originally published: 06/11/2022

(SALT LAKE CITY, UT) -- Indie rock band Sunsleeper have released their newest track, “Blemishes” via Rude Records. Colored by the warm halo of 90s alt-rock nostalgia, the new track takes memories of an ending relationship and reframes them into lessons of mindfulness.  

“’Blemishes’ is about the slow unraveling of a deeply important friendship, as well as the acceptance of the relationship’s end,” shares vocalist Jeffery Mudgett. “The freedom in letting go of a toxic relationship is underrated. Sometimes there’s no need to mourn the end, but rather we should celebrate leaving that toxicity behind.”

“Blemishes” follows the release of previous tracks “Currents” and “In The Clouds”. Dripping with a 90’s inspired alt-rock feel, both of the tracks envelope moments with the mist of nostalgia and the power of dreaming. The tracks have gained notice from Ones To Watch, Hot Topic, Loudwire, Atwood Magazine, and other notable outlets.

Sunsleeper was halfway through the touring cycle for their debut album when the pandemic halted live music. For the Salt Lake City indie rockers, that pause allowed them to reframe what their journey as musicians and people inspires them to create and say. After forming in 2016 and briskly realizing their Nathan Hussey-produced debut EP Stay the Same, the band entered the studio for their debut album, inking a deal with Rude Records. You Can Miss Something and Not Want it Back dropped in summer 2019, with the band celebrating with runs featuring their collaborators and friends in All Get Out, an Audiotree live session, and most recently, a run with TWIABP and Bent Knee in fall 2021. While the pandemic still rages on in uncertain terms, Sunsleeper found themselves more solidified than ever writing their sophomore LP, with their road-tested lineup collaborating cohesively and with united goals. The band even found time to use the pandemic’s themes to rework Mac Miller’s “Come Back to Earth,” highlighting the track’s balance of self-reflection and hopelessness. (Sunsleeper on this recording is vocalist/guitarist Jeffery Mudgett, guitarist Matt Mascarenas, guitarist Cody Capener, bassist Jacob Lara, and drummer Scott Schilling.)

Photo Credit: Megan Mudgett




Reach New Jersey's largest arts & entertainment audience, click here for info on how to advertise at NJ Stage




 

FEATURED EVENTS



Flawless

Sunday, September 06, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Premiere Stages - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Shorts Program #1 – Online for 24 Hours and In-Person at 5PM!

Sunday, September 06, 2026 @ 5:00pm
NJ Film Festival
71 Hamilton Street, New Brunswick, NJ


Melissa Etheridge: RISE

Wednesday, September 09, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Dion

Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


Julio Torres: Works in Progress

Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 8:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


 

Advertise with NJ Stage for $50-$100 per month, click here for info





 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Long Live the Low" by Sean Kiely

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Long Live the Low," the title track single of the forthcoming LP from Jersey City-based singer-songwriter Sean Kiely.




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 09/03/2026




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Listen for a Moment" by The Beagles with Joy




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 08/27/2026






 

MORE NEWS

Spotlight Central and Love Imagery have photos and a recap of Dead Zep performing on the Atlantic City Boardwalk on August 26, 2026.


Mason Gross School of the Arts presents AJAYE in concert on October 1st




Nostalgia Takes The Stage at MPAC this September with shows by Dion, Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone, and The Rascals




State Theatre New Jersey presents Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band on October 2nd




Princeton Folk Music Society presents Rakish on September 18th






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


MPAC presents Melissa Etheridge: The Rise Tour on September 9th

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- Known for her confessional lyrics and raspy, smoky vocals, Melissa Etheridge ("I'm the Only One," "Come to My Window," and "I Want to Come Over" to name a few) has remained one of America's favorite female singers since bursting onto the scene in 1988. Etheridge brings her Rise tour to Mayo Performing Arts Center on Wednesday, September 9, 2026 at 7:30pm.


Nostalgia Takes The Stage at MPAC this September with shows by Dion, Herman's Hermits Starring Peter Noone, and The Rascals




Acclaimed Americana Singer-Songwriter Chris Knight to Perform at The Vogel on September 15th




The Newton Theatre presents Molly Tuttle on September 17th






Advertise with The Penguin Rocks for $50-$100 per month, click here for info




The Penguin Rocks

© 2026 by Wine Time Media, LLC
PO Box 811, Belmar, NJ 07719
[email protected]

Presented by New Jersey Stage

Images used on this site have been sent to us from publicists, artists, and PR firms. If there is a problem with the rights to any image, please contact us and we will look into the matter.

Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and our NJ Stage accounts on Instagram, and Threads


News | Features | Radio Shows | Penguin's Hall of Fame | Song of the Week | BlowUpRadio column

Contact Us | About Us | Submit Music | Ad Rates