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




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




 

FEATURED EVENTS



The Outcrops (Matinee Show)

Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 3:00pm
Lizzie Rose Music Room
217 E. Main Street, Tuckerton, NJ


Buena Vista Orchestra

Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 7:00pm
Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC)
100 South Street, Morristown, NJ


A Beat of Our Own

Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 2:00pm
McCarter Theatre Center (Matthews Theatre)
91 University Place, Princeton, NJ


Crossing Over with Psychic Medium John Edward

Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Carteret Performing Arts & Events Center
46 Washington Ave, Carteret, NJ


James Maddock

Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 7:30pm
Outpost In The Burbs
40 S Fullerton Ave, Montclair, NJ


New Jersey Symphony presents Hollywood Hits: From West Side Story to Spirited Away

Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 2:00pm
NJPAC - Prudential Hall
1 Center Street, Newark, NJ


Vivid Stage presents B.I.N.G.O. (or Brittney Isle’s Nice Geriatric Orgy)

Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Oakes Center
120 Morris Avenue, Summit, NJ


SAGE Table Community Lunch & Film Screening At Hamilton Stage

Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 11:00am
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ


Kean Department of Theatre presents "References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot"

Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 2:00pm
Kean Stage - Bauer Boucher Theatre Center
1000 Morris Avenue, Union, NJ


Musicians on a Mission Song Circle & Food Drive

Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 11:30am
Middletown Arts Center
36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ


Growing Stage presents Roald Dahl’s MATILDA the Musical

Sunday, October 11, 2026 @ 2:00pm
The Historic Palace Theatre
7 Ledgewood Avenue, Netcong, NJ


 

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





 

COLUMNS


Makin Waves Song of the Week: "Bummer" by the dt's

The Makin Waves Song of the Week is "Bummer," the latest single from the Central Jersey band the dt's.




This Week in Music: Previews for Concerts from October 6-12, 2026




Makin Waves Song of the Week: "The Only Man to Make It Through the Dance" by Jake Thistle




Rock On! This Week's Sound Bites... 10/01/2026






 

MORE NEWS

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents The Temptations & The Four Tops on Sunday, October 18, 2026 at 6:30pm. Two legendary Motown groups share the stage for one unforgettable night of timeless hits, smooth harmonies, and classic soul.


The Love of Soul Tour comes to Prudential Center on May 22nd




Wharton Arts Launches 2026–27 Season Under New President & CEO Carol Chickering Burden




Def Leppard, Goo Goo Dolls, and The Struts to play shows in NJ, NYC, and Philly in 2027




The Newton Theatre presents All You Need Is John - The Music of John Lennon






 

UPCOMING SHOWS


Albert Music Hall to Celebrate Fall with Annual Harvest Hootenanny on Sunday

(WARETOWN, NJ) -- Albert Music Hall will celebrate the fall season with its annual Harvest Hootenanny on Sunday, October 11, 2026, bringing an afternoon of Country, Folk, Bluegrass and more to the Jersey Pines. Doors open at 1:00pm with music beginning at 2:00pm.


The Vogel presents Straight to Hell: The Clash Tribute on Sunday




Lace and Lee Find Their Sound Through Friendship, Storytelling and a Little Bit of Magic




Avenel PAC presents Vicki Peterson and John Cowsill






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