Goldenboy
“She Belongs To Me” (mp3)
from “Sleepwalker”
(Eenie Meenie Records)

More On This Album

Goldenboy is the musical project of Shon Sullivan, a talented individual with a rich musical background. Sullivan was drafted into Elliott Smith’s touring band after Smith heard of his multi-instrumental prowess; it was during his time with Smith that Shon was given the nickname “Goldenboy” which would stick as his moniker for two successful and acclaimed albums. Now, after a timely break to refocus his energy and musical vision, Shon’s Goldenboy returns with a fantastic new record entitled Sleepwalker, out Eenie Meenie Records.

Shon grew up in a suburb a few miles southeast of Los Angeles, a place called Diamond Bar, which is most notable for its being the current home of Snoop Dogg. (Everybody’s gotta live somewhere.) It was in this traditional setting of Americana that he first began his musical lessons, watching his mom play folk tunes on a nylon-string classical guitar around the house. At college he majored in music and developed considerable chops on keyboards, guitar, drums, and cello. He then first took to touring and recording with the band Spain in 2001. His real break came when Elliott Smith drafted Sullivan into his band, where he would remain as a drummer for four years contributing to recordings and liver performances. On tour with Smith, Shon would be up late with Elliott, jamming on a little Casio keyboard, exploring unusual chords and melodies. Perhaps it was here that the inventive piano playing on the initial Goldenboy recording Blue Swan Orchestra (2003) was first born. The album bears clear traces of Smith’s influence and musical proficiency. It also included a guest vocal by Smith himself on the track “Summertime,” which made it to the Six Feet Under soundtrack. The album’s critical acclaim would spark a touring frenzy where Goldenboy would support Bright Eyes, Neil Finn, The Church, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks, Grandaddy and many more.

Catch the rest after the jump!