About the Band
Brighter Side of Sol is a five-piece fusion global funk band based in Honolulu, Hawaii. Initially formed in 2018, Shree Sadagopan brought together a diverse set of local musicians around a vision of positive messaging and novel music. Inspired by Pharrell Williams, Jimmy Hendrix, Will I Am, Foo Fighters and Sting, the unique sound and entertainment fuses music styles from America, India and Malaysia. With the rhythmic beats of the Indian Dhol drum, layered on groovy trombone and psychedelic guitars, a three part harmony and an iconic bass. Fans are left humming the tunes long after the shows are over.
SHREE SADAGOPAN - LEAD GUITAR AND VOCALS
Shree is a versatile and innovative guitarist who fuses the musical traditions of his homeland, Malaysia, with the diverse influences of his adopted home, Hawai’i. Shree founded the band and is an integral part of the band’s sound, adding his signature psychedelic guitar style that involves picking, strumming, and bowing the strings. He also leads the band’s songwriting and production. After performing at various venues and festivals across the US, Asia, and Europe, and sharing the stage with renowned artists, Shree focused on his musical vision through the band, showcasing original songs as well as covers, and creating a unique sound that appeals to a wide audience.
JAMES HARMON- BASS GUITAR AND VOCALS
James Harmon is a bass guitar player and vocalist who has a passion for music and a diverse range of influences. Born in Los Angeles, he grew up in Kansas and Hawaii, where he was exposed to different cultures and musical styles. He started playing music at sixteen, inspired by his friends and his musical idols. His musical exploration is fueled by the creative process of writing and improvising with other musicians, as well as the emotional and mental benefits of playing music. When he is not making music, James Harmon enjoys staying active and healthy, with surfing, cycling, fly fishing, traveling, snowboarding, cooking, and painting. Needless to say, he express his creativity in many different ways.
BRANDON HUDSON- TROMBONE AND KEYBOARD
Brandon is a talented trombone player who has a passion for music and a diverse range of influences. Born in New York City and raised in Portland, Oregon, Brandon started playing piano at 9, trumpet at 11, and trombone at 15. He has resided in Oahu, Hawaii since 2008. Brandon has played and recorded with some of the most prominent bands and artists in the genres of jazz, funk, soul, hip hop, classical, reggae, ska, dub, and mantra based music. Brandon started playing music for fun, then as a way of emotional release, and eventually as a livelihood. He is driven by his passion for music and his desire to make people smile and lift their spirits.
JACK TAWIL - DRUMMER
Laying down the heartbeat and driving pulse of the band, Jack began his formal drumming career at age seven after witnessing a live performance of big-band drumming legends. Soon afterwards, he was immersed in the varied styles of jazz, fusion, rock and session drummers. Solidifying his reputation performing with many local bands and tours with both local and global groups, Jack transitioned into doing TV and movie soundtrack work for the likes of Comedy Central, Amazon Studios, Netflix, and a variety of commercial and documentary programs. Realizing the special energy and connection that can only come with live performance, Jack returned to stage life with Brighter Side of Sol and has been pushing the songs forward with the powerful percussion.
DAVE GUPTA - DHOL DRUMMER / PERCUSSIONIST
Dave is a versatile musician who plays the dhol drum, a two-sided barrel shaped wood drum that produces intricate rhythms. With roots in India, Dave started his musical journey in middle school at the age of twelve, after being inspired by a diversity showcase music show with a dhol drummer. Since then, he has honed his skills and expanded his repertoire to include various music synthesizers as well as the electronic digital hand-drum which can emulate tabla and congas, among other global percussion. Dave is energized through collaboration with musicians and looks forward to touring on the world stage. With a passion for all things tech, Dave is also involved in the production and manages the band. He is always eager to learn new skills and challenge himself to grow as an artist.
Press Photos
The Music
The Brighter Side of Sol signature sound is groovy, global funk. Deep bass and drums layer with psychedelic guitar grooves that fluidly traverses multiple genres, including psychedelic rock, funk, ska and Indian rhythms. The lyrical messages across the original songs draw from the past and present, to promote the power of positivity and progression in the future generation.
Indie Funk
- One World / 127 bpm - We only have one world to live in. It’s not like we can run to mars. Lets protect our planet for the future generations.
- Free Your Mind / 110 bpm - Daily media bombardment can create a state of mind that lives in fear. Take some time to free that mind.
- Writings on the Wall / 97 bpm - A call to the urgency for global awareness of the state of pollution in our planet.
- Sun Will Rise Again / 105 bpm - Tomorrow is never promised, but one thing is for certain. The sun will rise again, the plants will grow, the rivers will flow and life will continue on.
- Soul Vampire / 95 bpm - The enemy called negativity exists both internally and externally. Identify, recognize and rectify the internal soul vampire.
- Black Swan (Thom Yorke Cover)/ 95 bpm - The enemy called negativity exists both internally and externally. Identify, recognize and rectify the internal soul vampire.
Dance Grooves
- Electric Avenue (Eddy Grant Cover) / bpm - An upbeat and revitalized rendition of this classic song.
- Friday Night / 120 bpm - Often we think, how can we get through Wednesday. Fast forward to Friday, its time to let go and let loose.
Psychedelic
- Pangaea / 95 bpm - Pangaea was once the connected land and supercontinent. It’s time to recognize that we all come from one.
- Tears of Tigris / 76 bpm - In this fictional story of two brothers, the Tigris and Euphrates rivers of Mesopotamia, there is a balancing act of cyclical seasons. Tigris, the angrier of the two, balance ferocious power with sustainable fertility from Euphrates, the calmer.
Globally Inspired
- Ganesh / 115 bpm - Within you, exists the remover of obstacles. Get up, stand up, move on past the next fight.
- Manapare / 135 bpm - This song describes the natural ways of farming when it existed in Manapparai, South India. Connect with your feet to the Earth and align to the circadian rhythm.
- Enapane / 120 bpm - “Choose your battles wisely” - God of war
Slow Wind
- Bag in My Hand / 90 bpm - In times of grieving, when you don’t know where to go with a bag full of emotions, its ok to take a moment and reflect on where you are. In times like this, lean on your community.
- C-Side / bpm -
Press and Reviews
“Brighter Side of Sol delivers infectious grooves guaranteed to get your feet mobbing and hips shaking. This guitar and percussion-driven rock incorporates sounds and traditions from far away lands in sublime fashion, serving up an experience that is fun, informative and soulful.”
-Mark Tarone, Roots Music Hawai’i
"Psychedelic, ethnic, popping grooves wind around the mind and then soothe the soul... bringing an ambiance to the room that warms the space while brightening the mood. Brighter side of Sol is an invitation through each tune to let it all in, and let it all go. Heartfull, soulful, persistent. Not to be missed!”
-Dr. Miko Ries, Radioshow host/ Psychologist/ Musician
“It’s not often you will see a guitar being played with a bow. It’s far less often that it is anything but a gimmick. I got to see a guitar being bowed that actually fit the sonic landscape, even more incredibly, without the need for psychedelics.”
-Aaron Carey, Pipeline Audio/ Audio Engineer
“I've seen Brighter Side of Sol perform several times, and every time, they have given a powerful and moving performance. They blend an eclectic variety of styles and cultures, driving rhythms and top-notch musicianship. All of these elements combine to create an entrancing, psychedelic, and even shamanic journey.”
-Namasray, Ray Brown, Singer/ Songwriter/ Guitarist