Stephen Foster – “Sun to Rise”

Stephen Foster, a songwriter based in Santa Cruz, has put together an EP titled “Sun to Rise”. It shows a lot about the kind of artist he is. Stephen leans into a style that doesn’t try to overwhelm or compete with big sounds. His music sits in a quiet space, more about drawing you in than pushing you around.

The release moves between fuller, band-driven songs and softer, late-night moments. It feels like he’s comfortable working in both zones, which gives the EP a nice balance without making it feel scattered. One track that stands out is his take on “Chim Chim Cher-ee”. Most people know it as a cheerful tune from childhood, but here it comes across in a much darker and more mysterious way. That shift makes the song fit naturally with the rest of the project, which leans toward intimacy and understatement. My favorite track of the EP is “In Our Moments”.

“Sun to Rise” comes across as carefully held together, not by force but by mood. It has a steady pull that makes you want to sit with it more than once. If you want to keep up with Stephen Foster and see what else he shares in 2025, make sure to follow him on social media. It’s the easiest way to catch new music when it arrives.