An interview with Sunrise in Jupiter frontman
Sonny
by Randy Radic
Following on the heels of their debut single, “Satellite,” London contemporary rock outfit Sunrise in Jupiter recently released their second single, “Take Me Home.” Both tracks are from the band’s upcoming album, Mission to Mars Vol. 1.
According to the band, “Take Me Home” is “the emotional breaking point of Mission to Mars Vol. 1. It’s not just a song — it’s the turning point in the mission. When the signal fades, this is the moment we ask… is anyone still out there?”
Made up of Sonny (vocals, songwriter, producer), William Poe (guitar), Johnny Bucci (drums), George Cook (bass), and Adam Ward (guitar), Sunrise in Jupiter is already likened to Muse, My Chemical Romance, Queens of the Stone Age, and Foo Fighters.
Ink 19 caught up with frontman Sonny to lob a bunch of random questions at him, thereby gaining a different perspective on the person behind the music.
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Randy Radic: Top 3 songs of all time?
Sonny: This one’s impossible; it could change tomorrow. But if you caught me right now:
“Nutshell,” Alice in Chains. Lane’s voice in that is pure ache. It’s haunting in a way that never really lets go.
“The Boys of Summer,” Don Henley. That one’s California for me, windows down on PCH, the sunset, the rearview. It still takes me back.
“Hurt,” Nine Inch Nails. The original cuts deep, but when Johnny Cash covered it, it became something else entirely. Like a man closing a chapter with a whisper.
What are three words that describe you?
Father. Fighter. Creator.
Favorite movie?
This one’s impossible. One, it depends on the decade and the version of me watching. It might sound cheesy, but I love The Matrix. It’s the perfect mix of philosophy, rebellion, and those iconic trench coats, plus Keanu Reeves is just a genuinely great guy. My second pick? Not that you asked for one. Honestly, any Nicolas Cage movie. The man shows up like every scene is the end of the world. Total commitment. I respect that.
What do you think is your greatest accomplishment?
Being a father. My daughter and my wife — they’re the center of everything. No matter what I create, that love is the core. But I’m proud of what we’ve built with Sunrise in Jupiter. Somehow, this band came together out of nothing but a feeling, and now we’ve created Mission to Mars Vol. 1 and Vol. 2. That’s no small thing. Creation itself is the accomplishment. Songs, connections, a band, a vision, and the best part, we’re just getting started.
Are you a cat person or a dog person?
Dog for sure. My dog, Bean, has been sitting next to me for half the songs written on the record. He’s always listening, soaking up the energy like he knows when something real is happening. Loyal, quiet, total muse energy.
That said, we do have a neighborhood cat who visits. We thought his name was Daisy, but apparently the neighbors call him Niko or Nigel. Either way, he’s part of the orbit now, too.
Gibson guitars or Fender guitars?
I always wanted to be a Gibson guy ever since Slash walked out of that church in “November Rain” with the Les Paul and lit the world on fire. But I’m a Fender guy through and through. Specifically obsessed with this one American Strat series from 1994 to 2007. Don’t ask why, it’s a vibe thing. Will, our guitarist, has a unique taste. He loves exploring guitars beyond the usual Gibson or Fender. But every now and then, he surprises us all by bringing out his trusty SG. It’s a perfect balance, classic and unexpected, just like Will.
What’s the most random fact you know?
There’s a planet made entirely of diamond out there in space. It’s called 55 Cancri e, about twice the size of Earth, and basically, one giant gem floating in the dark. We’re not confirming or denying that Sunrise in Jupiter is originally from there, but it would explain a lot.
As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
At one point, I thought I’d be a politician, then I realized I was too honest. After that, I wanted to be an astronaut, and I guess in a way I still do. Just swapped the spaceship for a Strat and started transmitting stories a different way.
Favorite drink and food?
Easy: double cheeseburger from In-N-Out, animal style, no pickles. It’s basically a spiritual reset. Add a Coke Zero and I’m good to face the universe again. Some people meditate. I hit the drive-thru and return with clarity.
What is something that no one else seems to care very much about but makes you crawl the walls?
When I’m deep in a moment, recording a jam or chasing a melody, and then realize it didn’t actually record. It’s gone, vanished, offered up to the jam gods and never to return. You try to play it again, but it’s never quite the same. That kind of thing haunts me.
Must-have on your rider?
Peanut M&Ms — essential for emotional stability. A bowl of chicken soup for the soul, because sometimes you need warmth more than volume. And if there’s time, dim the lights and run The Matrix on loop somewhere backstage. Johnny’s got to have his video games. Will needs a rare piece of meat, steak specifically, or the system doesn’t calibrate right. George is all about oat milk coffees. Adam can’t function without sour gummy bears. It’s not just a rider. It’s a launch protocol.
What is one thing you’re good at that people don’t expect?
I’ve built a few tech apps, strange but true. Also, fun fact, Will has literally saved lives, like actually. He’s a trained doctor, so if the set ever gets too intense or someone chokes on a gummy bear, we’re covered.
What smell transports you to another time and place?
The smell of beach and sand, like the edge of the world where water meets earth. It’s where everything feels infinite and small all at once. That scent takes me back to moments that are both timeless and fleeting, like the universe breathing in slow motion.
What’s your favorite article of clothing that you own?
It’s gotta be my leather biker jacket. No rock star worth their salt goes without one in their arsenal. Julian Casablancas, Freddie Mercury, Michael Jackson, and of course The Ramones, Johnny, Joey, Dee Dee, all icons who knew the power of a killer leather jacket. I’m just carrying on the tradition.
What’s something you’re proud you’ve never done?
I’ve never sold my soul, not for fame, fortune, or a fleeting moment of glory. Sure, I’ve danced with the dark side, but I always came back carrying the stars in my pocket. I’m proud to say I’ve never betrayed the calling, never traded the unknown for comfort. In a universe full of black holes and false promises, that’s my victory. Staying true when the cosmos tries to pull you apart, that’s the real flex.
BlackBerry, iPhone, Android, other?
I stick with iPhone: sleek, reliable, and honestly, it feels like carrying a mini spaceship in my pocket. But my eyes are always on the horizon, chasing the next breakthrough that will rewrite the rules of connection and creativity. I’m talking about tech so wild, it will feel like stepping into a sci-fi universe with holograms, neural links, and who knows what else. Until that day comes, I’m here ready to catch the future as it drops. ◼
Featured photo by Marcus Maschwitz.
