San Diego-based Progressive Alternative Rock project Sluka continues to push the envelope with their promotional rollout for their upcoming album “Cautionary Yell.” Known for their unpredictable and eccentric approach, Sluka consistently delivers thought-provoking lyrics and powerful themes, backed by provocative music and videos. The project’s latest single, “Sunset Screamer,” marks a significant date with deep historical resonance.
In keeping with Sluka’s tradition of aligning releases with historical dates, the video for “Sunset Screamer” premiered on May 8th, the anniversary of the official end of World War II in Europe.
The mastermind behind Sluka, Christopher Sluka, is no stranger to the music scene’s demanding and diverse landscape. A singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, and label owner, Sluka’s journey is as eclectic as his music. He’s a seasoned performer, particularly popular in Japan and Europe, and has successfully ventured into various fields, including opening two coffee shops and founding a flight school.
Sluka’s musical journey began with a trombone, but it was the gift of a guitar on his eighth birthday that truly ignited his passion. Growing up in Germany, he quickly learned to play and harmonize. Despite claiming not to be an expert, Sluka’s proficiency spans multiple instruments, including piano, drums, bass, French horn, percussion, and trumpet. By 13, he was writing his own songs, and by 17, he was performing in New York City’s challenging club scene, where he honed his craft under pressure.
In 1988, Sluka formed a band that gained attention, primarily for the songs he wrote. While American labels showed interest, they often wanted changes he wasn’t willing to make. It was a Japanese label, Meldac, that first recognized his talent, offering him a deal for a single. The song, “Sunday’s Child,” became a hit in Japan, leading to a larger deal and the necessity to rename his band to suit the market. Thus, Sluka embarked on a successful career in Japan and later in Europe, signing with Time-Warner and moving across continents.
Sluka eventually founded his own label, Steel Flower Music, which allowed him to retain control over his music. Returning to the United States, he settled in San Diego, where he opened a coffee house to perform acoustic sets and later established a flight school. For Sluka, both music and flying represent magic and require meticulous study, practice, and repetition.
Interestingly, Sluka doesn’t rely on traditional songwriting sessions. His creative process is unique; full songs often come to him during long-distance runs, a testament to the spontaneous and organic nature of his music.
As Sluka continues to release innovative and thought-provoking music, their latest single, “Sunset Screamer,” and its accompanying video underscore the project’s commitment to challenging the status quo and reflecting on important societal issues.
Connect with Sluka via:
Official Website // Facebook // Instagram // Spotify
