GHOSTS OF SUNSET

Ghosts of Sunset is the project of singer-songwriter John Merchant from Western Michigan, singer, songwriter, multi-instrumentalist Todd Long. Their upcoming EP Headed West features the work of both Merchant and Long (who have made music for 30+ years for 615 Records Nashville, IDOL/RCA records, and independently) as well as a cast of musicians with their roots in the 1980’s hard rock/hair metal scene. The duo brought in outside musicians with resumes that include L.A. Guns, RATT, Enuff Znuff, KIX, Lita Ford, and more to complete the EP. Renowned producer Adam Hamilton (Missing Persons, L.A. Guns, Vains of Jenna, William Shatner, David Hasselhoff) was brought in to mix and contribute keyboards. The concept takes a fictional Midwestern band and traces their move to Los Angeles, their rise to national touring artist and their decline as tastes and the industry itself changes. The story which has become common fodder for shows such as Behind the Music spoke to both Merchant and Long who came of age during the golden era which became known as “hair metal”. A term speaks to what many saw as a focus on style over substance.

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