There’s something intoxicating about the world Sunday (1994) have built steeped in the glow of 70s–90s guitar nostalgia. Formed between the grey rhythms of Slough and the sleepy suburbs of California, the duo Paige Turner and Lee Newell filter modern disillusionment through distorted riffs, shoegaze textures and a cinematic sense of longing.
The band are currently on tour across Europe with The Last Dinner Party, bringing their darkly humorous dreamworld to ever-larger stages. With Devotion (Deluxe) landing on 13 March, featuring three new tracks including lead single “Shame”, Sunday (1994) are poised to deepen the story they began with their self-titled debut. Here, Paige Turner reflects on growth, modern life’s “charade,” and the evolving universe at the heart of the band.
You grew up in suburban California, while Lee grew up in Slough, two very different landscapes. Let’s start at the beginning, how did you two meet and when did you know you wanted to make music together? Did you bond over anything from the start?
Lee and I met in Los Angeles in 2013 at a venue called The Palladium. I instantly thought he was the coolest, most intimidating guy. He complimented me on my outfit, a black furry coat I had to return the next day because I couldn’t afford it, and that’s when our friendship began. We started making music together shortly after, but I think our humor and sardonic outlook on life were what drew us to each other. We’ve been attached at the hip ever since.
Sunday (1994) often feels nostalgic for eras many of us never lived through. What is it about the ’70s and ’90s romanticism that feels more emotionally honest than now?
It felt like there was less striving for perfection back then. No iPhones, no big effects. Crooked teeth, no veneers. Everything felt a bit more human, a bit more pure. I also love how my favorite films from that era were shot. All on film. Tangible. Like you could reach out and touch the frame. We gravitate toward that timelessness. I want our art to outlive us.
You’ve described modern life as a kind of “charade.” What parts of it feel most absurd to you?
Well, what doesn’t feel absurd right now? Living in America, and being American, can feel especially disorienting. You turn on the news and it’s often just chaos and heartbreak. I’ve had to be mindful about how much I take in when I’m traveling and working, because it can be overwhelming. My heart breaks for what people are going through. We try to do what we can when we’re home. In the meantime, sometimes I just need a few minutes of cute puppy videos to stay sane.
You kicked off 2026 touring Europe, including concerts in Spain and Portugal. Your live shows are described as “ethereal,” almost immersive. What do you want someone to feel walking out of a Sunday (1994) concert?
I want them to walk away yearning to come back. To want to live in our world forever. For them to feel how we feel!
You’re touring with The Last Dinner Party, another band that leans into theatricality and myth. Do you think we’re entering a new era of maximalist femininity in indie music?
I love seeing more woman led bands. But there should be even more! Woman are far more interesting to look at and have a lot to say. Touring with TLDP has been so inspiring, and they have been so kind to us. Such a wonderful band.
There’s something deeply romantic about the everyday in your lyrics from small gestures, passing comments, to shared silences. What mundane detail are you currently obsessed with?
Right now? My distain for my landlord. But also hearing boy trouble from the younger crew on our tour. It’s very inspiring to me and reminds me of what I was going through before I met Lee.
Devotion is such a powerful word. What are you devoted to right now; a person, an idea, a version of yourself you’re still becoming?
I’m always and forever devoted to Sunday (1994). I live and breathe this band from the moment I wake up till I go to bed. And even in my dream sate. But most importantly my dog Pinny. He’s perfect. Mommy loves you and misses you!
Fashion and music have always shared a language. How would you describe the visual world of Sunday (1994)? Is it instinctive, archival, collaborative?
All 3 of those! We go with our personal taste and gut on everything. I wear what I’m drawn to and vintage shopping is a big hobby of mine. I tend to lean towards timeless classic pieces. Strong silhouettes. Dresses that shimmer on stage. I don’t want to make a huge statement, that’s for the music…but enough that you feel inspired and think oh…she’s cute !!!
Your aesthetic leans into romanticism; soft silhouettes, vintage undertones, a certain undone elegance. Is getting dressed part of stepping into character on stage?
I think who I am on stage is the same person. I have always loved dressing up and being put together ever since I was little. I would cry to my mom if my ponytail wasn’t slicked back tight enough. “I am f*ing crazy but I’m free”
My mom was also a huge influence in my love for fashion and design. She was a wardrobe stylist for many years. The mall was our heaven.
Growing up in California suburbia, what did fashion represent to you then, escape, rebellion, invisibility?
In suburbia there wasn’t much individuality. The girlies all seemed to dress the same. I I think I went through that faze for a short time when I was self conscious of what boys would think. But mostly I always dressed differently to my friends- I remember being the first kid to wear skinny jeans to school and I wore them with a black velvet blazer, pearls and converse. I got made fun of but I knew they just didn’t get the vision….They eventually caught up (:
You and Lee share a visual language as well as a musical one. Do you style yourselves instinctively as a unit?
Yes! We love it. Since we’re mainly a monochromatic band- it makes our lives a lot easier to know what we’re going to wear on stage and on film. White dress, black blazer. Done!
What was the last piece you picked up on tour and wore on stage?
The dress I wore in Milan was from a flea market in London. It was this ethereal chiffon dress. I did need to have it tailored but it was stuck in my closet for months and I got it out for this tour. Its been my favorite so far!
Finally, for giggles, what was one trend that you sported that you look back on and laugh?
I shaved my head on one side and kept the rest long. That’s how it was when I met Lee…. And he still loved me. So maybe I do have a good personality!!
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