Born in the serene and atmospheric setting of Hafnarfjörður, Iceland, the studio collective New Sunday has emerged as one of the most compelling and fearless debuts in music of the year. Established in January 2026 by the immensely talented songwriter Einar Áskelsson, this project is an embodiment of the awe-inspiring ability of mankind to overcome any obstacle and transform pain into beauty through art. The courageous journey of self-discovery of the songwriter and his transformation of personal suffering associated with Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder took an unexpected turn when the singer was asked by his therapist to find what he was fighting for in the process of recovery. Instead of shelter, Einar discovered a source of unparalleled brilliance in songwriting. On September 14th, 2026, the listeners of New Sunday received their magnificent new single “Here I’m Meant To Be.” The song is not only a musical piece but a triumphant return home. Let me take you on a tour of this wonderful release.
From the very first second, the song captivates you with its shining, sparkling sound of guitar that enters your heart without any effort at all. The sound of this guitar alone is absolutely mesmerizing – a true example of music coming from intuition. However, the real gem of this work shows itself when the vocals begin – it is a soft and intimate performance that will make you feel like being greeted by an old friend, turning this song into something magical. I fell for this piece of art right away, and I promise you, my dear listeners, you are going to do the same thing very soon.
In thematic terms, “Here I’m Meant To Be” is an incredibly powerful and extremely relevant piece about the search for one’s sanctuary – that ultimate place in which all of the noise of the outside world finally subsides into silence. Einar conveys the image of someone who has been burdened with the weariness of dealing with the struggles of everyday life in search of just one moment of peace. However, amid that weariness, there is a moment of calm clarity: The moment when the armor is taken off, when the chest opens up, and when the breath is taken once more without effort. What speaks of Einar Áskelsson’s brilliant songwriting ability is the fact that he was able to convey such an intricate human truth in such a poetic manner. Einar Áskelsson reminds us that in a world that always expects more from us than we can give, it is not just comforting but also necessary to have a place where one can renew one’s soul and regain mental clarity. With his song, New Sunday did not just come up with a new song; they created a sanctuary in music where all of us can renew our souls and move on from there.
In an impeccable continuation of the impressive musical concept that the artists developed with their earlier albums “Echoes In The Dark” and “The Empty Street,” this is a performance by a group of musicians that works at the very pinnacle of their abilities. What makes all this magic possible is the unique approach to songwriting taken by Einar. Without being swayed by the latest trends in music, Einar focuses on the essence of each of his songs, taking inspiration from his rich private poetry and life experience. With the help of profound knowledge of musical theory and with the aid of the Hookpad tool, Einar creates perfect chord combinations with one goal in mind: to serve the story, and follows that golden rule of modern music – less is more. He understands exactly when to give a soft tune breathing room, giving the music the chance to speak its truth in a totally undeniable manner. The final piece in this remarkable picture is the amazing triadic collaboration of the band’s creative process. Einar creates the detailed arrangements for the song, while Lizzie adds a soul-stirring vocal performance to the essence of the song, and Simon gives it a perfect finishing touch through his excellent production skills.
As an individual in charge of selecting unique artists based on my unending searches through time for unique music, there is only one quality that I am always hungry for: the quality of intentionality that makes every aesthetic decision have a purpose. Such an attribute seems to be missing among many artists in the contemporary music industry, but New Sunday pulls it off so wonderfully. Just take a look at the cover art of the song, which features a single individual standing alone on the edge of a cliff with the ocean before him during the golden hour. However, it is much more than that since it perfectly illustrates the emotions conveyed through this song. Indeed, it is quite clear from the very first look at this cliff that this is a sanctuary for the main character – the place where he can come and get rid of all burdens and learn how to breathe again. Your sanctuary may not be as dramatic as this one, located on the edge of the precipice, watching the endless waves of the sea, but New Sunday has beautifully emphasized that we all have such places. In a single photograph, New Sunday teaches us all how the art should be delivered – complete and soul-stirring.
Absolutely everything about “Here I Am Meant To Be”, be it notes, lyrics or tiny nuances, evokes something so immensely powerful, so profoundly beautiful that I can only stand in awe at what New Sunday has accomplished. Not only does this song feature some breathtakingly good music, but Einar’s wise and necessary words about burnout carry a very important message of truth. Burnout is a very real thing in a world which tends to underestimate the significance of mental exhaustion. New Sunday’s soulful message works as an important reminder for all of us to slow down and cherish our peace before we lose ourselves forever. It is impossible not to admire the depth, courage, and tremendous emotional intelligence with which New Sunday creates music, not only entertaining the listeners, but offering them a kind of lifeline. I am proud to say that I am a devoted follower of New Sunday, and I will eagerly await any future masterpiece that they will create.
Stream “Here I Am Meant To Be” on Spotify
Follow New Sunday here and their socials: X, Instagram, YouTube
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