After a 20-year pause from the music scene, Dave Bush, now rebranded as Skytinual, has reemerged with “Changing Light,” a single that showcases his distinctive voice as an artist. Once known as a drummer who collaborated with Grammy-winning artists, Bush’s decision to step back and explore his personal and spiritual growth has led to this highly anticipated return. With plans for two new albums, starting with, Yes Yes Let’s Hope, in 2024, Skytinual is prepared to captivate listeners with his contemplative alt-pop sound.
“Changing Light” is more than just a song—it’s a meditation on change, inspired by Bush’s practice of zazen meditation. Reflecting on life’s fleeting nature, the track captures the beauty and uncertainty of existence, a theme that has become central to Bush’s worldview. In his own words, the song is a way of “embracing all possible futures,” a mindset that has guided him through both personal loss and life’s inevitable transformations. Written during a moment of unexpected stillness—a 24-hour delay in Charlotte due to a CrowdStrike outage—Bush found himself with time to reflect on his loved ones’ struggles with serious illness. Within hours, the lyrics to “Changing Light” were complete, serving as a tribute to life’s transient beauty.
The song’s verses unfold like Zen koans, posing unanswerable questions about life, direction, and purpose, while the chorus repeats the mantra, “changing light, changing life,” a reminder of both the inevitability and the beauty of change. This lyrical depth, coupled with Bush’s blend of modern alt-pop and nostalgic ‘80s influences, creates a sonic landscape that feels timeless and introspective. The bass line, performed by Kevin Scott of Government Mule, lends a soulful, grounded feel to the track, complementing Skytinual’s vocals and providing a warm contrast to the song’s contemplative mood.
Bush’s return under the name Skytinual symbolizes his reinvention. He explains, “The sky is ageless and yet continually changing. That paradox resonates with me—it’s a reminder of how I feel about music, art, and life itself.” His return to music marks a significant personal evolution, one that is both mature and adventurous, echoing themes of resilience, acceptance, and transformation.
The new album, Yes Yes Let’s Hope, due out next year, is the first of two Skytinual albums on the horizon, followed by another release planned for 2025. In contrast to his early work, Skytinual’s new material explores a rich, emotional depth, interweaving alt-pop with deeply personal themes of spirituality and self-reflection. Fans of introspective, thought-provoking music will find a lot to connect with in Skytinual’s work, particularly those who resonate with the themes of change, growth, and resilience.
With “Changing Light,” Skytinual has set the stage for an era of artistic expression that bridges past and present, blending introspection with a musical style that feels both familiar and refreshingly original. As Bush reclaims his space in the music world, his commitment to creating music with depth and purpose shines through, making “Changing Light” not only a song but an anthem for those navigating life’s inevitable changes. Skytinual’s journey is a reminder that, even after long pauses, an artist’s voice can return with renewed purpose, ready to resonate with those who, like him, are learning to embrace each moment as it comes.
