Today sees the official worldwide release of ‘Christine Shine On’, the brand-new single from LA-based psychedelic rock project, CADET A.
Launching into new territories on a cosmic collision of space odyssey storytelling, synth-drenched psych, and retro-futuristic guitar work, the single – featuring co-vocals by musician and video artist, Sha Sabi – is the first in a series of new releases leading up to CADET A’s forthcoming full-length album, slated for released in 2026.
The accompanying video, directed and designed by Sha Sabi (United Ghosts), follows Christine – a lone astronaut who veers off course, crash-lands on a distant planet, and discovers something extraordinary: life in an alien world, and her own place in the future of history. Equal parts visionary and dreamlike, the video has already become a festival favourite, winning Best Video and Best Song at the East Village NY Film Festival, Berlin Film Festival, Cine Paris, LAIFF Los Angeles, Stockholm, Bangkok, and more.
Following the band’s sold-out debut album Apollo Zero (Daemon T.V.) and extensive tours across the UK, US, and Europe, ‘Christine Shine On’ marks CADET A’s bold return. The song reflects frontman Axel Ray Steuerwald’s own journey across continents – Germany to the UK, to Los Angeles – in pursuit of music and meaning. Originally conceived as a lockdown solo project after his band United Ghosts was halted by the pandemic, CADET A has since evolved into a full-band venture featuring Mimi Star (My Life With the Thrill Kill Kult), Jaquelyn Sky, and Joey Ponchetti, delivering transcendent live shows that fuse electronica, rock and roll, and immersive visuals.
CADET A’s music has been widely featured across film and television, including placements in The Big Bang Theory, Shameless, Veronica Mars, The Mentalist, and Moonlight. Previous projects have earned support from BBC 6 Music’s Steve Lamacq, NYC’s The Big Takeover, and stages shared with artists such as Black Francis, BRMC, Ash, The Raveonettes, Deap Vally, LA Witch, and The Warlocks.
‘Christine Shine On’ featuring Sha Sabi is officially released worldwide now and can be streamed here. Looking ahead, CADET A is preparing the release of their second record, working title ‘Lucifer Landing’, which promises to expand their futuristic sound and push deeper toward the dancefloor.
Check out ‘Christine Shine On’ below and read on to find out more about CADET A’s main musical influences…
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – It’s Blitz
The first of my three choices – all influenced by the vinyl records I played most while writing my latest album – is this one by Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I loved revisiting it! After blowing everyone away with their early, gritty Brooklyn punk rock vibes, they did a 180 in 2009 and introduced synthesizers and 808 drum loops without losing any of their identity. Karen O’s voice works so well, like she just moved out of the grungy basement and onto a shiny but still slightly dirty and questionable dancefloor. The band is amazing too. It feels like Nick Zinner and drummer Brian Chase listened to a bunch of Giorgio Moroder and Kraftwerk albums and decided to come along for that ride. It’s a hard thing to change things up and still sound like yourself, but they pulled it off here.
Andy Bell – The View From Halfway Down
While recording my album, I was trying to keep the dreamy psychedelia going while introducing some sleazy synths. It’s not exactly news that I’m a massive Ride fan, so I was intrigued by Andy’s solo work. Again, there’s a mixture of big psychedelic guitar sounds and electronic elements. ‘Love Comes In Waves’ is insanely catchy. That’s something Ride have always been good at, from their classic 90s output to more recent records and it spills into Andy’s solo work. As much as they (or he) can wig out and bring the washed-out shoegaze noise guitars, you always remember the hook, the melody, and the sonic innovation. As a German-born artist, I’m also always interested in echoes of krautrock, and those are definitely here too, especially NEU! (a lifelong influence of mine) and Harmonia.
Newdad – Madra
Occasionally, something new comes along that feels like an instant classic. This one just ticks all kinds of boxes for me. I love the post-punk bass lines, the spaced-out vocals, and the thought-out lyrics. The guitar work is great too. And of course, I must give credit to the drummer as well—it’s all good. The whole band is just so cool. I’ve watched a bunch of live clips, and they don’t disappoint. I really hope to see them live – or maybe even share a stage. It’s a fully formed record, and the vinyl is already getting worn out at my house. They get a lot of Cure comparisons, but I think that’s lazy – it’s more of a fresh sound with a long way to go. Ireland has been on fire with influential new bands these last few years, and NewDad are right at the heart of it. I just ordered their new one on vinyl, and I can’t wait to put it on.
