SPILL NEW MUSIC: SLEEP NATION – “MANEATER”

SLEEP NATION – “MANEATER”

INDEPENDENT

Though they keep the icons of decades past steady in the rearview, Sleep Nation has their eyes locked firmly on the future of rock ‘n’ roll. Unapologetic, high-octane, and constantly evolving, Sleep Nation fuses rock guitars, modern production, and narrative depth to prove that authentic rock ‘n’ roll is alive, kicking, and ready for what’s to come, including their iteration of Hall and Oates’ “Maneater,” which dropped September 23. This kicks off a multi-release Fall with three albums and two more singles to come before the end of 2026.

Sleep Nation has earned recognition across the independent music industry through award nominations, media coverage, radio placements, and film sync opportunities. The band has been nominated for the Josie Music Awards, one of the largest independent music award shows held in Tennessee, and has been highlighted by independent music and rock outlets including Earmilk, Drop The Spotlight, and antiMusic. Sleep Nation has also appeared on Nashville television, performing their singles “Crybaby” and “Sophistication” live on WSMV’s Today in Nashville. In addition to its media exposure,

The band has secured notable playlist and radio placements, including an official Apple Music editorial placement for “The Spaceman – Setup the Controls” on the “New In Alternative” playlist, as well as airplay across regional Southeast and Midwest college and rock radio markets. Their radio presence and promotional activity also generated industry attention, including charting mentions in MusicRow during their distribution through Heart Songs Music Group. Sleep Nation has further expanded its reach through film and synchronization placements, with “Mr. Unlucky” / “I’m a Werewolf, But That’s Ok” selected for the soundtrack of Hair of the Dog, directed by Michael Butts, and “Potter’s Ground” featured as the end-credits song for the thriller film Potter’s Ground. Together, these accomplishments demonstrate the band’s growing presence across independent music, radio, television, digital platforms, and film.

The Nashville-based alternative rock duo was founded in 2010 by lead vocalist Bran Merritt. Merritt is a Middle Tennessee native, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist as well as the guitarist for a Nine Inch Nails tribute band. Merritt’s relationship with art began early. In elementary school, he spent his time drawing cartoons and filling notebooks with sketches, but a profound shift occurred at age twelve following the tragic loss of his mother to breast cancer. Processing overwhelming grief and searching for a way forward, Bran turned to music. Introduced to iconic bands like Pink Floyd and Rush by his aunt, he found a vital lifeline in the power of music—particularly Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.”

Driven to create his own outlet, he picked up his father’s Alvarez acoustic guitar—a family heirloom originally gifted by his grandfather, a musician in The Be-Bops and The Rattlesnake Ridge Band. After asking his father how to chord a G, Merritt taught himself to play, quickly shifting from learning cover songs to writing his own original material every day after school. That initial spark turned into a lifelong passion, pulling him through his darkest moments and solidifying his pursuit of a creative career.

While in college, Merritt co-founded Sleep Nation with drummer Joey Lauretta. Originally starting as a three-piece searching for a vocalist, Merritt eventually stepped up to take over lead vocal duties following a memorable, fully instrumental gig. Through evolving lineups and industry shifts—including navigating the pandemic by reinventing Sleep Nation as a lean, high-energy two-piece band. And, Despite operating as a two-piece, the duo delivers a sonic impact and stage presence that rivals a full line-up. That relentless live energy has taken them from sweat-soaked Music City venues to opening for national touring acts such as Adema and Sponge.

Sleep Nation’s early breakout came with “I Want You Back,” which landed on 102.9 The Buzz’s “Local Buzz Top 25” and secured them the #2 spot on Sunset Island Music’s global Top 25 Unsigned Bands list. Momentum built quickly through cinematic soundtrack features—including “Mr. Unlucky” and “I’m a Werewolf, But That’s Ok” for the film Hair of the Dog, and end-credits music for Potter’s Ground—alongside acclaimed singles like “Slip,” “Scream & Shout,” “American Way,” and “Headlights.”

In recent years, the duo expanded their sonic identity into theatrical sci-fi territory with And Then There Were 2… and The Spaceman – Conquest, generating playlist momentum with tracks like “Set Up The Controls” and “The Spaceman – Ground Control”. Sleep Nation further solidified their modern era in late 2024 with the release of Deadbeat Disco (Heart Songs Music Group)—a 9-track collection featuring standouts like “Into the Night” and “Sold-Out Crowd” that fuses heavy guitar work with infectious, dark-groove rock energy.

ARTIST QUOTE

“What originally began as an original track intended for our album The Desolate – our upcoming album Famine took a shift when our producer, Jonn Nicholson, pointed out its striking resemblance to Daryl Hall & John Oates’ “Maneater.” That observation set the wheels in motion. Realizing the song’s tone and theme seamlessly aligned with our dark acoustic concept for the Four Horsemen series, we leaned into it—bringing in the Sisters Mann on guest vocals and swapping the iconic saxophone solo for viola, played by Flight Attendant’s Nikki Christie.”

Sleep Nation
[Single]
(Independent)
Release Date: September 23, 2026

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