Alex Parker & Matthew Bento Toast to Golden Hour Nostalgia with Day Drinking

Los Angeles loves a good soundtrack, and Romanian hitmaker Alex Parker plus Bermudian singer-songwriter Matthew Bento just delivered one tailor-made for golden hour. Their new collab “Day Drinking” is sun-soaked indie pop with a splash of yacht rock, indie folk warmth, and retro synth sheen—the kind of track that feels like sipping a cold spritz on a rooftop, half-buzzed and weightless.

Built on playful guitar riffs, groovy basslines, and a Schlager-style “la la la” post-chorus, “Day Drinking” floats like an endless afternoon on Sunset Blvd. It’s a toast to hazy memories: patio bars that blurred into beach dives, laughter spilling louder than the music, and a connection that made the whole city fade away.

For Parker and Bento, this single isn’t just about nostalgia; it’s about bottling LA’s fleeting intimacy. As Bento explains, “Day Drinkin’ is about a bittersweet mix of nostalgia, anticipation, and missing those carefree afternoons… It’s a reminder to slow down and make room for those simple moments.”

The pairing feels effortless. Parker, the LA-based Romanian producer with over a billion streams, Gold and Platinum discs, and collaborations with Grammy-winning teams behind Kendrick Lamar and Hozier, brings the glossy hooks and crisp production. Bento, Bermuda-born and LA-based, balances that sheen with soulful indie-pop vocals shaped by island rhythms and folk-inspired storytelling. With sync credits across Google, Samsung, Amazon, McDonald’s, and UFC, his voice is already familiar—even if you don’t know his name yet.

Together they’ve crafted something that’s both brand-ready and emotionally resonant. You can already imagine rooftop bar playlists and seltzer ads snapping it up, but it’s heartfelt enough to stick with you long after the buzz wears off. “Day Drinking” is more than a nod to alcohol; it’s a metaphor for connection in a city that never slows down. The track feels nostalgic without being dated, playful without being shallow, and romantic without sinking into cliché.

It’s modern retro done right—perfect for brunch playlists, poolside hangs, and late-night drives when you’re missing somebody you shouldn’t. With “Day Drinking,” Alex Parker and Matthew Bento capture LA’s hazy, bittersweet charm in a three-minute escape. Carefree, sunlit, and just a little melancholic, it’s the kind of single that makes you remember not just who you were with, but exactly how you felt. And honestly? Who doesn’t love a happy hour anthem?

"Day Drinking" is such a vivid metaphor, both fun and bittersweet. Was this inspired by a specific memory, or more of a collective vibe of LA life?

Alex: For me, it was more about the slight buzz, carefree energy, and youthfulness. My favourite music I make is the kind that's made for the fun of being in the studio, enjoying the process, and being surrounded by great talent and fun gear! This is how it started for me, since I picked up the keyboard I received when I was six, and this is how I try to preserve the process - a good-vibe recording!

Matthew: Day Drinkin' came about naturally when you're in a sesh and get cool melodies and ideas floating around (with a little bevvy). Being from Bermuda, we have a party culture, especially day drinking on the beach, so it fits perfectly with the ambiance of LA, too!

You've played festival mainstages across Europe. Matthew, you've scored major syncs for brands like Google and Heineken. How did your two completely different paths collide for this track?

Alex: Our paths crossed one year ago in a random studio session. We enjoyed the process and dynamic so much that we stayed in touch, and over time, we've built a fresh catalogue of great stuff.

Matthew: My boy from London, Zeeko, and I had a session with an artist that Alex was working with. We meshed really well in the session and kept in touch while Alex was moving here full-time. Since then, we have had great chemistry in the studio and have just been linking up ever since! Building up the music vault for other projects and artists in the pipeline….

The track has this retro yacht rock flavor but still feels fresh and modern. How intentional was that throwback vibe versus just following where the music took you?

Alex: What started as a jam session later evolved into a particular sound-design work of art. The main melodies, guitars, and grooves were where the music took us, and then we delved into the flavors.

Matthew: It was just a natural vibe. Alex picked up the guitar and started jamming to some drums I had started. Then he laid down that sweet bass; the top line came easy. Once we knew it had the potential to be a banger, we locked in and dove in deep with production and vocals, etc. Yacht rock was such a dope era too, those smooth vibes work in every party!

Day drinking is often about letting go of stress and being in the moment. What does slowing down and finding joy look like for you now, outside of music?

Alex: For me, it's photography, fashion, reading a good book, and working on becoming a better man.

Matthew: When you're surrounded by good friends and family, with all the most righteous energy, you can really flex and chill, talk about life, or just be! I picked up golf over Covid, like a lot of people did; so I put on my Bermuda roots reggae playlist, sip a little something, and play 18 holes! Instant stress relief! 

This track screams sync potential, beach bars, rooftops, brunch playlists, and even seltzer ads. Do you see yourselves leaning harder into brand collabs and lifestyle tie-ins moving forward?

Alex: I strongly believe Day Drinkin' has a great HIT potential and with the right timing and right people around it, this song could become evergreen!

Matthew: Yeah, I've done quite a few beverage brands, including most recently Heineken and Mahou Beer, with some other brands in the works for this song. An LA-based company would be the perfect match, especially with a campaign of that cheeky day drink, whether at a party, a business lunch, or brunch!