Sycco is a rising star who’s colourful vision is finally being recognised, and she’s ready to get you dancing and vibing while she acquaints herself with you. The Brisbane based First Nations singer, songwriter and producer has been impressing listeners with her addictively penned tracks that in-turn saw ‘Dribble’ reach #29 on the 2020 triple j Hottest 100.
Her debut EP poignantly titled ‘Sycco’s First EP’ (out now!) is a bold introductory collection of tracks that highlights her growth as an artist within the short three year space that she’s been releasing music. Honing her hook writing and slick melodies, these tracks unravel a contrast in big festival ready production moments with vulnerable unravellings as she opens up about some big coming-of-age moments in her life.
I recently chatted to Sycco about what ‘Sycco’s First EP’ signifies to her, explored the creative processes behind ‘Happy You’re Here’ and ‘Past Life’, and she revealed who would be in her all-star girl group. Check it out BELOW;
THOMAS BLEACH: ‘Sycco’s First EP’ is a really bold introductory collection of tracks. What do you think is the most surprising thing people are going to hear and learn about yourself from listening to the EP in its entirety?
SYCCO: I think this EP shows a lot of growth for me, even though this is probably one of the first things people have heard of me. I think throughout the EP I start to understand and show my writing progression through the topics I chose to talk about and be vulnerable. Hopefully that is displayed.
TB: The melodically charged ‘Happy You’re Here’ is an immediate standout and has been one I’ve been personally so excited to hear since your live show earlier this year. Can you explain the creative process behind this track?
S: This was the second song I made with Maxxy (Golden Vessel). Whenever we write together he always pushes me to show my vulnerable side. I think this is probably the first proper, genuine love song I have ever written. It’s very special to me. This song was so created so quickly, it was practically done within the day.
TB: When you hear that beautiful refrain “Please don’t go. I love you so, I love you, so happy you’re here” back now where does it take you mentally and physically?
S: It takes me back to the feeling of falling in love but feeling scared to say it as there’s a huge fear of rejection from me *laughs*. That beginning period of first love is so beautiful and scary at the same time.
TB: ‘Past Life’ is another standout with its DIY production that builds up to this really groovy final chorus. So what was inspiring you sonically specifically with this track and that slick build up?
S: This is a super old song as it was made at the end of 2019. I think the DIY production is due to Lucianblomklamp and I just trying to make something out of nothing. I don’t know if it was super conscious at the time but all my songs are so filled with texture and colour with so much going on all the time. I think my ears needed a break so this one had to be stripped back in a way. I always love a huge ending though so that was inevitable.
TB: The opening track ‘Best Before’ has got a really distinctive and experimental sound with layered vocals. How long did this track take for you to find the “right” mix?
S: ‘Best Before’ was super hard to get right actually. It didn’t have live drums at first, and then adding in the live drums made it entirely different. I think of this one as a flume inspired Sycco song. I wouldn’t say it has the most polished sound in the end, but I really dig that rawness and the DIY effect of it all!
TB: You’ve been playing some of these songs like ‘Time’s Up’, Best Before’, and ‘Happy You’re Here’ in your live set for a while now. So from seeing how they fit in a live setting and hearing the crowd’s reaction to them, did any of the studio versions change over time?
S: Honestly no! We didn’t get heaps of chances to play them live and understand the overall crowd consensus. I think if anything it made me rethink if they were good or not.
TB: ‘My Ways’ is a slinky pop moment that has this ridiculously catchy part where you sing “Sit down, sleep now. Breathe in, breathe out” which feels like a bit of a girl group moment. So If you could create your own girl group for a special one off performance of ‘My Ways’, what other musicians would you invite?
S: All the Brisbane icons like Felivand, Hallie, Asha Jefferies and Clea. They have been here since day dot and I think we would take over the world if we had a band together.
TB: Let’s play a quick game of rapid fire questions. You ready?
S: AHHHHH!
TB: The emoji that best describes ‘Sycco’s First EP’ is…
S: The butterfly emoji!
TB: If I could have any superpower it would be to…
S: Teleportation
TB: The colour of my toothbrush at the moment is…
S: Blue and white
TB: The weirdest hobby or obsession I picked up during lockdown has been..
S: I’ve gotten back into juggling the soccer ball in the park! I love it.
TB: Pineapple on pizza is…
S: Yum yum YUMMY!
‘Sycco’s First EP’ is out now!