Q&A: Sycco On Self-Expression, “Time’s Up” & More
WRITING FROM A PERSONAL PLACE — did not always come naturally to Sasha McLeod. The singer-songwriter and producer, who goes by "Sycco" (pronounced "psycho," as a nod to the psychedelic-pop soundscapes she likes to create from), has taken time to get to know herself more intimately. Her personal journey has lent a certain energy, frankness, and spirit to her indie tunes in spite of her enduring Brisbane cool-girl air.
The 19-year-old's latest single and music video, "Time’s Up," is a look into her upcoming debut EP Sycco's First EP (out July 30, via Future Classic). An electric breakup song that explores the complex feelings of leaving someone for good, the track pairs wonderfully with the disorienting visuals, raging lyrics, and trailing autotune to recreate the anxiety that lingers following a breakup. But there's something undeniably liberating about the song's quick tempo and its refusal of stagnancy, whether it's in Sasha's speeding around a racetrack in an open-air convertible, or being circled by skateboarders at a skatepark. Her wild hair, wide grins, and the repeating line "Now you don't want to fuck with me" land "Time’s Up" decidedly in the category of tunes to sing along to on a long summer drive.
In our interview with Sasha, we learn more about how she gained prominence during the pandemic, as well as what her recent string of successes — from completing a national tour to her accomplishments at the 2021 Queensland Music Awards — has felt like. Read below to learn what Sasha has to say about “Time’s Up,” her process, and more.
LUNA: Hi, Sasha! It's a pleasure to get to virtually chat with you. First off, how does this interview find you? How are you doing right now?
SYCCO: Hello! I am currently settling into my new home — I just moved out for the first time and just finished my first tour. [I’m] just trying to find balance and routine … working on clearing my head, but overall happy and excited about making more music!
LUNA: You just wrapped up your Australian national tour, which sold out within a day and looked like quite the party. What was that entire experience like for you?
SYCCO: I love touring — I want to do it all the time! It was so exhilarating and surreal meeting people that have listened to my music and seeing people sing the lyrics with me. I am so lucky to be able to tour with my best friends: I adore them, and we just have so much fun!
LUNA: Congrats on winning Song of the Year and the Pop Award at the 2021 Queensland Music Awards for "Dribble." The song also sits at over 3.8 million streams on Spotify — why do you think it has resonated so much with people?
SYCCO: Thank you! I have absolutely no idea … I really didn’t know “Dribble” could resonate with so many people. Maybe I was a bit self-absorbed to think I was the only one struggling with making sense when I speak. Grateful for it nonetheless. It blows my mind.
LUNA: How have you grown as an artist in the past year? What are some challenges you've faced, and what has the process of overcoming them been like?
SYCCO: In the past year I have learned a lot about separating myself from Sycco and letting the success and failures not dictate my own happiness. I’m dealing with a lot of imposter syndrome at the moment now that shows and events are becoming more normal. Numbers don’t mean anything to me, and that is all I have been seeing for the past year, so it's super hard to imagine the growth Sycco has had until it's put in physical form, which is very intimidating. The process of overcoming this has been eye-opening — a lot of it has got to be fuelled by self-belief, which is hard in itself because I’m needing to distinguish what is ego and what’s not. I don’t know if I’m making sense anymore.
LUNA: We're really excited to celebrate your latest single "Time’s Up" with you! Tell us more about the process of writing this song.
SYCCO: Me too, thank you! “Time’s Up” came together last year during lockdown. Ed Quinn (who I made “Dribble” and “Germs” with) sent me a beat which I then reproduced and arranged into the four minute track. I am the most proud of this song so far — it was a complete flow-state. This song was such a release of anger.
LUNA: Your music videos tend to be colorful, eclectic, and almost a little trippy in the way different camera shots are cut and sequenced together. Tell us more about the creative process of the "Time’s Up" MV in particular.
SYCCO: This video was so much fun to shoot. Basically, this video is representing my ego and battling lockdown. I love the chaos and glitches and quick vibe switch-ups. It's so awesome.
LUNA: Your songs "Time’s Up" and "My Ways" are upbeat, yet honest self-care anthems. Does your songwriting often come from a personal place?
SYCCO: Before these songs, I didn’t totally know how to write about myself because I wasn’t aware of what I was ever feeling. I wouldn’t say I’m totally aware now, but I have a better idea of it. I only really write about myself now because it's what I know the most about (laughs).
LUNA: Tell us more about the Brisbane music scene. Have any local artists, venues, or events shaped your sound and inspired you in any way?
SYCCO: The Brisbane music scene is awesome. I’m so grateful to be surrounded by so many creatives — we all love music so much and immerse ourselves in it 24/7. Especially last year — I feel so lucky to have been able to connect and have the support of my friends in music because we all really needed it.
LUNA: Share three things that are inspiring your creative process right now.
SYCCO: Routine, balance, and nature: three huge pillars that I always need to come back to when I feel low. They keep me inspired and in my own loop. Trying to adjust from the past month of tour and things, I’m trying to get back into my creative process, so those three are helping.
LUNA: You've often shared your musical inspirations in the past, citing artists like Clairo, Tame Impala, Remi Wolf, and Charli XCX. Who are some artists you would love to collaborate with in the future? Are there any collaborations in the works?
SYCCO: I’d love to collaborate with anybody. I just love making music and meeting new people.
LUNA: Tell us whatever you can about your upcoming music?
SYCCO: My first EP is currently in the works and is being released soon — I am so amped!
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