Q&A: Sycco Talks Glimmering Single “Swarm”
WITH POSITIVE VIBES EVEN THROUGH THE TOUGHEST TIMES — Brisbane-based Sasha McLeod, also known as Sycco, introduces the anxiety-ridden, yet high-spirited whimsical new track “Swarm.” Following the success of her previous singles — such as her addictive track with Flume, “Ripple” — and coming off touring with acts such as Tame Impala and Glass Animals, it's no surprise there is a huge, deserving spotlight shining on her.
With “Swarm,” Sycco presents a lighthearted, lively, lift-your-arms-up-and-sway song that contrasts with its vulnerable lyrics. With her songwriting, Sycco unveils a side of her that is swamped by second thoughts once the loneliness starts settling in after a break up.
“‘Swarm’ was the first song I made when I went to LA for the first time on my own,” Sycco shares. “I had recently broken up with my girlfriend of three years a few months before … and I hadn’t really processed any of it. Lyrically, ‘Swarm’ is about my anxiety and how I let it get in the way of things that are important to me. Sonically, it has some fun production elements and is quite upbeat, and I'm attracted to the contrast because it highlights how silly those anxious feelings can be.”
Our minds can't help but paint a rosy picture of what we let go of, but this song is Sycco’s approach on dealing with that heart break and yearning to be with that person you just let go of.
The artist describes these emotions so effortlessly with her writing, while still revealing a glimpse of hopefulness. With the help of producer Chrome Sparks, she is able to support her claim that it will all feel small as you continue healing, because love is silly and these devastating confusing feelings of the past can reassure us that there will be brighter days.
Continue reading below to see how this rising star from Down Under is breaking out into the music scene with her intentional songwriting and vibrant sound, making just about anyone captivated by her electric, pure aura.
LUNA: First off, thank you for your time! How is everything, how are you?
SYCCO: Heyo, thank you for having me! I’m lagging a little at the moment from the big time difference, but other than that I am happier than ever to be on the other side of the world playing shows.
LUNA: Let’s talk about your latest single, “Swarm.” Where did the inspiration come from?
SYCCO: I had just broken up with my girlfriend of about three years and was having huge regrets about my decision. “Swarm” was me trying to remember the reasons why I wasn’t fit to be in a relationship and fighting all the feelings that I was romanticizing.
LUNA: How quickly did the track piece together?
SYCCO: It was actually Jez’s (Chrome Sparks) first proper session, and we were making a completely different song that wasn’t clicking super well (what is the intro of “Swarm” now). As soon as we pivoted, it came so quickly — the vibes were palpable.
LUNA: How would you describe the difference between creating this single as opposed to your other work?
SYCCO: I think every song I write I get this feeling of, “This is what I’ve been wanting and trying to create!” It felt really special to achieve that with Jez right before we had a huge couple of weeks booked in for writing. “Swarm” feels super elevated and more thoughtful compared to my previous work but is still janky, free flowing and not super contrived.
LUNA: When there’s so many emotions spilling into a song, do you like to process and thoughtfully write it out or just let your feelings out into your writing?
SYCCO: Definitely not! Half the time I don't know what I’m writing until I finish the entire song. Recently I’ve tried to seek the understanding whilst writing but I’ve found it kind of makes me overthink and I don't get as interesting lyrics. Who knows, maybe it will change.
LUNA: Was it intentional to make the sound of the song feel light and airy while the lyrics carry some baggage?
SYCCO: Definitely not intentional, but I found it quite trivial at the time how our brains trick us into deeply believing what doesn’t serve us when we are missing something. I find anxiety so silly; of course it can be debilitating and horrible, but the concept and the fact we as humans have anxiety is so silly to me, I don't get it — but it's so hard to recognize that when you are anxious. (Laughs) I hope that made some sort of sense — look at that, anxiety!
LUNA: You’re just coming off some scattered gigs in the States. How does it differ to shows you’ve had in Australia?
SYCCO: After playing festivals and shows in Australia, where people know the words and the songs and are screaming, it can be quite jarring coming over to a room where they don’t know anything about you. Every night, though, is insane to see anyone from this side of the world standing in that room. It’s so cool how far music can travel.
LUNA: Seeeing as June is pride month, how important is it for you as a rising star to be a representation to the LGBTQ+ community and write about your experiences on love and life?
SYCCO: I think I didn't truly realize how important it was because it took me so long to fully accept who I was. We are in a great time where there are so many queer icons. I want to add to that because I have also found it so validating. I think of someone like Chappell Roan and how deeply inspired I am of her and what she is spreading in the world. I listen to her or I see her and I am just, like, fucking happy. Being authentically you is always the goal and creating a space for everyone to feel that way.
LUNA: Last question: Any exciting upcoming projects in the works for you?
SYCCO: Potentially a big old giant chunk of music.
