SUMO CYCO have just dropped a brand new, high-voltage music video for their deliciously chaotic Initiation track “Cyclone”
Frontwoman Skye “Sever” Sweetnam says about the “Cyclone” video: “‘Cyclone’ was written about the unpredictable scenarios life can throw at us all. We just have to hang on.”
She adds about the band’s touring plans: “As we embark on our first tours since the pandemic began in 2020, it feels like things have been ramping up from zero to sixty real fast. And with more dates just added with Icon for Hire and Awake at Last, our life is imitating art right now. They say there’s quiet before the storm and we’re brining the storm on the road this spring/summer!”
After setting the music world ablaze in May with the release of their mind-bending latest full-length album, Initiation, fans instantly clamored for more SUMO CYCO. Those prayers are now answered with the drop of the official Initiation Digital Deluxe Edition! Featuring peppy new single “Sun Eater”, plus additional limited edition tracks “New Jive”, “We Are The Nation” and “Awakened”, the Initiation Digital Deluxe Edition is available today via all digital retailers.
Fans can check out a delightfully demonic new music video for “Sun Eater” now! Seamlessly melding punk, reggae, metal and pop, “Sun Eater” joins the ranks of recent singles like “Bystander”, “Vertigo” and more – all boasting millions of streams/views to date.
Frontwoman Skye “Sever” Sweetnam says about the Initiation Digital Deluxe Edition: “We are ecstatic to get more music out there on the Deluxe Edition of Initiation. We wrote so many songs for Initiation and had some really solid tracks that just didn’t make it on the original track listing. We just can’t keep them to ourselves.”
Skye adds about “Sun Eater”: “When I wrote ‘Sun Eater’ I was contemplating life’s big existential questions. No matter what problems we’re faced with, we’re all just here for a moment spinning warp speed through space. When one starts thinking of the big picture, it can also make our everyday problems seem more insignificant. I sing about my inner demons very often in my music, when comparing those demons to a massive Sun Eating monster of the universe, it really is no match. So, the song is really about seizing the day, because it really is crazy that we even exist.
For the video, I wanted to try some 2D animation inspired by Monty Python and some of my favorite movie and TV opening title sequences. I wanted to inject lots of our signature colour but simple compositions of each frame keeping it all very stark and contrasted. In the video, I have created an alter dimensional clinic where my demons are waiting for a cure. I also introduce the mad Nurse who only prescribes one type of pill for everything. A gold pill that harnesses the sun.”
SUMO CYCO’s Initiation invites a mass of new followers into their warped, dystopian-like world of “Cyco City”! As with its predecessors Lost In Cyco City (2014), Opus Mar (2017) and countless singles, Initiation is based in the imaginative conceptual location of “Cyco City”. But unlike most concept albums, the lyrical content is inspired by the band’s real-time environment – featuring timely, personal themes of love, sacrifice, anxiety, empowerment and more that all listeners can relate to. By the end of Initiation, listeners will wonder just what exactly SUMO CYCO can’t do, proving them as a band on the rise, and that unconventionality always stands out from the pack.
Initiation Digital Deluxe Edition track listing: 1) Love You Wrong 2) Bystander 3) Vertigo 4) Bad News 5) No Surrender 6) M.I.A. 7) Cyclone 8) Run with the Giants 9) Overdrive 10) Power & Control 11) This Dance Is Doomed 12) Awakened 13) New Jive 14) We Are The Nation 15) Sun Eater
Order the Digital Deluxe Edition or ‘Initiation’ here.
Prepared to satiate a legion of devoted fans, Canadian alt-metal/heavy rock crossover stars SUMO CYCO will finally drop their highly anticipated upcoming full-length album, Initiation, this Friday, May 7 via Napalm Records!
If their three ultra successful current singles “No Surrender”, “Bystander”, and the Kane Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, In This Moment, Papa Roach) produced “Vertigo” (which have now surpassed one million combined cross-platform streams/views) are any indication, it should come as no surprise that the band’s final pre-album single – the eclectic, infectious “Bad News” – is another total winner, showing off the band’s perfected multi-genre attack more potently than ever!
Frontwoman Skye “Sever” Sweetnam says about “Bad News”: “I’m sure many people can relate to feeling like everyday is ‘Bad News’ over and over again. There was a point in 2020 when I was so glued to the news and current events it felt like my personal identity was fading away into an abyss and replaced with a scrolling, media consuming robot. It made me miserable, but I felt like I had a responsibility to know what was going on. It took me a while to peel myself away from the constant barrage of negativity and find a balance.”
Sweetnam adds about the video: “The music video was really fun to film. I’m so lucky to have band members who are willing to get pretty weird with me. Once the make-up and prosthetics were on, the guys and I came to life as our Cyco Terrornaut family. I included some obnoxious color combos that almost make you question your sanity when you watch the video.”
SUMO CYCO’s Initiation invites a mass of new followers into their warped, dystopian-like world of “Cyco City”! As with its predecessors Lost In Cyco City (2014), Opus Mar (2017) and countless singles, Initiation is based in the imaginative conceptual location of “Cyco City”. But unlike most concept albums, the lyrical content is inspired by the band’s real-time environment – featuring timely, personal themes of love, sacrifice, anxiety, empowerment and more that all listeners can relate to.
Sweetnam adds about the album: “The album’s title, Initiation, stems from wanting to invite the audience to be “initiated” into our world. There are usually two congruent themes to each of our albums – one is real-world inspiration, and the other is “Cyco City”, a comic book-esque alternate universe where all our music videos take place. With Initiation, we introduce four gangs or clubs. Our music videos for Initiation all include a theme of these clubs – whether it’s gang vs. gang, a forbidden love between opposing sides, or the idea of having to choose where you belong.
Outside of the story, the lyrics relate to the polarization of the world we live in now. We all have a longing to belong, but what makes one feel accepted or ostracized from a group? To be INITIATED, would you be willing to try to understand another point of view? I have always written lyrics about internal struggle, the war within oneself. Throughout the album, we bounce back and forth between struggle and overcoming. It reflects the times, and there are moments that seem a bit dark.”
Canadian alt-metal/heavy rock crossover stars SUMO CYCO will drop their unstoppable upcoming full-length album, Initiation, on May 7, 2021 via Napalm Records! The band has proven undeniably potent with the breakout success of their two recent singles, “No Surrender” and “Bystander”, with the latter garnering over 100,000 YouTube views in just four days and impacting at #10 on SiriusXM Liquid Metal’s “Devil’s Dozen”.
Today, SUMO CYCO have dropped their most addictive anthem yet – the Kane Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, In This Moment, Papa Roach) produced hit-in-the-making, “Vertigo”. It’s clear within moments that “Vertigo” is an electrifying standout, connecting like a sucker punch as soon as its electro-laced intro breaks into the first verse, and standing tall with its airtight, heavy pop-influenced sensibility.
Skye “Sever” Sweetnam says about “Vertigo”,itsaccompanying video, and working with Kane Churko: “‘Vertigo’ was written pre-pandemic, but it’s crazy how we have been living through some of the most disorienting times in our lives. ‘Vertigo’ is all about trying to hold onto your sanity and self against any outside force.
Having Kane Churko produce and co-write with us on this track was a great experience. We typically do everything at our home studio, so hanging in Vegas at the amazing Hideout Recording studio put us in a fresh new mindset to create.
The music video contains one of the most elaborate sets we’ve worked on. I guess collecting so much junk over the years has paid off! Come choose your poison and start the INITIATION!”
Check out ‘Vertigo’ below.
SUMO CYCO’s Initiation invites a mass of new followers into their warped, dystopian-like world of “Cyco City”! As with its predecessors Lost In Cyco City (2014), Opus Mar (2017) and countless singles, Initiation is based in the imaginative conceptual location of “Cyco City”. But unlike most concept albums, the lyrical content is inspired by the band’s real-time environment – featuring timely, personal themes of love, sacrifice, anxiety, empowerment and more that all listeners can relate to.
Sweetnam adds about the album: The album’s title, Initiation, stems from wanting to invite the audience to be “initiated” into our world. There are usually two congruent themes to each of our albums – one is real-world inspiration, and the other is “Cyco City”, a comic book-esque alternate universe where all our music videos take place. With Initiation, we introduce four gangs or clubs. Our music videos for Initiation all include a theme of these clubs – whether it’s gang vs. gang, a forbidden love between opposing sides, or the idea of having to choose where you belong.
Outside of the story, the lyrics relate to the polarization of the world we live in now. We all have a longing to belong, but what makes one feel accepted or ostracized from a group? To be INITIATED, would you be willing to try to understand another point of view? I have always written lyrics about internal struggle, the war within oneself. Throughout the album, we bounce back and forth between struggle and overcoming. It reflects the times, and there are moments that seem a bit dark.”
At the album’s start, SUMO CYCO lights a spark with the seductively hooked track “Love You Wrong”, connecting like a punch and setting the stage for the vigor to come. The blitz continues with standouts like lethal room-mover “Bystander” and electronic-infused, in-your-face rock anthem “Vertigo” – the latter standing tall with its airtight, gritty pop sensibility and featuring the production mastery of Juno Award-winning producer Kane Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, In This Moment, Papa Roach). Swiftly followed by erratic, addictive nod-to-the-times “Bad News” and heavy, creeping success “No Surrender”, Initiation proves not even halfway through that the band’s songwriting ability and the commanding performance prowess frontwoman Skye “Sever” Sweetnam, guitarist Matt “MD13” Drake, bassist Oscar Anesetti and drummer Matt “Trozzi” blend a recipe for greatness. The album continues winding through a mastery of heavy-meets-pop execution before ending with the full-throttle, sugar n’ salt packed album closer “This Dance Is Doomed” (while various editions cap off with sultry, confident “Awakened”).
By the end of Initiation, listeners will wonder just what exactly SUMO CYCO can’t do, proving them as a band on the rise, and that unconventionality always stands out from the pack.
The track listing for ‘Initiation’ is as follows:
1) Love You Wrong 2) Bystander 3) Vertigo 4) Bad News 5) No Surrender 6) M.I.A. 7) Cyclone 8) Run with the Giants 9) Overdrive 10) Power & Control 11) This Dance Is Doomed 12) Awakened (not available on standard digital version)
Canada based band Sumo Cyco have dropped a new video for their track, ‘No Surrender’, their latest track off their upcoming record, ‘Initiation’.
Skye “Sever” Sweetnam (Vocals) had this to say about it.
“‘No Surrender’ is about the struggle to be your authentic self, living your truth and battling inner demons. The music video depicts four characterized versions of myself representing different sides of my personality and how I see myself. They’re lurking in the darkness over my shoulder, always questioning each other’s decisions.
The song is written from the perspective of the voice or voices in my head. Telling me to run one moment and another to hold my ground and another to fight back. In between some epic rocking out with the band, I wanted the viewers to visualize the colorful juxtaposition that goes on in my mind.”
Check out ‘No Surrender’ below.
‘Initiation’ is set to be released on May 7th 2021 Via Napalm Records.
Canadian Alt-Metal favourites Sumo Cyco have confirmed their upcoming third record, ‘Initiation’.
Set to be released on May 7th 2021 via Napalm Records, the band have also released the album’s lead single, ‘Bystander’, which you can check out below along with the album’s cover artwork, full track listing, and pre-order options. Interlaced with infectious heavy metal grooves, pop-perfected hooks, electronic undertones and a dose of punk flavor, Initiation breaks all the rules while delivering a cohesive yet purely unbridled sonic adventure.
SUMO CYCO has cemented their name by garnering an impressive legion of fans with their hardworking attitude and storybuilding prowess. With Initiation, SUMO CYCO takes it to a whole new level – demonstrated by their new single, “Bystander”! Crowned by expert, airtight vocal domination from Juno-nominated pop star-turned-rock frontwoman Skye “Sever” Sweetnam, the track features an aggressive, fast-paced attack of low, grooving metal riffage, relentless drums and slinking electronic accents. Its accompanying music video reflects the track’s energetic, chaotic vibe with sharp, vivid visuals. Don’t just be a bystander, check it out now!
Frontwoman Skye “Sever” Sweetnam says about “Bystander” and its video: “‘Bystander’ was inspired by the frustration of our lives turning upside down in this pandemic. I felt like instead of living my life, I was now a slave to a screen, watching the world fall apart right before my eyes, totally helpless. The music video depicts my character trapped in a floating house watching news events taking place on TV, and at the same time, right outside my window. This entire video was produced, filmed and edited by Matt and I in our home studio!”
Initiation invites a mass of new followers into their warped, dystopian-like world of “CycoCity”! As with its predecessors Lost In Cyco City (2014), Opus Mar (2017) and countless singles, Initiation is based in the imaginative conceptual location of “Cyco City”. But unlike most concept albums, the lyrical content is inspired by the band’s real-time environment – featuring timely, personal themes of love, sacrifice, anxiety, empowerment and more that all listeners can relate to.
Sweetnam adds about the album: The album’s title, Initiation, stems from wanting to invite the audience to be “initiated” into our world. There are usually two congruent themes to each of our albums – one is real-world inspiration, and the other is “Cyco City”, a comic book-esque alternate universe where all our music videos take place. With Initiation, we introduce four gangs or clubs. Our music videos for Initiation all include a theme of these clubs – whether it’s gang vs. gang, a forbidden love between opposing sides, or the idea of having to choose where you belong.
Outside of the story, the lyrics relate to the polarization of the world we live in now. We all have a longing to belong, but what makes one feel accepted or ostracized from a group? To be INITIATED, would you be willing to try to understand another point of view? I have always written lyrics about internal struggle, the war within oneself. Throughout the album, we bounce back and forth between struggle and overcoming. It reflects the times, and there are moments that seem a bit dark.”
At the album’s start, SUMO CYCO lights a spark with the seductively hooked track “Love You Wrong”, connecting like a punch and setting the stage for the vigor to come. The blitz continues with standouts like lethal room-mover “Bystander” and electronic-infused, in-your-face rock anthem “Vertigo” – the latter standing tall with its airtight, gritty pop sensibility and featuring the production mastery of Juno Award-winning producer Kane Churko (Ozzy Osbourne, In This Moment, Papa Roach). Swiftly followed by erratic, addictive nod-to-the-times “Bad News” and heavy, creeping success “No Surrender”, Initiation proves not even halfway through that the band’s songwriting ability and the commanding performance prowess frontwoman Skye “Sever” Sweetnam, guitarist Matt “MD13” Drake, bassist Oscar Anesetti and drummer Matt “Trozzi” blend a recipe for greatness. The album continues winding through a mastery of heavy-meets-pop execution before ending with the full-throttle, sugar n’ salt packed album closer “This Dance Is Doomed” (while various editions cap off with sultry, confident “Awakened”).
By the end of Initiation, listeners will wonder just what exactly SUMO CYCO can’t do, proving them as a band on the rise, and that unconventionality always stands out from the pack.
Track-listing
1) Love You Wrong 2) Bystander 3) Vertigo 4) Bad News 5) No Surrender 6) M.I.A. 7) Cyclone 8) Run with the Giants 9) Overdrive 10) Power & Control 11) This Dance Is Doomed 12) Awakened (not available on standard digital version)
Pre-order options are available via the following link.
Fearless Records has something new coming up for everyone at home.
The music label, the home of bands such as: Set It Off, Sumo Cyco and The Word Alive have announced Fearless At Home, an interactive live-stream event.
It’s set to take place Saturday 9th May 2020 on the label’s Youtube Channel.
From a new signing announcement to an acoustic set, it’s also said to have “fun, at home segments.”
Check out the teaser below.
Tie in Merchandise can be found here. All proceeds are going to be donated to Crew Nation which is a global relief fund for live music crews
It’s 4PM on a Friday! This means it’s time for the music video roundup. If you’re new to either the blog or these music video roundup posts, this is how it works. Every week, I watch some of the best recently released music videos and compile them into a list for everyone’s viewing pleasure. They’re span across all the different genres, so expect something different for most of the tracks.
The first band in this weeks list are the Californian Punks Culture Abuse. They’ve recently released a track titled as ‘Goo’, which is the first piece of new material since their last year’s ‘Bay Dream’.
Keeping things stateside for the next video, the Minnesota Indie Rockers Remo Drive have dropped a video for ‘Around The Sun’. This is a new single to come from their upcoming full-length record, ‘Natural, Everyday Degradation’.
Erik Paulson (Vocals / Guitar) had this to say on the track.
“There’s sadness in routine. Even in the happiest of situations, we’re losing valuable moments or time. All these songs [on the album] are about some sort of warped existence, but through that, I think we ultimately find we can be whatever we want to be.”
Going across to Philadelphia, the Pop-Punkers known as Grayscale are ready to start a new cycle with the release of their single, ‘Painkiller Weather’. This is the first material of new music since the release of their 2017 debut record, ‘Adornment’.
How about we move things across to Canada for this next video? Ahead of their UK tour and set at Download Festival, Sumo Cyco has released a love-driven video, fitting for their new single, ‘Love You Wrong’.
On the track, the band have said:
“‘Love You Wrong’ is a song about the push and pull of a deep epic love. Sometimes love so intense can be unhealthy, other times it can feel like the meaning of life. There’s a tangled web of chemicals dancing between your heart and your brain that can feel like whiplash.”
Shall we move to the British Isles for a few videos? That sounds as if it’s a good idea, keep things fresh. Bring Me The Horizon have a busy summer of festivals ahead of them, playing a set at Radio 1’s Big Weekend and then curating their own day at All Points East in London, it hasn’t stopped the band from releasing a new video. Directed by Chris Muir, the video was shot whilst the band was on tour in Sao Paulo, Brazil earlier this year.
Check out Mother Tongue below.
Moving to some metalcore for the next pick, TheCityIsOurs have a new offering in ‘Bare Bones’. The track features vocals from the Our Hollow, Our Home frontman Connor Hallisey and will act as the lead single from their upcoming debut record, ‘Low’.
Check out ‘Bare Bones’ below.
And for a more lighter feel, the Pop-Rockers on the rise Hot Milk have dropped a brand new video off their debut EP, ‘Are You Feeling Alive’ and this track, it’s ‘Wide Awake’.
Moving across to Ireland for this next band, one that’s been away for a while on the making of their new record, but first the trio Fangclub have a ferocious new track in the form of ‘Hesitations’.
Stephen King (Vocals) has said: “It’s a heavy hitter with a lot of massive riffs. Lyrically, songs are always open to interpretation but we will say this, the verses are an inner voice or a devil on the shoulder and the choruses are the volcanic eruptions from deep within. Heavy shit. We know. Can’t help it.”
Check out ‘Hesitations’ below.
And for the penultimate track, ahead of the Slam Dunk festivities at this weekends festival, Trophy Eyes frontman John Floreani has dropped another track from his upcoming record, ‘Sin’ and this is where things get emotional!
Let’s go loud and energetic for this last track this week. ‘Mushroom Cloud’ is the latest offering from Of Mice & Men, which follows on from the post-apocalyptic narrative they once started with ‘How To Survive’ a few months ago.
On the track frontman Aaron Pauley has shared:
“I was pretty young when I became aware of the danger of spending too much time in my own head… My mind has never been a safe place for me to retreat to, and it’s something I have to consciously deal with on a daily basis. ‘Mushroom Cloud’ is our visceral representation of how it feels to be trapped, how it feels to be cut down by your own inner voice, how it feels to have nowhere to hide, and how it feels to be someone with a mind that’s as dangerous to themselves as the aftermath of an atomic weapon.”
And that’s it for another week of music video roundup. Don’t forget to check back next week at 4PM sharp for another countdown of ten of the best recent music videos to feast your eyes upon. There’s also new posts every day on the Almost anything Media so be sure to check out anything that might catch your eye.
CKY are coming back to the UK! Earlier this year, the band supported Skindred on their headline run of things and last week they played Download Festival. Now they’re coming back for a tour with Sumo Cyco and Bullets And Octane.
Now, I’m getting right into my Canadian bands at the moment. They’re providing a sense of individuality that’s just being confirmed with every single release and Sumo Cyco are no different. What’s incredible is their fan base though because they’ve helped catapult them to larger venues without the backing of a label! With huge personalities on every band member, I just had to go down and see for myself what their sound is in person!
First up was Skarlett Riot. Now, I hadn’t seen this band live in a few years now so it was certainly a treat to be seeing them after so long after a few EP’s and a record since their last releases. But what I did see was a continued evolution of the Yorkshire rockers! Similar to each release, you just see their energy and motivation turned straight up to eleven. This isn’t the same Skarlett Riot I saw a few years ago in York at the Duchess supporting Heaven’s Basement. This is an updated band that is currently at their best and I couldn’t be happier to see them. The new record is called ‘Regenerate’ and I don’t think that could’ve been a more precise description of what I saw from them. Tracks such as ‘Break’ and ‘The Storm’ seen live just ignited my love for the band I once fell in love with but I don’t recall seeing any of their older material. That was one question I didn’t ask them but I have my own little theory there. I think it’s because they don’t need to backtrack as their focus on the here and now as this is Skarlett Riot through and through. The tracks are a statement for who the band really are to Reignite them to be one of the best things about British Rock at the moment. However, from their set it wouldn’t surprise me if they would start announcing some headlining set because in my eyes they’re ready for the challenge. They hit top gear in places but if they can continue their steady rise, it’ll be fantastic.
The headliners on the night were the Canadian rockers Sumo Syco playing out to a packed audience at the Think Tank. There were some Skarlett Riot merch on the attendee’s in the crowd but if you asked me if the two bands complemented each other, I’d say these two bands touring together was a match made in heaven! Because of the similar music style, sure. Because of the energy output they gave? You might say that. But what topped it was Sumo Cyco’s personality because that’s what they had over the support. Everything just seemed absolute. It was a high octane, hilarious and thought out performance from every one of the band members and this year, one of the best I’ve ever seen. They managed to do everything a band should be doing in a set but more to the point of having fun, every single word that was spoken by Skye ‘Sever’ Sweetnam was pure magic where you just wish that there was more time for them to. Charging through their set, they never lost pace during the performance so it is fair to assume that they could’ve gone for a few more tracks for the duration, Here though, we observe a band on top form, not afraid to think outside of the box, they’re open to trying anything during their set, which does involve some audience participation and a rowdy storming set. Honestly, if you want to see only one band this year, I advise you go see Sumo Cyco and you certainly won’t be disappointed.
So, now after this, I should be up to date with the last few months of A Conversation With! Only took me a while to get on with this but the last interview is a good one. It’s the female vocalist of a great Canadian band, Sumo Cyco and when I heard their music, I was hooked and that doesn’t happen too much these days! I do sometimes say this but with this lady’s vocals matched with the music, you know you’re in for a good time! I caught up with Skye AKA Sever to see what’s been going on with the band.
Jack: First thing I wanna say is that on the tour poster you guys look absolutely crazy!
Skye: Oh really? Ahaha it’s good. That’s the projection that we’re going for. We’re making them realise they’re in for a good show when they come see us. A little crazy show.
Jack: Look no further than Newcastle then for that. Things do get rowdy up here sometimes but I think that makes it more special, especially in an intimate setting.
Skye: For sure, I agree.
Jack: So you guys are back across here for your headline UK tour. How has that been?
Skye: Excellent. We’ve been really impressed by the turnout. Impressed by how supportive the bands have been and how they’ve come out, especially in the cold weather and we’ve just played a festival, at Hammerfest and I got to perform with one of my idols, Benji Webbe so I’m just on cloud nine right now.
Jack: And you guys made a track with him didn’t you?
Skye: Yes, Move Mountains and Benji was our guest vocalist but we’ve never made it work where he’s come on stage with us. I’ve come on stage with Skindred before but he’s never made it work where he’s been on stage where Sumo Cyco was playing so it was a really special thing that happened.
Jack: I was speaking to Skarlett Riot earlier about the Sheffield date, they said that was pretty crazy because it was a sold out date!
Skye: For sure, it was hectic day because we got word from the promoters that it was getting really close to being sold out so they asked to do you wanna move up to the bigger venue but we weren’t sure if we could make that happen at the last minute because we hate to turn people away but we were like, if it’s going to sell out, let’s sell it out and it’s kinda cool to put it on the tour poster.
Jack: And I’m guessing there was some crazy energy for that show as well.
Skye: Of course. We never try to do anything half-assed, we try and bring as much energy to the table as possible.
Jack: I mean that’s the main goal for the genre as well.
Skye: Oh I think so. I think it’s interesting because some bands will put a lot of emphasis on making sure they’re noted for note and everything perfectly but we’re kinda the band that will sacrifice a bit of that to make sure. We put on a rowdy show so it just depends on how much jumping around you wanna see, how much energy you wanna see off the stage vs here. You know? Everything just like the recording whereas I’m like I’d rather see someone make us have a good time rather than sound identical to the recorded music because that’s what the recorded music is for so I like a little bit more of a riot when I go to shows.
Jack: It feels a bit repetitive but usually if it’s out of sync for me it makes it better but I completely agree, that’s what the recorded music is for. And has this tour been as crazy as the last UK tour.
Skye: I mean things keep escalating but things were cool last time because we were with such a cool band, Devilskin from New Zealand and they ended up taking us there at the end of last year and we went on tour with them in their home country so it was pretty cool to make those friends which I think are lifelong friends everytime we’re in New Zealand they’re always going to take us in so that was a great tour but I think we’ve been slowly build with every tour we’ve done, we’ve won over new fans and happy to be in a place where we headline shows and pack crowds so everybody can have a good time. It’s great.
Jack: And after the tour, you gear up for America, where are you looking forward to playing the most over there?
Skye: We’ve had some pretty crazy shows in Atlanta. One of crazy in the middle of nowhere places, Toledo, Ohio we did a show with Mushroomhead over there. It was ridiculous, there was a few thousand people there and they were all just going crazy for us over there. We ended up crowdsurfing, going across the bar which was amazing. Im excited because we get to tour some some amazing acts Butcher Babies, None Point and Cane Hill. Butcher Babies we’ve toured with before over here and become great friends. I’m just excited because half the time if you’re in a band if you ever get on tour with a band and you’re not really getting along with you guys, it just makes the tour miserable but because we know those bands, im sure the tour will rock!
Jack: And speaking on that, I’ve seen on this tour with Skarlett Riot you guys compliment each other so much.
Skye: Well it’s been a long me coming with Skarlett Riot because not only did we play with them at a festival a couple of years ago in Sheffield, they’ve always been really supportive and coming to Sumo Cyco gigs and that’s how we met Chloe and Dan in the first place and then as things grew for us, we saw them do the same we inebitably knew we’d tour with them together and I’m glad that worked out. Plus they’re really awesome people and they’re really talented to.
Jack: And moving onto on or two more fun questions, if you could make a record with anyone in the world, living or dead, who would it be?
Skye: Interesting…we’re throwing out names of producers and one of them was pharell. I’m really a fan of his stuff with NERD and he’s worked with one of my favourite artists, Gwen Stafani on her solo stuff back in a day but I’m a big fan of hip hop, Outkast, Big Boy the more atlanta ATL hip hop so a producer with Big Boy would be really cool to work with.
Jack: Well, you’ve covered New Rules by Dua Lipa before. How did you guys decide to cover that track in the first place?
Skye: Yeah, we gave ourselves the challenge. We looked on Spotify and we looked at the biggest hits in the world right now and we saw this Dua Lipa song and we thought let’s try and turn it into a Sumo Cyco song and we gave ourselves a timeline eof four days to record and do a video to see what people thought and it eneded up charting over in the Netherlands so somebody liked it somewhere.
Jack: As long as people enjoy it, there’s bound to be people who will. Have you ever played that live?
Skye: We have’t at a show but we have rehersed it so if you put a special request in maybe we’ll do it.
Jack: I’ll have to do that. And what’s next for the band after the tour? Are there any festivals on the horizon?
Skye: I mean we’ve always wanted to do the festival thing but we’re still edging in on the cusp of being one of those bands that has the support to do that because we are independent and getting on some of those mainstream festivals is a bit more of a challenge or us because we don’t have representation or a big label trying to push our name through soit’s gotta come organically from the fans who make such a demand that the promoters can’t deny that people wanna come see us. Right now, we’re really excited to be playing a Toronto show when we get back, it’s been a while since we’ve payed a good hometown show then there’s the tour across the states and I’m assuming we’re going to be exhausted after that so there’s going to be some more writing, make some more videos and regroup with what we’re going to release next.
Jack: The videos always look absolutely mental. They always look like a deep dream
Skye: That’s what I like. I like you know being in that space where rules don’t exist nd you forge tyou’re not supposed to fly or the grass isn’t purpe, it’s like anything can happen.
Jack: But as long as it’s something creative and fun to do.
Skye: Exactly.
Jack: And if you could sum up the band in three words what would they be?
Skye: Hmm.. let’s say Riot, Rebel, Rowdy. How’s that?
Jack: That’s fantastic
Skye: Or rowdy rebel riot. I like alliteration to so you’ve three R’s in there to
Jack: And it makes for an amazing band name to! You got a name for something if you ever do something else in the future as well.
You can watch Sumo Cyco’s music video for ‘Undefeated’, below.
Almost Anything Music 