THEAUSSIEWORD.COM catches up with New Zealand and Melbourne based artist Cymbol.
How and where did it all begin for you? What drew your interest to the music industry?
Watching my dad play and orchestrate his band. When I was a kid I was surrounded by being in the studio and being at gigs with my musical family. I was drawn to a keyboard at age 10 and never stopped playing ever since.
What motivates or influences you in your quest to make great music?
Listening to music from all around the world. Cinematic music is what gets me the most, the feeling of getting goosebumps is when I know I have made or listened to something great.
What are some of your biggest goals you hope to accomplish?
Playing major festivals around AUS and the world, making music with some of my idols and hoping my music touches the souls of people that really need it.
What can we expect from you in the coming months? Any plans to tour?
Yep, so having recently moved to Australia, I will be looking for representation who can help me get my way through some gigs and festivals across Australia. I plan on touring with my album when it gets released next year.
Tell us a bit about your latest release and how would you best describe your music?
This song is a mix between dance, pop and moombahton. It was co written by Alius who is Melbourne based and Sally (NZ based) who delivered the vocals and co wrote the lyrics. The song has been in the works for a few years and developed over time. We’re all happy it gets to be out because it sure has been a long time coming!
Give us an insight into your creative process. What gets you writing songs?
I like to finger drum on my keyboard to get a rhythm and once that starts happening I start laying down chords and melodies. If that doesn’t work then I often will start with some chords and get into rhythm after I’ve got a bit of a progression down. Recently I’ve started to play with samples and develop around that.
Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
I’m sure the writers (lyricists) may have hidden meanings. I’m more about the beat being infectious.
Success, what is the secret to it?
Keep going, keep putting your head down and focus on what’s more important. Do what you love. Success will come.
What has been your biggest career highlight so far?
My song ‘Best Friends’ hitting 1.2million plus plays along with major radio success across NZ
Which stars of the music industry do you find inspiring?
Jay-Z, Fred Again, Timbaland, Odesza, Flume, Alesso
Are there any new projects in the pipeline?
Yes, I have started to fuse and sample Bollywood with contemporary rap and hiphop. I have released one song recently called ‘nainowale’ which had an American rapper ‘Alxandah’ and a Spanish singer ‘Swxrd’ from Argentina on it. I will continue to make music fusing Bollywood, Hiphop and some dance. There are so many cool things to sample and it has been really fun making this. It feels really fresh to make. I think my next body of work after this one will be fusing more ethnic instruments and samples into my style of production.
The music industry is constantly changing, where do you see yourself a few years?
Touring across the world, going to produce and make music with like-minded artists across a few destinations around the world.
What is your favourite and least favourite part about this line of work and why?
Favourite part is making beats and songs. Creating is just what I feel like I was meant to do because I enjoy it so much. Least favorite is probably the marketing side of it, you get caught up in it when you could be using all your energy making music, but it’s got to be done, especially if you are an independent artist.
Name a few of your favourite Australian artists.
Flume, Hayden James, Torrenfoot, Fisher.
The shape of the music industry has changed significantly over the years, including the use of social media, how do you feel about the industry as a whole and what does it mean to you in getting your records out into the public eye?
I think there is more opportunity to get heard now more than ever. Social media is a great tool for getting your music heard in different ways and it is all free (unless it cost you to make the content). Building a fan base is a really important thing and social media like having a TikTok account and Instagram are all great tools for you to be able to share your personality and music across.
How will you continue appealing to the international market?
By continuing to create and collaborate with people across the globe, but most importantly, trying to sound and be as fresh as you can with all your music.
Do you collaborate with others? Who is on your wish-list?
I have collaborated with many artists. Some wish-list artists are: Jay-Z, Timbaland, Dua Lipa, Jack Harlow, Fred Again, and Odesza.
What advice do you give for other artists wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Keep your head down, focus and always keep learning. Opportunities will come, even though it might feel like it isn’t, just keep doing it and keep learning and getting better. Just keep putting out music, each time you will get better at both releasing and your quality of music will improve.
A message for your fans. How do you best interact and respond with your followers and fans?
I will answer all and any questions you have about music. Just DM me on instagram and I shall reply.
Any last words?
Be kind to everyone.
Website: https://linktr.ee/cymbol
Facebook: www.facebook.com/cymbol303
Twitter: www.twitter.com/cymbol303
Instagram: www.instagram.com/cymbol303
