Sycco’s Savvy Seven

Performing as Sycco, Brisbane artist Sasha McLeod has enjoyed a fabulous start to 2021. After scoring an Unearthed Artist of the Year nomination, her amazing debut Like a Version performance of PNAU’s ‘Embrace’ (with a little taste of Tame Impala) blended pysch grooves with electronica. But it doesn’t stop there! Sycco was awarded Song and Pop Song of the Year for her track Dribble at the Queensland Music Awards. She most recently made an appearance on ABC’s The Set alongside fellow Brisbanites and Savvy alumni The Jungle Giants.

Her latest single Time’s Up is now streaming everywhere. It’s amazing that Sasha still found time to chat with us despite her busy schedule. Check out her Savvy Seven responses below!

What inspired you to pursue music as a career?

Music makes me feel so many emotions and it feels so meaningful. Creating music myself always gives me a sense of fulfilment. Doing this as a career was a no-brainer – also because I’m not good at much else. 

Besides making music, what have you done to get to where you are?

Well, I worked at Woolworths but that didn’t totally do me any good. I’ve explored my spirituality, learnt about my purpose and life lessons. That has definitely helped me figure out my trajectory. 

How do you approach developing timelines for your career?

It is definitely hard, especially given the climate. I set goal posts and I do a lot of manifestation as well. I have a strong belief in timing being right to keep my hopes being too high, that helps when things don’t pan out as I hoped. 

What’s your advice on staying professionally active during COVID times? 

I wouldn’t know. I don’t think anyone knows. I think the most important thing during COVID times is to maintain your mental health and feel content by yourself without all of the external chaos we have in our lives latching on. 

Remember we have our COVID-19 support and resources page for anyone who needs an extra hand

What is the most significant challenge you have conquered in your career?

I’m still understanding it and working through it but the highs and lows of things as well as battling ego. Going on tour and even being amongst the industry can be really isolating and difficult to manage without succumbing to ego.  

How should people educate themselves on current industry issues?

Support live music venues and festivals, go to gigs! There are so many roles behind the scenes putting on these shows – it’s not just the artists. 

How have you integrated modern technology into your content process?

Definitely using TikTok more, definitely on my phone more because of it. Social media is so important for a career in music – it’s strange. 

Enjoy this? There’s plenty more great reads over at our Savvy Seven archive collection