Static Cycle is back and better than ever. After taking a break from the scene to hone their musicianship, Static Cycle released “Boxes” in 2019. This was their first single in nine years and dropped with an animated music video. The video is episode one of six for the upcoming album’s animated miniseries.
All Punked Up caught up with Static Cycle to talk about how their vision as a group has changed over the years and how they plan to change the concert experience.
Be sure to check out their latest single “Ringer” (episode two) and follow Static Cycle on Instagram and Facebook!
Q: It has been almost ten years since you’ve released new music as Static Cycle. How have you changed as a musician and as an individual between the writing and producing of those songs to now?
SC: Over the last few years, we have truly and finally found our voice. We know who we are, we know what we want to write about. As musicians, Nashville has taught us what it means to be elite. We have been working on our craft day and night, and can finally say we belong amongst the best. As individuals, not much has changed… well, except, Jared has grown a third nipple, haha. Perhaps his greatest achievement in life.
Q: What musicians were influencing you back then and who is influencing you now?
SC: Chevelle and Muse were huge influences then and still are today. We love some of our fellow boys changing the rock game today such as I Prevail and Ice Nine Kills. It’s an honor to be part of the future of rock. It’s in good hands.
Q: If you could describe your new music with one word or phrase, how would you describe it and why?
SC: Genre-changing. We feel that our music, in addition to the immersive genre-shifting live show we’re about to release, will be the future of rock.
Q: Your YouTube animated series is off to a super unique start. First of all, HOW? Who is the crafter and animation specialist for everything you do? Where did you learn to do all of this?
SC: Jared has had these visions of crafting an animated story that would parlay into the live show. In an abstract way, we are introducing you to the characters that will be part of the live show, as well as some of the storylines. The videos themselves are made entirely out of paper, crafted by hand by our friend in Italy, Stefano Bertelli.
Q: What kind of art are you most drawn to create?
SC: We love all art that pushes boundaries. Along with music, we love both visual and performance art, as you’ll witness in our live show.
Q: Who are some artists that inspire you?
SC: Musically, Chevelle, Muse, and I Prevail inspire us. From a show perspective, we’ve thoroughly enjoyed and have pulled inspiration from big shows like Cirque du Soleil, Blue Man Group, and Hamilton, as well as small local theater shows across the country. A lot of our fans also send us artwork that is their interpretation of our music, and that is uniquely and powerfully inspiring to us.
Q: With your YouTube series, the first video had a faster-paced song and brighter colors, then the second video featured a slightly slower song with darker colors and themes. What direction can we see the rest of the series going? Can we expect to see your music attached to artistic videos after episode 6 is complete?
SC: These first 6 videos will take you through an abstract journey that is preparing you for our live show. Sonically, the music is predominately dark and energetic through these first 6 videos, but the full record is versatile and surprisingly eclectic. We will definitely have even more artistic videos in the future. We have some very, very crazy ideas in the works as we speak.
Q: How will the themes and art be represented in these videos be used in your live shows?
SC: The characters you are introduced to in these videos will be actual characters present on stage during our live performances. Some of the themes and direct storylines will also be acting out on stage in various forms. This is going to be a very immersive experience, unlike anything anyone has ever done in music.
Q: There are two major elements to your act: art and music. How does your artistic craft give you an edge over other rock performers who just create and perform music?
SC: Our art is an extension of our music, but how our art is going to come to life in the live show is the true differentiator. We believe live theater, technology, and rock music have never intertwined quite like they will through our mind-bending show.
Q: If you had to pick only one to pursue (artistic craft or music) which would you pick?
SC: We deeply love both, and the project wouldn’t be complete without either. I couldn’t possibly choose one because they are lifeless without each other.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to say to your fans or All Punked Up Readers?
SC: Prepare yourselves for an experience unlike anyone has ever seen in music. We cannot wait to show you what we’ve been building for the last 5 years. We cannot wait to experience it alongside you. Thank you for the love and support.
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