CREATIVE CONVERSATIONS 153: CYRIL REFLECTS ON THE SUCCESS OF HIS HOTTEST RECORDS
Interview by Jules Gabor.
Darwin breakout producer CYRIL has released a remix of Paramore’s Still Into You, with US rising star maryjo. Futuremag Music sat down with CYRIL to discuss his success so far including holding the #1 positions on the Global Shazam Dance chart, taking out #1 on the AU National Airplay Charts and more!
FMM: Your single, Still Into You, features US rising star maryjo. How did this collaboration come about, and what was the creative process like?
CYRIL: So, I think I first posted my remix of Still Into You in March and pretty much since then we were trying to find someone that could come close to the quality and tone of Hayley Williams. I reckon we had maybe six to eight different versions and the one I loved the most was maryjo’s and conveniently I had a US tour planned with some off days in LA where she’s based, so we got in the studio, worked on it together and that's how it all came together. Side note also; maryjo’s voice is just as good live as it is on the record. She sounds amazing.
FMM: Stumblin' In and your Sound of Silence remix have achieved incredible streaming numbers on Spotify. Did you anticipate this level of success, and how has it impacted your career?
CYRIL: The moment I exported both those songs, I thought ‘Yes, these are going to be massive!’ [Laughs]. Nah, I had no idea to be honest especially with Stumblin In, but with Sound of Silence, I knew that song has something special. Both those songs have really put my name into the world.
FMM: You've reached #1 on the AU National Airplay Charts twice now, most recently with Fall At Your Feet. What does this achievement mean to you as an Australian artist?
CYRIL: It’s pretty surreal, especially when you look at the level of competition you're up against. It's great to see Aussie radio stations supporting Aussie artists.
FMM: Congratulations on your ARIA nominations for Stumblin' In. How does it feel to be recognised in both the Best Dance Release and Song of the Year categories?
CYRIL: My manager and I thought we’ll be in with a chance for Best Dance Release nomination, but Song of the Year is pretty insane if you think about how many talented Aussie artists are releasing music
FMM: You've received Gold, Platinum, and Diamond certifications in various countries. Which certification has been the most surprising or meaningful to you?
CYRIL: I recently found out that Stumblin’ In has gone Diamond in France which is crazy because France is one of the biggest music markets in the world and I believe Diamond is the highest selling accolade above Gold and Platinum which are already impressive.
FMM: As the only Australian to reach #1 on the half-year airplay chart for 2024, beating out international stars, what do you think sets your music apart?
CYRIL: I really don’t know. I just try and make music that makes you feel good inside and out.
FMM: You've been touring extensively across multiple countries. How has this international exposure influenced your music, production style and you as a musician?
CYRIL: Funny you ask this. I actually jumped on the decks at a venue in Melbourne the other week and I had to remember I wasn’t in Europe. Each market is really different and has certain sounds that work or don’t work. I wouldn’t say there's a specific change in my production, but when I’m making something I definitely think, “Oh, this is more suited to America or Europe.”
FMM: Can you tell us about your experience during your debut US tour? Were there any memorable moments or challenges?
CYRIL: I know you mentioned the US, but before that I was on a EU tour and broke my ankle at Tomorrowland. That was easily one of the hardest challenges BUT there have been more memorable moments than challenges. Like in New York this awesome fan brought a sign that said NEW YORK LOVES CYRIL which really shows how far my music has travelled.
FMM: With your first local headline shows coming up in Australia this November, what can fans expect from these performances?
CYRIL: Expect me being myself; fun, happy and just excited to be where I am. I have been working on heaps of edits and finishing some of my biggest remixes online to play in my sets. I think I'll throw Stumblin’ In in there also.
FMM: Looking back at your rapid rise over the past year, what has been the most unexpected or exciting aspect of your journey so far?
CYRIL: How far Australia is from the rest of the world [laughs]. Nah, I think the most unexpected thing is how I can go from not having or needing a passport nine months ago to now travelling all over the world. It's a testament to the strength of social media which I started, but also for artists out there who might think they’re not getting anywhere; it can change so quickly!
FMM: How do you balance your roles as both a producer and performer? Do you find one aspect more challenging or rewarding than the other?
CYRIL: It's definitely difficult. For example, Stumblin In’ I love, but my version is really hard to play in my sets as it is quite slow for a festival, so I need to focus on delivering it with high energy while still maintaining the elements people love. In this time, you really have to juggle it all. If you’re a great producer, but not a performer, people aren’t gonna come watch your shows and if you’re a great performer, but not producer, it’s going to be difficult to build a fanbase that enjoys your music. That’s my thoughts anyway!