Growing up in River Road, Texas, SyKo's beginnings were humble. Living in a trailer park, he was surrounded by an environment that set low expectations for success. Yet, SyKo displayed a unique blend of chaotic creativity and analytical thinking from an early age.
SyKo began making music with a pair of Skullcandy earbuds and a beat-up laptop behind a Walmart; he started producing beats. “It was frustrating,” he recalls, “not being able to translate my ideas fast enough.” This frustration, however, fueled his determination, leading him to experiment with vocals and eventually discover his voice.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/08ZqXO40nMrhBoGma4kls2?si=13MAQUUeTt-BmHnCCkaVNg&nd=1&dlsi=609882f29fe74a6e
His inspiration came from a pantheon of living and deceased musical icons. Artists like Lil Uzi Vert and Skrillex influenced his style, while the untimely deaths of legends such as XXXTentacion, Prince, Michael Jackson, and Chester Bennington left a void SyKo felt compelled to fill. With its overlooked significance as the original catalyst of EDM, Trance's music played a crucial role in shaping his sound.
SyKo's path to recognition was fraught with challenges. The music industry, a competitive and often unforgiving space, demanded constant proof of his worth. When his track “#BrooklynBloodPop!” started gaining traction, it felt like a never-ending auction, with SyKo constantly bidding for his place in the industry. The pressure to innovate while maintaining consistency was immense. “It was like trying to outdo myself with every new track,” he admits.
His unwavering commitment to innovation sets SyKo apart in the crowded music industry. In an era where many artists chase fleeting trends, SyKo focuses on creating music with substance. “I feel like music is losing its substance because everyone is just copying what's hot to stay relevant,” he says. This ethos has endeared him to fans and fellow musicians drawn to his genuine passion and willingness to push boundaries.
SyKo's creative process is experimental, playful, and unrestrained, reminiscent of a child on a playground. He describes it as “messy creativity,” a term that perfectly encapsulates his approach to music. This willingness to explore unconventional sounds and ideas has led to a unique and evolving sound that defies categorization.
One of the most notable highlights of SyKo's career is the meteoric rise of “#BrooklynBloodPop!” Initially unsure of its potential, SyKo was astounded when the track surpassed a million streams and eventually went gold. The pinnacle of this achievement came when Lil Uzi Vert, one of SyKo's heroes, reached out on Instagram, expressing his admiration. “He called me freaking out,” SyKo recalls, still in disbelief at the recognition from an artist he had long admired.
SyKo has faced moments of self-doubt and the relentless pressure to be more. He sees art as a reflection of human fragility and our transient nature, a perspective shaped by observing the breakdown of heroes and characters on TV and movies. “There were times I didn't feel like I was enough,” he confides. Yet, this vulnerability fuels his artistry, making his music resonate deeply with listeners.
SyKo hopes to keep improving so that he can continue to innovate and collaborate with his idols. “Complete and total domination,” he jokes before emphasizing the importance of balancing work and personal life. “Having fun constantly without working can inflate your ego, while working all the time can kill your creativity,” he explains. SyKo aims to strike this balance, sustaining his drive and creativity while continuing to evolve as an artist.
