Hot off being announced for the 2022 iteration of Groovin The Moo this morning, Brissy/Meanjin wunderkind Sycco has surprised fans with a new cover, taking on Flume’s ‘Sleepless’…

Fans of the breakout star will know she’s no stranger to the art of the remix, the ‘Dribble’ singer putting her signature brands of indie-pop and rock on hits of fellow Aussies like Tame Impala and PNAU. Contrary to those efforts, however, her latest offering sees her venture back to 2011, the year that Flume’s debut single ‘Sleepless’ changed the landscape of the Aussie dance scene.

The track sees the muso swap out the future-bass synths of the 2011 original for her unique palettes of indie and psychedelia. The iconic riff from the OG track is still front and centre, however, driving the mid-tempo bop forward with piercing modalities. Original feature artist Jezzabell Doran’s verse gets a rework as well, Sycco adding her own lyrics as her distinct vocals stand toe-to-toe with the instrumentation around her.

Accompanying the remix is a nature-focused visual from SEARCH PARTY, forest-filled green screens surrounding Sycco in what’s a three-minute love letter to the natural world. The visuals are actually inspired by the recording process as a whole, with the starlet opting to create the new track in a series of remote cabins courtesy of Aussie nature company Unyoked. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqtoUKVN50A

Speaking on how the nature-focused recording process aided in the creation of the remix, Sycco explains, “Escaping out into nature is so special because it reminded me that I’m just a little speck in the universe, just doing my own thing. I think everyone should experience it. You’re so disconnected and you realise how simple things could be and how happy you are just doing simple things.” 

To celebrate the remix, 200 7-inch vinyls of it have been printed and are up for grabs. Fair warning though, there aren’t going to be any reprints any time soon (if ever), so you’d best get in quick. Sycco’s remix of ‘Sleepless’ is out now. You can buy/stream or cop it on vinyl here.