Electronic dance band Sikora has released its new future bass track “White Ice” this month, incorporating their trademark vocal harmonies over rhythmic beats and pulsing synth. Today, ETV spoke with members Matthew Sikora and Liz Forde about how they met, the meaning behind one of their songs, and their most favorite show they performed.
Self-described as a combination of The Red Hot Chili Peppers and Skrillex, Sikora is a hybrid of guitars, synthesizers, and both acoustic and electronic drums that will satisfy a wide variety of listeners, from those wanting to rock out to those looking to dance the night away. After releasing a series of singles and EPs, Sikora has made a name for itself as a premiere electro-dance group that can expertly craft catchy choruses and harmonic hooks.
“We first met on Cinco de Mayo a couple years ago at a show in L.A.,” recalls Matthew. “After connecting, we ended up working together on a music licensing job for a publishing company at the time. We noticed that our singing voices really blended well and complemented each other. We would always joke that where my voice ends, hers begins and vice versa.”
“What Matthew so humbly forget to mention is that we met at HIS show on Cinco de Mayo!” Liz said. “I was like ‘OMG who is that guy singing like an angry angel and shredding on the guitar?’ I asked him if he needed a backup singer, he said YES, and we’ve been making music together ever since!”
Their songwriting process heavily takes into consideration vocal harmonies and how to best combine their voices to make a unified one. They have together formed a holistic sound over the years, though their influences and journeys into music have been diverse.
“We’re weirdos,” Liz said. “We both grew up performing different styles of music – I was a choir geek and Matthew tore it up in a heavy rock band. There are elements of both styles in our songs and our sound reflects our contrasting pasts. Now we love making music that inspires people to dance and be good to one another.”
Being based in Southern California, they have been influenced by the So-Cal environment. Mathew said they like to bring the historical West Coast pop culture into their music, and it shows in the songs such as “Starstruck,” a track that peers into the Hollywood fame-seeking lifestyle. Further West Coast influences can be heard on the fun, poppy dance track “Rainbow Eyes,” which especially sounds suited for the night life in L.A. Check it out here:
“Rainbow Eyes is an uplifting song about the calm after the storm – finding that moment of bliss when everything is right in the world,” Liz said. “It is also about getting high…whatever that means to you!”
Matthew added, “It’s like the moment in The Wizard of Oz where Dorothy is elevated to the world of color!”
“Rainbow Eyes” will be part of a bigger upcoming release, so for all you fans out there – be sure to pick it up when it drops. Aside from recording music for proper releases, Sikora also enjoys performing for people in a unique live experience. They have performed their signature organic and synthesized hybrid in about 40 shows so far, and more listeners continue to join the musical venture Sikora has set out on.
“We love playing famous venues in L.A. like the Satellite, but my most memorable show was DEFINITELY opening up for Bernie Sanders at his rally at the Wiltern Theatre,” Liz said. “We were (and still remain) giant supporters so it was a HUUGGE honor to play for him.”
“Yes!” Matthew said. “The Bernie Sanders rally the most memorable show we’ve played so far! Especially when he thanked us on stage for playing!”
For the rest of 2017, Sikora is focusing on putting all its influences together to make new songs and finishing its next release. Both Matthew and Liz shared a bit of what they’ve learned along the way to help other electronic artists who are looking to make dance music with substance that goes beyond the beats.
“Don’t be afraid of using organic instruments or to tell your own story by using Dance music as a platform,” Matthew said. “If there’s one thing I’ve learned from the other Dance Music artists, like Flume is: it doesn’t need to be bouncy or 4 on the floor to be Dance Music.”
“Write about what you know,” Liz said. “Don’t be afraid of sounding stupid or taking a risk with melodies and lyrics. You can’t please everyone, so do something you feel good about sharing with the world!”
ETV thanks Sikora for participating in today’s interview. To stay up to date with all things Sikora, check them out on Facebook, Reverbnation, Soundcloud, YouTube, Instagram, iTunes, Twitter, and their official site.
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