Following the release of his EP 'Day After Day', Flex caught up with French artist Cy to find out more about what influences his sound. If you enjoy Cy's picks be sure to check out 'Day After Day' at the end of the article.
1/ Sort Of Revolution - Fink
Ahh Fink... How can I choose only one song when I want to choose every song they ever made?
Probably the band that I've listened to the most. They inspire me so much.
So if I have to choose one song, it would be Sort Of Revolution cause it's the one that made me fall in love with the band in the first place. This mix of dub, folk, blues, ambient... The balance is perfect and this is one of their masterpieces for sure.
I share with you this IIUII version because it's a "remake" of the original version and it's done with a lot of skill and taste. But check the OG one too.
I can't tell you how happy I am to have been able to open for them in September 2024 in Marseille. Really a dream come true moment for me.
Forever grateful for what those guys bring to the world with their music.
2/ The Water - Ry X
Ry X is also one of these artists that influenced me quite a lot. Big fan of the production and the voice. I love how he works with silence. His use of the space he gives to his voice with all those reverbs and delays is always a lesson.
A lot of honesty and sincerity in his music which is always something essential for me. He inspires me a lot in this sense: staying true to what you want to do artistically is the key.
3/ Line Of Fire - Jose Gonzales
In this song by Jose Gonzales (originally by his band Junip) the simplicity is key. A voice and a guitar, that's it.
I love Jose Gonzales because he makes it seems so effortless when his singing and guitar playing can actually be quite challenging. His guitar sound is just amazing. So deep and profound with just a simple acoustic guitar. And on other tracks you can really see how skillful he actually is.
I don't really know why but this one touches me so much. Maybe because of the lyrics which talk a lot about courage.
Also love the chords which are a lot like "Everybody's gotta learn sometimes".
Oh and I did a cover of this one that you can check on my YT channel^^
4/ Roads - Portishead
Roads by Portishead is such a classic for me. Everything in this one is perfect. Everything. The interpretation of Beth Gibbons is touching the soul. The sound of the drums is just perfect. Guitar and keys respond to each other in the sweetest ways. And the Bass !!! The bassist waits 3:20 mn to come in. And when he does, the song lifts up to its full potential. I love when bass players know how to hold off until the best moment to come in.
5/ Digging In The Dirt - Peter Gabriel
I love the music of Peter Gabriel. He's such a pioneer in his field and the way he opened to music from different parts of the world is an example for me.
The musicianship on this live album is great. He's playing with the best musicians there is and it sounds huge! And this was 30 years ago^^
This song Digging In The Dirt is a great mix for me of dark ambient sounds mixed with a rock pre chorus and then this soft chorus. You go through a lot of emotions in just one song. And the lyrics about digging in oneself in order to find our pain and heal it resonates a lot with me.
And this bass line !!! Once again a great bass player in the person of Tony Levin.
Listen to Cy's new EP 'Day After Day' below:
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