Cymbol dives deep into his debut album 'Distractions' [Track-By-Track]

Cymbol (Shivnesh Sumer) is a New Zealand-based artist known for his innovative DJ and production skills. His debut album Distractions not only includes songs that feature Cymbol’s classic style but also explores deeper into a brand new sound that innovatively brings influences of Hindi and Punjabi culture as well as American Hip-Hop elements to the world of dance music.

The standout title track of the same name as the album features Chitralekha Sen and Markel X.L, and is prominent in that mix of influences from Bollywood, pop, and hip-hop to create a melting pot of melodious hooks and unconventional yet satisfying rhythms. 

Distractions is an album with an eclectic fusion of electronic beats, soulful melodies, and intricate soundscapes that create a hypnotic listening experience and undeniable dance floor grooves. By cleverly being included as the last song of the album, “Distractions” marks the close of his former story and start of the next. This song is a new direction for him while the rest of the album is a bit more familiar to his previous sound by being filled with deep bass lines and ethereal synths.

Diving deep into his debut album exclusively with EARMILK, read Cymbol detail his process and inspirations that drove Distractions below.

I wanted to open the album with a soundscape that features ethnic voices to evoke deep emotions and introduce my identity right from the start. The song builds in a cinematic way, gradually increasing tension until it finally drops with powerful kicks and bass, which are signature elements of my sound. I positioned the bass and kicks uniquely within the stereo image to create a distinct feel that represents who I am. The track starts strong and sets the stage for the intensity of the following songs. It ends with a melodic drop, featuring ethnic flutes and my authentic Cymbol sound, signalling that I am here and ready to make my mark.

After the intro, I wanted to hit hard with a truly impressive track, and there was no better choice than New Zealand's biggest rapper, David Dallas, delivering his bit. For this song, I sent him this beat which he liked, and later, he laid down his verses in a studio session. David was heavily involved in the production process until the final version, which was really exciting to see. I particularly love the percussion in this track. When I was in intermediate school (around 12-13 years old), I used to admire the Samoan and Island boys playing their native percussion. Percussion has always been one of my favourite instruments, whether it’s African drums or Indian percussion. It all fascinates me and makes me want to create with it. The rhythms they used to play have definitely inspired the rhythm of "Miss These Days."

This track started taking shape years ago when I was working with the artist Sally, who is also behind my hit song "Best Friends." The song went through many changes, and I had her vocals stored in my files. One day, I created a drop and built a song around it, then reached out to Markel X.L for a rap feature through Instagram DMs. He really energized the track and brought it to life with his rap. Sally's powerful vocals in the hook, "Wicked Ways," always gets me pumped. I really like the raw drum feel layered with EDM drums. I consider this song to be one of the most energetic and danceable anthems on the album. It also showcases the signature sound that has made a name for me in the EDM world.

Interlude:

This song was the underdog of the album. I initially had no plans to include it, but one day on a plane, as I listened to some of my older tracks on my phone, I felt a surge of inspiration. It motivated me to finish this piece and keep it shorter, making it the perfect interlude. It signifies a turning point in the album, providing a needed break and closing a chapter, setting the stage for the following tracks "Hanging On," "Live in the Moment," and "Distractions," which all hint at a new chapter in my life.

Missy's vocals are beautifully lush and breathy, with a sort of eerie quality. We recorded this many years ago and managed to keep the charm and "magic in the room" from that session. I reworked it recently, just two weeks before the album was delivered, making a last-minute decision that I'm very happy with. It tied the whole album together and has become one of my favorites. The song has a cinematic and dark feel, building right until the end. Missy wanted to re-record some parts, so while the album was being delivered, we adjusted some of her takes, making the track even better.

Hanging On:

This song was released just before Covid hit, marking my shift to fully independent work. It was a track I wanted to make impactful and meaningful, reflecting my journey into independence. I already had Sally's vocals stored, which became the foundation around which I built the track. Through Sally, I discovered the incredible JANAYAH, a young vocalist whose powerful voice truly brings the song to life. We had some enjoyable sessions together.

We even had plans to involve a school orchestra band, but unfortunately, Covid disrupted those plans just before we could record and create a music video. I envisioned a triumphant sound that would bolster confidence, and despite the challenges, the song still carries that spirit.