Rising from the vibrant Kiwi electronic scene, Cymbol (Shivnesh Sumer) captivates listeners worldwide with his debut album, Distractions. The New Zealand-based artist, known for his innovative DJ skills and production prowess, pushes boundaries and redefines the EDM landscape with a fresh fusion of sounds that proves to be anything but distracting.
From winning the George FM Remix Competition in 2013 to landing a deal with the prestigious Australian label Sweat It Out Music (home to heavyweights like RÜFÜS DU SOL and What So Not), Cymbol’s journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. His chart-topping hits like ‘Burst of Colour,’ ‘Slipping,’ and ‘Roll it up’ have already left an indelible mark on the New Zealand music scene. But it’s ‘Best Friends,’ released under a three-year deal with Universal Music NZ/AU, that truly catapults him into the spotlight, achieving high rotation on popular Kiwi radio stations.
With Distractions, Cymbol pens the next chapter in his musical odyssey. The album stands as a testament to his growth as an artist, seamlessly blending his signature style with a bold new direction. Cymbol’s childhood, steeped in musical influence from his guitar-playing father and golden-voiced sisters, shines through in this eclectic collection of tracks that pays homage to his roots while pushing the envelope of modern electronic music.
The standout title track, featuring Chitralekha Sen and Markel X.L, is a melting pot of influences from Bollywood, pop, and hip-hop. It’s a daring fusion that creates an intoxicating mix of melodious hooks and unconventional rhythms, showcasing Cymbol’s ability to bridge cultural divides through music. Cleverly positioned as the album’s closer, Distractions serves as both an epilogue to Cymbol’s journey so far and a tantalizing prologue to what’s yet to come.
While the title track marks a new direction, the rest of the album feels familiar to longtime fans. Deep bass lines and ethereal synths create hypnotic soundscapes that are as at home on the dance floor as they are in your headphones. It’s a delicate balance of innovation and familiarity that Cymbol navigates with finesse.
From igniting crowds at festivals like Rhythm & Vines, Homegrown, and Electric Avenue to topping charts on Spotify and Apple Music, Cymbol continues to prove that erupting the dance floor with feel-good energy is his forte. With Distractions, he takes that energy globally, offering a fresh perspective on electronic music that’s impossible to ignore.
As the album drops and we anticipate the accompanying music video for the title track, one thing is clear: Cymbol is an artist on the rise, and Distractions is the soundtrack of the summer. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the Cymbol experience, this album delivers an unforgettable journey through the ever-evolving landscape of electronic music. Hit play and let Cymbol’s “Distractions” sweep you off your feet.
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