In anticipation of the North Coast Music Festival, I’m prepping by binging playlists for the ridiculously stacked lineup. One artist, with a standout aggressive style, is Sisto. If you are looking for a headbanging good time, then his b2b set with Jiqui is where you will want to be. We decided to take some time prior to North Coast to get to know this up-and-coming artist a little bit more.
Can you start by telling us a bit about yourself and what led you to become a DJ?
What’s up, I’m from San Jose, CA, also known as the Bay Area. Growing up, my family always surrounded me with different genres of music, and thanks to my sister, she showed me the world of metalcore/rock/metal, and it became something I very heavily attached myself to. I always gravitated towards alternative music in every genre. I still remember hearing “Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites” by Skrillex in middle school being played from the PA system at lunch. I had heard the song before, but I remember it grabbing my attention. From that point on, I started diving deeper into the strange world that was dubstep on YouTube in 2010. After experiencing my first metal shows and then going to dubstep events, I realized how similar the energy was between them. The music, the people, and the experience was something I absolutely fell in love with.
What would you say makes your sound unique and separates you from others?
I pride myself on having different fills and tonal qualities. One of my favorite parts about sound design, in general, is that creating “your sound” comes from the repetition of workflow and tools you have. I always try to break that repetition by making my next tune in a different way than before. It’s always been something I’ve loved doing.
You have a frightfully unique logo. Can you tell us why you decided to use fingers and what the individual markings on them represent?
When I was in college studying kinesiology, I had an anatomy lab class where we worked with cadavers. After going through the experience of being able to physically look at these complicated machines that we are as human beings, a lot of the things from that year stuck with me. When I was going through the process of creating a brand identity, I wanted it to revolve around those experiences. I drew a logo out of fingers, and it stuck. Years later, I’m now in the process of developing a lore story in which each of those five symbols represents 5 different personifications of internal demons that specific characters in the lore will have attached to them individually.
You are playing b2b with Jiqui at the North Coast Music Festival. Is there preplanning involved in a b2b set, where you each decide what songs you are playing and how you transition in and out of the tracks? Or is it a bit more freestyle, and those decisions are made at the moment while on stage?
In the past, Jiqui and I had a great time playing 4 or 5 songs individually at a time. It allowed us to get into a groove and really showcase ourselves as individuals without veering away from the concept of b2b. Having enough time to listen to each other’s songs gave us time to wrap our heads around the energy we needed to bring when it was either of our turns.
When not touring or creating music, how do you like to spend your time?
Halo, Halo, Halo, Halo, and Halo. Also, Halo.
Your Soundcloud “Showcase” tracks were amazing and provided us the perfect opportunity to get a broad sample of your style. This kind of showcase isn’t something we’ve seen too often. What made you decide to create something like this, and how do you determine what snippet of track to include (since each snippet averages 25-30 seconds)?
For me, a showcase isn’t so much a mix, but an opportunity to give the listeners an idea of what’s to come throughout the year. I had a ton of support on my 2021 showcase, where I did the same eight-bar snippets of tracks. Over the last year, I was making a ton of music, so I was super stoked to get a 2022 showcase out for everyone. It also gives me a chance to show some of the other genres of music that have a less chance of being released.
What exciting news can we share with your fans about upcoming releases, projects, or tour stops?
I have an upcoming EP release with Cyclops Recordings in July. I’m super excited to announce that I’ve been put on the Lost Lands 2022 lineup!
If you were trapped on a desert island and could only take a single album to listen to, what would it be and why?
“Sempiternal” by Bring Me The Horizon, so I could mosh with some wild turkeys.
Any final thoughts you would like to leave with our readers?
Put hot sauce on everything you eat!
Sisto: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | SoundCloud | Twitch
North Coast Music Festival: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
