Brisbane musician Sycco, whose songwriting success is already marked by honours in the heart of Fortitude Valley, has earned national recognition by winning the Triple J Australian Album of the Year J Award for her debut album, Zorb.
National Award Success
The J Award win arrived in 2024 for the 23-year-old artist Sasha McLeod. Triple J music director Nick Findlay described her album Zorb as a blissful, psychedelic collection that perfectly captures Sycco’s incredibly unique approach to songwriting and production.
Findlay also stated that Sycco is one of Australia’s best young artists. The J Award recognises outstanding Australian albums each year.
Local Roots and Recognition
Sycco, who is of Torres Strait Islander heritage, began her music career by creating songs in her bedroom. She is now represented by the independent music company Future Classic. Before her national J Award win, Sycco had already achieved significant recognition in her hometown.
She won Song of the Year at the Queensland Music Awards for two consecutive years, first for “Dribble” in 2021 and then for “My Ways” in 2022. These awards are commemorated with plaques in Brisbane’s Fortitude Valley entertainment precinct.
Debut Album Origins
According to McLeod, her debut album Zorb grew from experiences she had over the past three years while living in a decaying Brisbane sharehouse. The building, once owned by a former mayor, provided the backdrop for significant personal events, including first love, heartbreak, and the formation of supportive friendships, all of which influenced the album’s creation.
Recent Activity and Future Plans
McLeod described 2024 as an incredible year, marked by the release of Zorb, a move to a new city, and her first live shows in America. Looking ahead, she aims to stand out in the competitive music field by trusting her instincts and creating memorable live performances.
She recently completed her headline tour, which featured the “Sycco Extended Family DJs” performing inside a specially built cube structure. She expressed pride in the new music she has recorded and hopes to release it soon. The Sycco Extended Family DJs are scheduled to support fellow Brisbane band The Jungle Giants in April 2025, marking McLeod’s first support shows as a DJ.
Published Date 23-April-2025
