Every time Australian indie poppers San Cisco have played the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection they’ve made quite the big splash… However, it’s now been nearly four years since we’ve seen the quartet. The last time we caught up with them was in June of 2015, when I chatted with drummer/vocalist Scarlett Stevens about their newly released sophomore LP, Gracetown, and in anticipation of their upcoming July show at Johnny Brenda’s . In early 2017 they released their third LP, The Water, which got them many of their biggest tours and live appearances to date. The album blended their own brand of indie pop with sunshine pop and healthy doses of disco and ‘90s summertime jams. Last fall the band released hit single “When I Dream,” which follows the flavor of The Water, but is said to serve as a teaser for their next full-length, which is set to drop next year. San Cisco are currently in about the middle of a short run of US dates and will be returning to Johnny Brenda’s next Wednesday, June 19th, for another headlining show. Earlier this week I got a chance to chat with guitarist/vocalist Jordi Davieson about what San Cisco’s been up to since we last saw them.
Izzy Cihak: I realize this is a huge question, but the last time I spoke with the band was June of 2015, so I’m curious what have been some of the biggest highlights of San Cisco since then?
Jordi Davieson: Last year we went on our biggest Australian tour ever, co-headlining with fellow Australian act Ball Park Music. We played the biggest venues we have to date and had a great time. We released our third record, The Water, and we have recently finished recording our fourth record and getting very excited about releasing that into the world.
Izzy: Considering this is Philadelphia-based publication, I have to ask your thoughts on the city, as you’ve played here a number of times now? Any particular favorite memories or experiences?
Jordi: We have played Philly a number of times, but we have never had much time to look around. We always go to the BBQ place across the road from Johnny Brenda’s and I haven’t even had a Philly cheese steak, so that’s what I’m going to do this time.
Izzy: I definitely dig The Water, but Gracetown is one of my favorite albums of the decade and I still find myself listening to it on a regular basis, so I’m curious what are your current thoughts on your second LP? Are there songs from it that you still especially enjoy playing live? “Bitter Winter” remains one of my favorite tracks of recent years.
Jordi: Gracetown would have to be my favorite, too. “Too Much Time Together,” “Run,” and “Messages” would have to be my favorites.
Izzy: I know you have an album in the works for next year. How do you think your upcoming sounds compare to previous releases? What would you consider to be your most significant influences at the moment, both musical and otherwise?
Jordi: I think our new music is the best music we have written to date and we are very excited to show the world. We have been listening to a lot of west coast bands like Fleetwood Mac, America, the Eagles, and Haim.
Izzy: What should be expected of the live experience when you return to Johnny Brenda’s next week?
Jordi: A huge vibe.
Izzy: Finally, what’s next for you, after these dates wrap? What are you most excited about in the second half of 2019, in addition to working on your next album?
Jordi: Our main focus is the new record and getting some singles out. So, mixing, video clips, and art work is going to be the center of our world for the rest of the year.
