Dropping in with San Cisco

We dropped in on San Cisco, who were dropping in on Torquay’s first ever The Drop festival, which was dropping in on the Rip Curl Pro. I hear you – that’s a lot of dropping in, man.
Graced by the presence of lead singer Jordi Davieson and drummer Scarlett Stevens of San Cisco, we caught up on the happenings of the band, their addition of a new bass player and their thoughts on festival versus pub shows.
Featuring on the bill of the first ever The Drop festival, alongside acts Ruby Fields, Holy Holy, Dune Rats and SAFIA, the indie pop four-piece have also been completing their Distance Regional tour, but we’re told this might be the last we’ll be seeing of these groovy kids for a little while.
“We’ve been doing these shows and we’re just planning to take it pretty mellow for the rest of this year and into next year, because we’re writing and working on the next record,” says Jordi.
“We’re just going to drop off the radar a little bit – lots of writing, a bit of meditating,” continues Jordi, before Scarlett concludes with a laugh, “We’ll be going a bit Eat, Pray, Love.”
The band recently underwent a slight change when it announced the departure of its bassist, Nick Gardner, who was swiftly replaced by fellow Fremantle muso and good friend, Jennifer Aslett.

“It’s been very easy,” says Jordi. “And she’s played with us before,” interjects Scarlett, before Jordi continues, “Nick is now at university doing engineering and loving that change of lifestyle, while Jen loves playing in the band – so it’s worked out well for everyone.”
When asked about the scenario that played out in bringing Jen to become a part of the four-piece, it would appear Jordi was just in the dark as you or I.
“We basically just took her to the pub,” says Scarlett. “I wasn’t even there though, what happened?,” asks Jordie, before Scarlett responds, “I just took her to the pub and asked her if she wanted to be in the band.”
“What’d she say?,” asks Jordi. “Yes, of course,” Scarlett responds, before Jordi further questioning, “Was she excited though, or was she like, I don’t know?”
“She was very excited,” explains Scarlett. “Well, there you go!,” exclaims Jordi, before we all burst into simultaneous laughter.
Jordi and Scarlett go on to explain that while everyone has a slightly different playing style, their change in bassist has barely caused a change in the bands’ much-loved sound.
“I believe everyone has a slightly different playing style, but it’s not hugely different,” confirms Scarlett. “She learnt all the songs before we even rehearsed, exactly how they were on the CDs – a lot of preparation went into it on her end.”
At this point, we could hear the crowd outside riled up and ready to go for the San Cisco disco that was about to ensue at The Drop, Torquay, when we asked how they felt their festival performances differed to headline shows.
“Well, according to our crew, we play pub shows better – apparently we’re better when we’re just chilled out and I don’t know, I guess sweaty pub shows are more our vibe,” laughs Jordi.
“There’s just a lot more pressure at festivals I think, that you’ve got to put on some crazy performance,” explains Scarlett.
“But I’m going to take on board what the crew have said and try and not care as much – and just do it,” exclaims Jordi, “Apparently I do it better when I don’t care… Well, not that I don’t care, just that I’m not putting the pressure of myself.”
Finally, it was important to us that we knew what the secret ritual was that the two were about to walk away and complete with their fellow band mates, in order to aid them in becoming stage-ready.
“The latest one we’ve been doing is country versions of our own songs,” exclaims Jordi, “But tea towel fights are pretty good as well – anything that gets us a bit silly.”
Written by Helena Metzke