Auckland producer Cymbol taught himself music by ear before beginning to make his own beats. Known around the local hip hop to EDM traps for the best part of a decade as Cymbol 303, he is now positioned to release a flow of material under the further shortened DJ brand name. With the star-power vocals of David Dallas, his newly released hip hop single Miss These Days features on NZ On Air Music’s NewTracks compilation this March. 

What’s your given name, where are you from and what instruments do you play?

My full name is Shivnesh Sumer. I’m from Auckland, originally Fijian Indian, and I play the keys

Was any high school or other music training important to you?

I didn’t really have musical training, although I took music in high school and tried getting lessons separately. I didn’t really enjoy the lessons and dropped it as I learnt to play music on the keys by ear. High school music was fun though as I started discovering how to make beats on my workstation keyboard I’d saved up for.

Any other previous (or current) projects might we know you from?

I’ve really only released singles and before that, an EP called ‘The Cycle’, with This Pale Fire.

What’s the background story of how Cymbol came to be?

Cymbol is just me. I have a musical family and learnt a lot from my upbringing with my father.

How has your writing (or music) evolved from your beginnings in songwriting to now?

I started making hip hop beats back in high school (2007-ish) on my keyboard, then started discovering EDM around 2012, transformed into writing dubstep and house, but never really started releasing anything until I got to discovering trap, future bass and pop music. Did all that, and I think I have looped all the way back to making hip hop again.
I guess if you listen to my sound from 2013 to now, it will have a lot of hip hop/trappy elements. Think I have evolved over time as a producer where I know that I can not only make a record with vocals, but also delve into some really weird instrumental music too.

Aside from this release, what’s been the big highlight to date?

I’d say RnV. I think it was the first time I saw a crowd really going mental to everything I played. That was the first time I felt I was on top of the world and felt the connection with everyone as one. It’s really a feeling I will never forget, and makes me want to chase more of it.

What makes Miss These Days stand out for you as a single?

Hmm… I think it’s one of my more fresher beats, most importantly, the feel and mood of the track matched with Dave’s energy just fires me up.

What’s your favourite moment, musical or lyrical, of the single?

That’s a really tough question, there are so many favourite moments.

Who did you write/record/produce the single with?

David Dallas. Recorded with Jacob Rush.

What would you like listeners to take away from this song?

I’d say, set it as your alarm, play it while working out or on your drive to work. It really fires you up or just gives you a real positive mood to your day.

How do you generally work out what song would make a good single?

You don’t know what would make a good single. Just gotta put what you like out.

Who else is in your team?

Callum August is my manager. Universal Music NZ/Aus is my label.

Are there any other musical endeavours you’re working on that we should keep an eye out for?

I am experimenting with Bollywood music and trying to cross genres a bit, but I will most likely play around and chuck it up on Soundcloud or whatever, and see what happens. Officially though, for now sticking to releasing songs from this project I’ve been working on

Are there any musical blogs, Youtube channels or podcasts you’re into?

Finish More Music by Keith Mills. It’s a great podcast for producers.

Who did you make the video with?

It’s not really a music video but a looping animation. Graphics/artwork was done by Nicole Miller Wong.

Any last words?

Keep an eye out for my next one.