Some bands spend years trying to fit into whatever sound happens to be in fashion. SCIZZORMAN have spent nearly two decades doing the opposite. The Perth outfit have quietly built a reputation for embracing the unexpected, blending funk, progressive rock, psychedelia, glam-pop and soul into a sound that feels entirely their own. Their latest single, Mystical Yeast, continues that tradition, pairing a deep groove with surreal lyricism, sharp satire and fearless musical ambition.
Rather than chasing commercial trends, SCIZZORMAN have remained committed to curiosity, experimentation and the simple joy of making music without boundaries. The result is a track that feels playful yet purposeful, eccentric yet emotionally grounded—a reminder that some of the most rewarding music is made far from the mainstream.
We caught up with the band to talk about the making of Mystical Yeast, the creative freedom that comes with staying independent, and how they’ve continued to evolve while remaining unmistakably SCIZZORMAN.
Perth has long been described as one of the world’s most isolated music cities. How has that isolation shaped SCIZZORMAN’s identity rather than limited it?
In many ways really. Being far removed from the global masses brings on a different perspective. From a lyrical standpoint, my content tends to be more objective about the human experience, especially with regards to personal reflections. Establishing our sound and getting it heard has always been a challenge, given the “tyranny of distance”. With band members working as solo artists in different locations, keeping ourselves free to record, can often require spontaneity, with limited time for extended rehearsals. We like it raw and ready.
You’ve been an independent band for two decades. Looking back, what advice would you give your younger selves about surviving—and thriving—in the DIY music world?
The one thing is following through, once you’ve completed recording. With so much time and energy dedicated to being on the one creative path, continuing stuff that isn’t ‘songwriting’ per se, is often neglected. Learning more about how music is promoted, listened to and utilized now, is critical, especially with the ever changing music scene. We’ve definitely come a long way since Myspace was all the rage.
“Mystical Yeast” has a huge live feel. At what point during recording did you realise this was going to become a standout song for your setlist?
Nice observation. Not until Cody & I jammed a session and found the right vibe as a rhythm section. Once the Bass locked horns with the Drums, the rest seemed to flow naturally. The lyrics had already been written and knowing the Funk influences we both draw from, it became obvious quite early on that we had something unique, whilst playing homage to what we’d developed over 20 years as a stand-alone rhythm section. Session work for other Artists, as their go to rhythm section, gave us regular work and those experiences have made it onto our more recent records.
Your music blends so many genres, yet it never feels forced. Do you think audiences are more open today to bands that don’t fit neatly into one category?
Wow! What an Interesting question. I tend to think that there’s two types of music listeners. Those who stick to the genres they’ve liked and others that seem to be more receptive to a new sound that crosses over styles. I’d say audiences have become obsessed with that which they know and love, rather than deviate into more experimental bands that might be harder to fit into one particular style. It may well take more time to soak up various styles at once.
The chemistry between the band is obvious. What’s the secret to keeping a creative partnership alive after so many years?
Don’t have high expectations of fellow band members. Understand they’re always not free, when you might be and make it fun. It’s the one thing I made a point of when we returned to the recording process. It had to be fun. Given it was awhile after our last recording, it was the number one focus. Keeping it enjoyable, even if that required delays due to availability. We’d finish one session, without really knowing when the next one would be. That kept us intrigued. There were times we’d do an unplanned session, which would blow us away.
If someone has never seen SCIZZORMAN live before, what can they expect walking into one of your shows?
Anything goes really. We’re quite fluid about playing live. As much as we try to stick to the set list, invariably we get heckled to play all kinds of requests. Stewart & Cody are incredibly talented solo acts and their abilities to adapt to any vibe is amazing to watch from the drum stool. There’ll be requests taken, random medleys, acoustic originals, drum solos on furniture and before too long, plenty of dancing. We’re very organic and interactive with demands of different crowds.
The new album carries a philosophical title. Is How To Get Your Life Right With What’s Left intended as social commentary, personal reflection, or a bit of both?
Glad you picked that up. Probably more of a personal reflection to be honest. Now that I look back there’s no doubt my Fathers passing 2 years ago, seemed to precede putting pen to paper after a long exile. Lyrics and song ideas soon followed and without realising it at the time, it became somewhat therapeutic. There was no real solid plan to make an LP early on, as the LP title didn’t come about until much later.
Every band has that one rehearsal, recording session or gig that becomes legendary in hindsight. What’s the funniest SCIZZORMAN story that still gets brought up today?
Well there’s a few actually. One that goes way back centres around an indigenous man in outback Australia, tapping a coin on the stage rail, as I was about to drum solo. I decided to join him & bring the volume down. The sudden hush of a 500+ noisy crowd was amazing. An Aboriginal woman approached me afterwards, stopped me in my tracks and with a smile said “You’re welcome back here anytime”. I was utterly stoked. More recently we did a recording session, whereby I specifically drank a smoky whiskey into the early hours, just so I could get a rough, raspy vocal take on a track called “Cavalcades”. It worked, but I wouldn’t recommend it for every session.
The funk influences are impossible to ignore. Were there any records that completely changed the way you approached groove as a band?
Oh absolutely. We’ve all been big fans of Red Hot Chili Peppers and there’s no doubt “Blood Sugar Sex Majik” had a profound influence on us in different ways. Cody was a big fan of Fleas slap bass style, I spent many long hours learning Chads beats when it first came out and Stewart takes over guitar and vocal duties on covers like Under the Bridge, Breaking the Girl amongst others. Mystical Yeast soon felt like an ode to RHCP and to a lesser extent, Frank Zappa.
If you could share the stage with any three artists—past or present—for one unforgettable festival line-up, who would make the bill?
Oh wow! Another tough one. Okay so I’d say presently, The Dandy Warhols, because they’re way cool and fun to hang out with, having joined them backstage before. Queens of the Stone Age and Radiohead would be totally rad. From the past I’d go XTC, Pink Floyd and David Bowie.
Technology has transformed the music industry since SCIZZORMAN first formed. What’s one change you’ve embraced, and one thing you wish had never changed?
You’re spot on there. Given our isolation, there’s no doubt the internet and music platforms have helped reach our songs to music lovers globally. It’s something I’ve been mindful of from the onset. What I wish never changed, well maybe the art of listening to an entire album. People in general seem way more distracted and on their phones nowadays. Songs seem to have more clout than LPs. Thankfully the resurgence of vinyl records seems to have turned back time, which is just amazing.
Your songs often balance humour with thoughtful observations. Do you think music should challenge listeners as much as entertain them?
Most definitely. Challenging and entertaining and sometimes both simultaneously. I think if music can challenge someone’s perspective on a topic, whilst raising the entertainment level, that’s a great combo to work with. Personally, I find Radiohead does that for me in a very unique way.
With the album on the horizon, what aspect are you most excited for fans to finally experience that they haven’t heard yet?
Well, hopefully they pick up on the concept vibe and any subjective anecdotes they may find, posed by the LP title that might help them through the maze of modern day complexities. From gossip trends to updating passwords, we packed as much into 30 minutes as we could. Oh & the last track. Hopefully listeners make it to the finale. Last tracks can get easily missed.
Outside of music, what inspires the band creatively? Films, books, travel, food, philosophy, strange conversations—where do ideas usually begin?
Interestingly enough, all of the above. This last record really spawned from travels to and from Melbourne over 2 years, with plenty of whacky conversations with folks from different generations. Having seen my Father suffer dementia over 8 years was quite the journey, so there was much to process which sparked the need to write again. Funnily enough, what kept me motivated was Frank Zappa & David Lynch interviews, classic albums I revisited and copious amounts of coffee.
Finally, if SCIZZORMAN could leave one lasting legacy in the Australian alternative music scene, what would you like people to remember about the band twenty years from now?
Quite simply, that we came together to make great albums. That our music moved the listener in some small way and took them on a self-fulfilling journey. That our musicianship, originality and unconventional approach continues to shine through, inspiring new fans along the way.
