In a whirlwind of neon lights and infectious beats, the dynamic duo of syence (consisting of Zach Montoya and Brayden James) took the stage at Countdown NYE 2023, where we caught up with them shortly after the aural spectacle. Buckle up for a rollercoaster ride through their thoughts on the set, the evolution of their sound, and the unique blend of engineering and music that defines their journey.

As they reflected on the set, syence shared the fulfillment they felt, marking a significant shift in their sound over the past year. This Countdown NYE gig wasn’t just any set; it was their debut festival performance for the new era of syence. A fusion of passion, beats, and a crowd vibing to the rhythm – it was a moment they won’t soon forget.

“I would say the set was so fulfilling, ’cause we went through a big change with our sound last year, and this is our debut festival set for the new era of syence. To get to do that in such a cool setup and stage with people vibing was very very fulfilling, and very fun.”

Taking a stroll down memory lane, syence detailed their journey from college buddies to the vibrant musical duo we know today. It all started with a Coachella moment; a ZEDD set that inspired them to start their own musical journey. From making music in college to adopting the name syence, their journey was a blend of artistic exploration and a mutual love for Blink 182’s eclectic sound.

The duo’s sound evolved from pop radio-friendly tunes to infectious beats, hovering over many genres such as house and indie-electric. But what’s unique is the harmony – fuel for artistic fireworks rather than tension. Both members, one an aerospace engineer and the other an industrial engineer, found that their analytical backgrounds added structure to their creative chaos. Who knew engineering could be the secret sauce to musical success?

In addition to their engineering and analytical degrees, the duo grew up in musical and theatrical families, skill sets they view as creatively overlapping their educational backgrounds.

Zach asserts that engineering is quite creative:

I think most of high-level engineering is very creative. You have to experiment and create new things, which to me is the exact same thing as us making a song. I think that’s one of the reasons why we gravitated toward music. We both had that upbringing of ‘let’s be engineers,’ but part of being an engineer is being creative…it’s just less for fun and more for necessity. You make things people need, versus what people enjoy.

Brayden agrees, and responds with the non-creative benefits:

I think it’s the non-creative parts of engineering that help us a lot. You learn a lot in pretty rigorous majors and studies and can apply that to music. A lot of musicians are go-with-the-flow…a lot of our other music friends that were engineers, you just see a different…ability for time management….and how you approach the business side of the industry…what’s always stood out to people we meet with and work with is how well-organized we are, and how on top of our business side we are.

syence is gearing up for an independent tour, hitting intimate venues to create unforgettable moments with their devoted community. Even more exciting – their debut album is set to drop this year, featuring a lineup of tracks that hold a special place in their hearts. From collaborations to solo releases, syence is poised to take the music scene by storm.

As the year comes to a close, syence expressed gratitude for the growth in their passionate fanbase. The year brought not only a change in sound but a surge in fans who truly connect with their music. Beyond the beats, they cherished personal moments, from exciting collaborations to hitting the golf course with music friends.

The interview concluded with a heartfelt invitation from syence to their fans and potential collaborators. They emphasized their commitment to responding to every message, comment, or inquiry. Whether you’re reaching out for a collab or just want to say hi, syence promises a genuine and engaging connection.

As syence prepares to unleash their debut album and embark on a tour that promises intimate moments and unforgettable melodies, the music world eagerly awaits the next chapter in the syence saga. Stay tuned for a symphony of laughter, music, and the unpredictable brilliance that defines the unique duo – syence!

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