pic — ZYkR

ZYkR is an alternative-electronic music project based out of Brooklyn, New York.

Led by Indian artist Aseem Suri, ZYkR’s music is a blend of elements drawn from rock, folk, dance and electronic. Aseem’s songwriting draws on his life and surroundings, with themes ranging from surveillance and human rights, anxiety and addiction, to love and loss. Meticulously programmed beats, unconventional percussion, and synthesized electronic sounds alongside samplers, guitars, and voices help create the distinct soundscapes that complement the lyrics.

Bringing the same spirit of experimentation to the stage, ZYkR’s live act has drawn praise for incorporating traditional and modern instrumentation. Borrowing from the culture of musique concrete, the performances are infused with field recordings, speech samples, poetry and projections, ZYkR has been active in the New York City live circuit playing venues such as the Bowery Electric and Arlene’s Grocery. On stage, Aseem is joined by a rotating line-up of musicians, including fellow Berklee college of music alumni Donnie Hogue (USA, Drums), Matt Schumacher (USA, Bass), Aleif Hamdan (Indonesia, Guitars) and Pedro Zappa (Portugal, Bass/Vocals). The live musicians use electronic performance techniques, triggers, samplers and custom controllers to create a show that has the energy of a rock concert while maintaining the sonic identity of the songs.

In March 2019, ZYkR released their first single - a rendition of Nirvana’s Lithium, accompanied by a music video directed by National Award-winning filmmaker Pranjal Dua. The video depicted how alienation manifests in urban middle-class households and was premiered by The Wild City.

ZYkR’s debut album is scheduled for September 2020, with the first single Fantastic, I’m Plastic set to be released in early April.