Interview: CYRIL on Still Into You and Spinning Life
Interview by Krystal Galloway
It was only six months ago the founder of Sheldon Ang Media met CYRIL backstage at a Suzi Quatro concert. When Suzi introduced the young artist onto the stage of Fremantle Prison, Sheldon asked, “Sorry what’s your name?” Cyril, what’s yours again?. The name sounded familiar. Sheldon texted his friend a photo of him with Suzi Quatro and CYRIL taken 30 minutes earlier. She replied, “OMG Sheldon, that’s CYRIL Riley – who I’ve been telling you about since day 1…I said to you, ‘he’s going to be huge even before he became famous.'” When Cyril returned from the stage, Sheldon asked Cyril, “Hey bro, can I please get you to say something on video to a fan of yours?” Sure man!
After all, it was only in late 2023 that CYRIL bloomed onto the world stage following the release of the dance mix of Suzi Quatro’s Stumblin’ In. Since then, the diamond-selling artist has since been ARIA-nominated – twice, while boasting an impressive 700M+ streams, sitting atop the Shazam charts in over 20 different countries and going Platinum and Gold in numerous countries, while amassing more than 800K+ followers across socials.
CYRIL has become one of the most sought-after artists at dance festivals. Born and raised in the countryside of regional Australia and now based in Darwin, the producer, DJ, and multi-instrumentalist has just returned from his debut US tour, where he performed in Chicago, San Francisco, New York City, Washington DC, and many more cities to back his recent release of the 6-track “To The World” EP, which showcased his versatility as a producer.
Today, CYRIL returns to the airwaves with a new dance-pop ballad “Still Into You,” teaming up with rising starlet maryjo. The new song weaves between electronic and girlie-pop with stylish ease as CYRIL fuses a dynamic, upbeat bassline with maryjo’s soulful vocals as she belts out the iconic melodies. With the fusion of positive, energetic production and dance-while-sing-along-worthy vibes, “Still Into You” is an instant banger.
Krystal Galloway – the fan who told Sheldon that CYRIL would be the next big thing – before his name was stylistically written in capitals, sat with the artist to chat about his latest single Still Into You, his style and life as being…CYRIL in all capitals.
Krystal Galloway:
Cyril, it’s a pleasure to be interviewing you! As someone who has been following your journey since the early days, it has been incredible to watch your career take off and reach new heights. Firstly, congratulations on all your recent successes and on the upcoming release of your new single, Still Into You. I have to say, when I first heard it, I was blown away—when those famous Paramore lyrics hit, and then the bass drops, my face screwed up in the best possible way, and I couldn’t help but throw my hand in the air, moving to the beat! Absolutely love it! What was it like revisiting this classic and making it your own?
Cyril Riley:
Well firstly thanks for supporting me it has been a bit of a rollercoaster! Working on a Paramore record was so much fun they have so many good songs but Still Into You was and still Is my favourite. Funnily enough you mentioned you can’t help throw your hands in the air when you heard it this song has had the same response in every show I’ve played no matter what city across the world.
Krystal Galloway:
You’ve teamed up with US rising star Maryjo on this track. How did that collaboration come together, and what was the creative process like between the two of you?
Cyril Riley:
So I think it took about 6 months to find the right collaborator for this song. Hayley Williams’ voice is so unique that I didn’t want to rush the process of finding the right person. My label actually sent me Maryjo’s version of it as she was already performing it live and I thought yeah this is great. We met up in LA (straight away we got along – she’s awesome) where she recorded it I worked on the vocal and she even performed it with me a couple days later in LA.
Krystal Galloway:
Still Into You is already making waves on TikTok before it’s even out, with over 67 million views. How do you see platforms like TikTok influencing the trajectory of music promotion today?
Cyril Riley:
67 Million Views wow I didn’t even know that awesome! Social Media specially TikTok is super important as you can reach so many people organically and engage with them. I feel it will play an important part for breaking artists for years to come.
Krystal Galloway:
Your recent hits like Stumblin’ In and the Sound of Silence remix have been massive, racking up hundreds of millions of streams. I remember the first time I walked into a store and heard Stumblin’ In on the radio—I stopped and stood still listening proudly with the biggest smile on my face! Watching you rise from 200 followers on TikTok to now being played daily on the radio has been amazing. How does it feel to see that kind of growth?
Cyril Riley:
Am I allowed to swear here? If so fuck yeah! Honestly the whole thing is crazy I didn’t have a passport until March now I’ve got numerous Platinum records, travelled across America, parts of Europe, planning a tour in ASIA got ARIA Nominations and heaps more.
Krystal Galloway:
You’ve just wrapped up an international tour, including a debut tour of the US, and you’re heading back home for your first headline shows in Australia this November. How has performing across the globe impacted your sound, and what can fans expect from these upcoming shows?
Cyril Riley:
Its been really eye opening seeing what genres and even artists work around the world to give you an example there’s a song I play by ‘Marlon Hoffstadt – Its That Time’ which I know when it comes on raises the energy in the room dramatically.. Well thats what I thought until I played it in America and it got no where the response as it would in Europe or Australia. In saying that though there’s some songs i’d play in America that just wouldn’t work in Australia so its defineitly shown me that each market has its own quirks you could say.
I’m so excited for these shows in Australia its been a long time since i’ve been able to perform at home and its my own show so i’ve been planning a few surprises but I want people to walk out thinking I can’t wait for the next one.
Krystal Galloway:
This year has been incredible for you—two ARIA nominations, hitting #1 on the national airplay charts twice, and earning certifications in multiple countries. What has been the most memorable moment of 2024 for you so far?
Cyril Riley:
I don’t know if I have one specific moment but I think just the whole experience of whats happened this year would be the most memorable moment (sorry thats a bit boring)
Krystal Galloway:
Having watched your career from the start, I’ve always admired how you’ve continuously evolved your sound. Who or what has been your biggest inspiration throughout this journey?
Cyril Riley:
My biggest inspiration would have to be my family and also just how long I’ve wanted to live and breathe music as a career. Some people think this has happened overnight for me; I’ve been playing instruments and obsessed with music since I was a little kid so to able to do what I love everyday its inspiration in itself.
Krystal Galloway:
With Still Into You releasing on October 25th, can fans expect any other exciting projects or collaborations in the near future?
Cyril Riley:
I’m working on so much I don’t know where to start I spent a week making music in Nashville which was my favourite city by the way, 2 weeks making music in Los Angeles so you may get a country collab with some Nashville artists or a more pop sounding song.
I’m currrently working on an offical remix for one of the most iconic artists / groups potentially ever. I don’t know if it’s going to happens so I won’t mention the name but fingers crossed.
Krystal Galloway:
You and Sheldon – the founder of Sheldon Ang Media were hanging out together backstage at a Suzi Quatro concert at Fremantle Prison this year. And he asked you, “Say something to a fan by the name of Krystal”. And you said on video through his phone, “Hey Krystal, where are ya? Well I hope you had a great day and thank you for supporting my music all the time, really appreciate it!” Well, that Krystal is me.
Cyril Riley:
Oh wow I had no idea.. This makes a lot of sense now! You’ll have to come to my show when I play in Perth then we can both send Sheldon a video haha.
Krystal Galloway:
Anyhow, is Perth on your touring horizon
Cyril Riley:
Yes! It’ll be announed on a festival in Perth in the next couple of weeks I hope. I’ve heard amazing things about Perth and i’d love to meet a Quokka. I think they’re only on Rottness Island though.
Krystal Galloway:
Thank you, Cyril! It’s been an absolute pleasure watching your journey, and I’m excited for what’s next. Best of luck with the release!
And one further question from the Editor – how do you choose which tracks to remix?
This is always a tricky one as it changes depending on what mood I’m in, but lately, I’ve been getting a lot of remix ideas just by being in Ubers. It might sound crazy, but each person has their own taste, and I’ve found sometimes I’ll be in an Uber, and a song is playing from 20 years ago I completely forgot about. The other day, I was on a flight, and after it landed, they played a really cool folk song, and I was thinking that could be cool to remix.
Stream Still Into You from Spinning Records
For more information on CYRIL, visit: TIKTOK ⎪ INSTAGRAM⎪ FACEBOOK
About the Interviewer
Krystal lives and breathes music, finding her happy place in the sea of fans who come together to experience the magic of live performances. After attending her first concert—Justin Timberlake—her enthusiasm turned into a lifelong hobby. She has since seen over 100 of her favorite acts, including global superstars like KISS, Eminem, Foo Fighters, Blink 182, Usher, Nelly, Ne-Yo and Chris Brown, along with Australian favorites like The Screaming Jets, The Angels, Birds of Tokyo, Cold Chisel, and Bliss & Eso—just to name a few—all in her home city of Western Australia. With this extensive concert experience, Krystal has developed a deep appreciation for the artistry behind live performances, gaining a unique perspective on the dedication and energy that goes into every show.
About Sheldon Ang Media
Perth-based Sheldon Ang Media (est. May 2022) are a source of news and features on live entertainment. SAM have been accredited to over 120 of the hottest acts including Taylor Swift (ERAS Tour in Sydney), Coldplay (Perth), KISS, P!NK and Robbie Williams with reviews shared by the likes of Belinda Carlisle, UB40, Delta Goodrem, The Wiggles and Toni Childs on social media. The founder has interviewed rockers Suzi Quatro (pictured below, with CYRIL), Ace Frehley (KISS), John Steel (The Animals), Frank Ferrer (Guns N Roses), Phil X (Bon Jovi), Andrew Farris (INXS) plus over 50 artists. He’s also a contributor on Triple M Albany as a music journalist
