Sizzy Rocket’s guide to taking sh*t into your own hands
What do you do when you realize the world is keeping you in a box and stripping you of all creativity and freedom? You create your own shit, and take the meaning of boss betch to another level.
That’s exactly what Shiny Wet Machine singer Sizzy Rocket did when she created her very own kick ass record label, “Diet Punk.”
Sizzy had a previous incarnation of her career singing pop music (which didn’t suck in any way), but has since left the giant music industry machine to do things HER way.
Her new band, Shiny Wet Machine isn’t pop music at all — it’s glorious loud punk rock amazingness that let’s us see what Sizzy is really about. Creating/running Diet Punk has allowed the band to make the records THEY want to make and have complete control over how shit goes down.
So punk rock, right?
Sizzy says that Diet Punk is more than a label though: “It’s a universe, it’s a safe space for young women, it’s an online presence…” she says.
READ ALSO: Clean Bandit tackles real world sh*t in their “Symphony” Video
Things are going well for her new band, because at a recent Shiny Wet Machine show — the band had physical cassette tapes of their newest single which sold out before the show even started, and no one had ever even heard the single.
Looks like lots of people wanna be part of that universe, no questions asked.
Let us follow in Sizzy’s foot steps and take over the world the way we want to. Check what she has to say below and listen to the gloriousness that is “Lights Out B-sides” by the sickest new punk band around, Shiny Wet Machine.
Would you say Shiny Wet Machine is closer to who you are as a person than your former songs as a pop artist?
I would say I’ve always been a little bit pop, a little bit punk — they’re both me. And that’s something I’ve struggled with. I’m a chameleon, so I sound good on pop records, hip hop records, punk records…they’re all different versions of me. I love to rock out, though. I’m a punk bitch, I named myself after Iggy Pop. The new music I’m working on is a perfect marriage of the two — they’re punk-tinged pop records and I think I’ve finally found the truest version of me.
What made you decide to start Diet Punk?
I started Diet Punk because I wanted to create my own universe. I had just gotten out of a record deal and I didn’t really want another one. I’m more than just a name on a roster and I really believe that I have a lot to say and a lot to offer as an artist. If you look at what Jack White is doing with Third Man, it’s about more than just making hit records, it’s about moments and memories and culture. Diet Punk is about giving a platform to kids who feel like they have nowhere else to go: young girls who are insecure about their bodies; kids in the LGBTQIA community; kids who feel too much. I’m teaching them how to make zines, how to be comfortable in their skin — it’s empowering for both of us. And the nature of punk is just exciting.
What are your hopes and dreams for Diet Punk to one day be?
I want a storefront, I think a physical space is important. I want to sign artists, I’m particularly drawn to female punk bands. I love limited edition things, rare things, merch and records and zines that have special meaning — we’ll always maintain that. Like I said, I want to create a universe that kids can escape to when they feel unimportant. And I want that universe to be better than reality. I want to make the impossible real, and inspire the cult (my fans) to do the same.
Have you seen artists around you whose music has been watered down or changed into something completely different because of having so many hands involved?
I have, and it’s happened to me. As an artist, it’s important to learn the balance of playing the industry “game” and being protective of your work — and that comes with time and patience. I don’t think changing is negative, we need manufactured artists — they are the conduit for hit records, and some of my own favorite songs.
How is your music/how are you different now with Diet Punk?
Diet Punk allows me freedom because the art comes first. It’s wonderful and terrifying. Right now, our team is small (but mighty!) so if we like something, we just go with it — like the song “25” for example. I wrote it the day before my 25th birthday, called my producer and was like, “YOU GOTTA HEAR THIS SONG I JUST WROTE I WANT TO DROP IT ON MY BIRTHDAY.” It was mixed and on Soundcloud the next day.
What advice would you give to your younger self, given the chance?
Just to reiterate, I’m not against the major label system. But when I was coming up, and through my first two record deals, the world was not as transparent as it is now. People can sniff out when an artist is being phony, it’s too obvious on social media. So I would tell my younger self to just be you — and the people who understand are truly the only people who matter.
As a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you think you’d end up being where you are right now/today?
I started performing in outlet malls and churches when I was just 7 years old. I wrote my first song when I was 9. I always knew I was going to be a performer and a writer. It’s just a part of my identity.
If there was a dead celebrity you’d like to resurrect in order to get their advice for Diet Punk, who would it be and what would you ask them?
I think Prince or Bowie are obvious choices but I don’t care. I would ask Prince or Bowie. Or fuck, maybe Kurt Cobain. But if I met any of them I don’t think I would ask them about Diet Punk, there are too many other more important questions.
What are three punk rock things that we should do to make sure we always stay true to ourselves?
1. Learn how to say no and take care of yourself first.
2. Learn how to love your body even if it doesn’t look like Kylie Jenner’s.
3. Make sure you read. Books, articles, zines — just stay informed about the world around you.
Do you have a motto or saying that you live your life by?
GO FUCKING GET IT.
For More on Shiny Wet Machine
Instagram | Twitter | Soundcloud | YouTube | Spotify | Store
