Scarlett Stevens admits she felt anxious about returning to the studio with San Cisco after a 18-month hiatus that followed welcoming gorgeous daughter Donatella into the world.
The drummer and vocalist, who along with Jordi Davieson and Josh Biondillo founded the cult Fremantle band, had not stepped away from music for such an extended period since the group formed in 2009.
She described the time away as “bittersweet” and joked it took two people to replace her while she was on maternity leave, including Davieson and Biondillo at times performing with her partner, James Ireland, who is also the drummer in fellow Fremantle band Pond.
“They needed two people to fill the role, vocally and the drums,” she told The Sunday Times with a laugh.
Frontman Davieson added: “Not only was it so different having all dudes on the road, but Scarlett plays drums like a metronome, then you get James, and he’s all over the place, but in a good way, you know. It was quite a different experience.”
Stevens gave birth to “Donni” in May last year, and while she missed being away from the band, there was nowhere else she’d have rather been than at home with family.
“Motherhood is amazing,” she said. “Donatella is so good. She’s very cheeky; I haven’t slept in like a year and a half. It’s chaos, but in the best, most beautiful way.
“I was so anxious to go back into the studio because, you know, it’s like a muscle, and if you’re not doing that every day, you feel like you’re gonna lose that. But singing again felt really good.”
And it seems little Donni is already taking after her musical mother.
“She’s got wonderful rhythm. She’s a great dancer, and I think drumming with her in the womb has given her a great sense of rhythm because she’s always tapping and listening, hearing the rhythm in just everyday things; it’s very special to watch,” Stevens said.
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San Cisco released their new single Miles Away and accompanying music video on Wednesday.
The sugary pop song aims to encapsulate emotions of loving someone deeply while feeling them retreat and marks the first of more fresh tracks to come.
Stevens said the new music would see San Cisco enter the next chapter as they navigate long-term relationships and starting families.
“What’d you say, Jordi? The pain and commitment to love,” she asked.
“Something dramatic. But also celebratory,” Davieson replied.
The new single also came with the announcement of their Part 1 Miles Away Regional Tour that will kick off in Rockhampton on November 18.But not before a hometown show at Freo Beer Fest on the Esplanade on November 14.
The band will headline the event alongside Birds of Tokyo and Ruby Hoo.
Perth fans can expect “maybe one or two new songs” in a “classic San Cisco sing-along, feel-good but cry at the same time set”.
The East Coast tour will see them play in Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, Newcastle, Wollongong and Canberra, with a Part 2 series of shows yet to be announced.
“I love a sweaty show in a small room where all the energy is really locked into this little room. So yeah, looking forward to it. Blowing the cobwebs off,” Davieson said.
Their last album Under The Light was released in 2024, and features hits like Lost Without You and Consequence.
“It’s our big comeback. Yeah, so much has happened,” Davieson said.
“I think our last proper run of shows, Scarlett finished playing heavily pregnant, and she gave birth like two weeks later.
“And so since then, Scarlett’s been learning how to become a mother. Josh and I have been in our separate studios, getting ready for when Scarlett returned.”