San Cisco are back! Freo band announces return to music and touring after a two-year hiatus

San Cisco, the acclaimed indie pop band from Fremantle, Western Australia, has officially ended their two-year hiatus with the announcement of new music and an upcoming tour. The break followed the birth of drummer and vocalist Scarlett Stevens’ daughter, marking the longest pause since the group’s inception in 2009.

During this period, Stevens stepped back from performing and recording to focus on motherhood. Her absence prompted a notable shift in the band’s dynamic, with frontman Jordi Davieson and guitarist Josh Biondillo stepping in to cover some of her vocal and rhythmic duties. Notably, Stevens’ partner, James Ireland—also a drummer and member of local band Pond—contributed to live performances, bringing a different energy to the stage. This substitution highlighted the unique role Stevens plays as the band’s steady rhythmic anchor.

The transition back to music was met with mixed emotions for Stevens, who expressed both excitement and apprehension about returning to the studio. Having been away from the rigorous routine of recording and performing, she described the experience as akin to regaining a muscle that had been dormant. However, reconnecting with her craft and bandmates ultimately proved rewarding and invigorating.

Stevens also shared insights into balancing family life with her musical career, emphasizing the profound impact motherhood has had on her personal and professional identity. Her daughter, Donatella, born in May of the previous year, has already shown early signs of musical inclination, a development Stevens attributes to the strong rhythmic environment she was exposed to even before birth.

Marking their return, San Cisco released "Miles Away," a new single accompanied by a music video. The track captures the complex emotions tied to love’s endurance amid distance and change, reflecting the band’s evolution as its members navigate long-term relationships and parenthood. This release signals the beginning of a new chapter in their discography, with more fresh material anticipated.

To support the single, San Cisco has scheduled the Part 1 Miles Away Regional Tour, starting in Rockhampton on November 18. Before hitting the road, the band will headline the Freo Beer Fest on the Esplanade in Fremantle on November 14, sharing the stage with Birds of Tokyo and Ruby Hoo. Fans can expect a blend of new songs alongside familiar favorites, delivering the characteristic upbeat yet emotionally resonant San Cisco experience.

The tour will extend to several East Coast cities, including Mackay, Townsville, Cairns, Newcastle, Wollongong, and Canberra. Plans for a second leg of the tour remain forthcoming, promising continued engagement with their audience.

San Cisco’s last album, Under The Light, released earlier in 2024, featured standout tracks such as "Lost Without You" and "Consequence." This recent period has been significant for the band, not only due to Stevens’ maternity break but also as Davieson and Biondillo honed their skills in separate studios, preparing for the band’s reemergence.

The band’s return encapsulates a renewal of energy and creative momentum, blending personal growth with their distinctive sound. As they reconnect with audiences both locally and regionally, San Cisco’s journey underscores the evolving nature of contemporary musicians balancing familial commitments with artistic ambitions. Details about further releases and tour dates are expected to be revealed in the coming months.