SIKA

Sika. The name should intrigue you from the start. We found Sika through an online music contest and felt compelled to chat with Alexsy about their musical styling, state of the scene and anything else they had their minds focused on.

Editors Note: During the course of the interview Sika informed us they are in the process of relocating to L.A. And the band is undergoing some personnel changes. Putting the local status of the band in limbo. Never the less, the interview is below.



TCM: Who/What is Sika?


Aleksey: Sika is my brother’s nickname (his real name is Sergey). He came to visit me from Russia in 2002 and soon began jamming with my best friend from the University of Minnesota tennis team -Nate McLain. In a few months we had our first lineup in place (Sergey, Nate, Aleksey, Dave, John) and just had a great time jamming. Because his visa expired, my brother had to go back to Russia to renew it and attend Normandale Community College in fall. He got denied the student visa and within a month he was partying in downtown Novosibirsk (Russia) and was attacked at 5am by a group of thugs who wanted his discman. Interestingly, what he was listening that night on the way from the bar was Sika jams CD. These thugs beat him up very severely and he ended up coma for 10 days. He sustained 2 brain surgeries and one cosmetic surgery and to this day has a piece of plastic covering a hole in his head. During that time we were in the process of finding a name for the band, and given Sergey’s condition and him being one of the founders of the band, we all agreed on Sika.




TCM: You’re in the process of relocating to LA. What made you decide to move? And what do you hope to find in LA as opposed to Minneapolis?


Aleksey: The answer to this question is two-fold.
1) The MN scene. We have been around MN music scene for the last 6-7 years and played all the venues there are to play. In my opinion, Minneapolis is a terrible place for a local band who is trying to make it. You always hear from big bands how wonderful MN is when they come thru, and i agree, it is. However, locals don’t show as much enthusiasm towards local bands. I’ve talked to numerous local music scene veterans and they all said the same thing. All the music bars in town don’t care at all about local bands and only interested in making their money (Fineline, truth be told that’s you!). The scene in MN really lacks community feel and i got a sense from the people that they really don’t believe that your band can make it big. You can track down all the bands that made it from MN, they all either moved to LA(Prince) or just toured like crazy (Motion City Soundtrack). The truth is, nobody really cares if you are big in MN because that’s not where the magic happens, as they say. There a few bands i know from MN who were selling out Fineline and Varsity, but 3-4 years later where are they? Still in MN, and still playing Fineline and 400 Bar. That’s not what we want for our band.
In 2010 we were on our second tour to CA, NV, and TX and while we were in LA we talked to many people who work in the music industry who told us that we needed to move to LA if we wanted to make it a career. In addition, what we felt in LA is the sense that people truly thought that you may be going somewhere with your band, probably cause they see it happen all the time. That sense of belief is huge for any band! Our entertainment lawyer has been saying to us for years to move to LA, and he said it again when we met with him during that 2010 tour. It was during that tour when it became very clear to us that we needed to move to LA, in order to advance our career.

2) Our music genre just doesn’t fit MN. We like to think outside the box, experiment, take chances. We are convinced that you need to have something new and fresh to make it these days, and unfortunately, MN is just not the place to do it. Nobody really gives you props for stepping outside the box. Music scene in MN just doesn’t have faith in you and that’s too bad. In contrast, LA is on the cutting edge of music and here people appreciate you going outside the box, putting everything on the line, and really going all out. The radio stations here play Muse, Incubus, Smashing Pumpkins, Radiohead, etc and that’s what we are going for. When is the last time you’ve heard Muse on the radio in MN?

TCM: What are some of your influences in your music. At first listen I draw comparisons to Muse. What others do you draw from?

Aleksey: Muse, Radiohead, Tool, Depeche Mode, Sigur Ros, keane, Incubus, AFI, Coldplay, Ennio Moricone, Queen, etc

TCM: What are your long term plans for the band?

Aleksey: To make a living playing music and to use the platform to openly and passionately spread Jesus and His message all over the world

TCM: If people can take away one thing after going to a Sika show, what would you want it to be?


Aleksey: I would want them to ask “When is the next show?” :)

If you want more of Sika you can find it below. - Twin Cities Music

We recently had a chance to sit down with indie alternative band Sika. We talk about social media, snowballs and Matt Bellamy! Sit back, relax, and get to know Sika a bit better!

Indie Minded: Tell us a little about your band, how you got started and how long you’ve been together.

Sika: Nate and i (Aleksey) met on my 3rd day in the States. I came to play tennis for the University of Minnesota. He was already on the team and we instantly became friends. He was in the band and i just played guitar for fun at home. We both played pro tennis and grew really tired of endless traveling and training and music seemed like great outlet for out drive for success. My brother came to visit me from Russia and him and Nate began to jam together on two guitars in Nate’s moms house. They asked me to play bass with them and reluctantly i agreed (i really wanted to play guitar :)). Then we added the drummer from Nate’s band and since nobody could really sing we began looking for singer. After auditioning a few singers, Nate’s mom who is a music teacher suggested a son of one of her colleagues, John. He was an ok singer, but an amazing keyboard player and we added him to do just that. I began taking voice lessons from Nate’s mom and the rest in history, as they say.

IM: How would you describe your sound?

S: If Queen had Radiohead’s baby, it would sound like Sika. icon smile Indie Minded Interview: Sika

IM: What was the first song you learned?

S: My brother who started playing guitar a bit earlier than me while still in Russia, showed me a few Metallica songs: One, Nothing Else Matters, Fade to Black, and I believe Enter Sandman.

IM: Do you write your own songs?

S: Usually, while jamming we come up with a riff or a progression that we explore a bit and record on a cheap recorder that we bought. Early on, we learned that it is very easy to forget riffs you wrote so have been recording our ideas for years now. Frankly, we have so many that we prob don’t need to write anymore for a while, but we still do, it’s hard to resist and way too much fun. I believe writing music is divinely-inspired process that is very inspiring and humbling at the same time.

IM: Where do you gather your inspiration?

S: Different life situations and relationship we’ve been through. As of late tho, i came to realization that the harder you try to write lyrics the worse they get, so i’m adopting new lyric-writing philosophy called trust God for that. So far, so good! We always open our practices with a prayer to the Most High God and let the music and creativity flow from above rather than striving to do it in our own capacity that is very very limited.

IM: What is your usual songwriting process?

S: Music first, vocal melodies second, lyrics last. The song will usually dictate what it wants to say and we craft it accordingly.

IM: Who do you consider your greatest influences?

S: Muse, Radiohead, Queen, Depeche Mode, Tool, Sigur Ros, the Beatles, etc

IM: Who would you love to collaborate with – dead or alive?

S: Thom Yorke, Nigel Goudrich, John Lennon, Matt Bellamy, and maybe Bach, that would be pretty interesting (not sure if we are good enough to pull that one off tho :))

IM: If we were to take a peek into your iPod, who would we find to be in there as your greatest guilty pleasure?

S: Rihanna, Godspeed You Black Emperor

IM: What’s the music scene like in your local area?

S: In MN it was horrible for a band like us. People didn’t not faith that you can succeed and most of the bands were frankly boring and uncreative (my opinion of course). in LA where we are now, people respect you going outside the box and give you simple respect and props for getting out there and expressing your take on the music

IM: Do you feel as though it’s important to have a strong social media presence to interact with your fans?

S: Absolutely, we are learning more and more about it everyday. It’s crucial in today’s world

IM: Do you find it to be a struggle to get the public to support “live music” and indie artists?

S: Yes, to a degree. There are some many bands out there that people can’t get behind you unless they see that you going somewhere and already have the momentum then it becomes a snowball it gets somewhat easier. The hardest part is to get the ball rolling initially, which is the trick nowdays.

IM: If you had to perform just ONE of your songs live for the rest of your career, which song (to date) would you pick, meaning which is your favorite song to perform?

S: Good question. Probably “Point of No Return” right now:



IM: Where’s the farthest from home that you’ve played?

S: Given i’m from Siberia, Los Angeles. icon smile Indie Minded Interview: Sika

IM: What did you do before you got into the music business?

S: Nate and I played tennis 8h a day, lifted weights and trained all day

IM: As an artist, how would you define success?

S: Making money to support your family playing music you love

IM: What can we expect from you in 2014?

S: God willing, a huge snowball! icon smile Indie Minded Interview: Sika - IndieMinded

Hey music junkie! First time here? Click over to http://insomniaradio.net/subscribe/ and get all of our content (tons of music) delivered for free. Enjoy your time here, and keep it loud!
SikaSika is a European Alternative band from Los Angeles, CA generally compared to Muse, Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Depeche Mode and Queen. Their debut album, Destiny, arrived on 4/17/13.
The band formed in 2002 by two professional tennis players Aleksey and Nate who met while at the University of Minnesota. Aleksey came from Siberia to play tennis in the States on a full scholarship. The band got its name from Aleksey’s brother Sergei who visited Aleksey in the States and was one of the original members of the band. After returning to Russia, Sergei got jumped by a few Russian thugs late at night and spent 10 days in a coma. During that time the band took the name Sika, which is a tender nickname for Sergei in Russian.
This song is about people constantly running away from their troubles via whatever mode of transportation, or perhaps any other alternative method they choose. They just keep running, only to realize the problems never go away; they only follow you. - The Insomnia Radio Network

There’s a certain airy darkness to European alt music like Muse and Depeche Mode, whether it be spacey instrumentals or soul shattering vocals. Upcoming band “Sika” definitely channels a similar aura. Songs like “Airports and Runaways” and “Phenomenon” display vocalist’s wailing capabilities reminiscent of Muse’s Matt Bellamy (love) with undertones of metal-ly space rock. However, the band’s strongest suit is in experimental tracks such as “You”, which adds a little synthy goodness to the LP. And I’m a sucker for the synthy-goodness.

You can check out their full LP “Destiny” here on SoundCloud: - Dinosaur Sounds

New Band: Sika
Here on New Music Blog we like to try and feature some completely new music by unheard of bands to give them some exposure. This week we feature Sika who are an alternative band from Los Angeles with an interesting back story! They are originally from Russia but formed in Minnesota where their troubles began as founding member and lead guitarist Sergei’s US visa ran out and he found himself trapped back in Russia where he was beaten up and fell into a coma – he has since recovered but has been denied re-entry into the USA a number of times – anyway – check out the music here (it’s quite Muse like): http://www.sonicbids.com/2/EPK/?epk_id=171292 - New Lusic Blog

New Band: Sika
Here on New Music Blog we like to try and feature some completely new music by unheard of bands to give them some exposure. This week we feature Sika who are an alternative band from Los Angeles with an interesting back story! They are originally from Russia but formed in Minnesota where their troubles began as founding member and lead guitarist Sergei’s US visa ran out and he found himself trapped back in Russia where he was beaten up and fell into a coma – he has since recovered but has been denied re-entry into the USA a number of times – anyway – check out the music here (it’s quite Muse like): http://www.sonicbids.com/2/EPK/?epk_id=171292 - New Lusic Blog

Sika released their second EP, How To Dream With Your Eyes Open, last Thursday night at the Varsity Theater, a respectable feat considering the band is still unsigned. Though the house was less than packed, a group of their local fans was on hand to witness the show, which despite a few early mic problems, was very good.



For those of you not familiar, Sika has been on the local scene for a couple years, though they have largely stayed under the radar. The band wears its influences on its sleeve – namely Radiohead, Muse, Sigur Ros, but manage to create something new as well by combining the musical styles and adding a dose of their own creativity to the mix.




Sika - Photo by Jon Behm
Lead singer Aleksey Zharinov is a great deal similar to Mathew Bellamy, though without all the paranoia and with an Eastern European/Russian(?) accent instead of British. His falsetto wail can put the listener under a spell, particularly in songs like “2X7” which is a post-punk masterpiece that would have been at home in late '70s England.



Nate Mclain, John Torgerson and Dave Crevier make up the rest of the outfit, on guitar, keyboard, and drums respectively. Crevier brings some really interesting rhythmic patterns to the songs, which can take you by surprise in their shifts and time signature changes. Overall the band has some really good production value – which is a surprise considering they don’t have a label. The studio tracks are recorded really well though, and sound equally good live.






Throughout the set, a video played on a large screen behind the band, which was sort of a far out mishmash of trippy visual art. It reminded me a great deal of Ben Stokes’ work, which is currently featured in a similar way on the DJ Shadow/Cut Chemist Hard Sell tour. I am not sure who created Sika’s video, but it suits the music well.


Sika - Photo by Jon Behm

The band’s set mostly featured songs off of their new EP, which I have not yet heard. “Stranger” and “How to Dream with your Eyes Open,” were a couple of
my favorites from the night. “Phenomenon” was well received as well, and was probably Zharinov’s best vocal work of the evening.



Towards the end of the show the band slapped on some oversized sunglasses and promised the audience to “get a little crazy.” What followed was “Sleep Again,” which sounded a bit like a Rush/Korn mash-up. Though it most definitely wasn’t up my alley, it was good to see the band let loose a little bit.



I have to say that overall Sika impressed me a great deal. Though they are a young band they have completely mastered their sound, something that can take artists years to do. They should have a bright future ahead of them once they become a little bit better known. Though there weren’t many in the audience on Thursday, don’t be surprised if they start to pack in crowds in the near future.



- www.howwastheshow.com (John Behm)

Random mix

Attention, local Brit-rock fans: There's a new blog in town called Brit Rock at the Top, run by local tennis semi-pro Brody McCoy, who has put together a lineup Saturday at the 400 Bar featuring three new local bands with overt U.K. influences: Sika, a Radiohead-ish quartet made up of fellow tennis players (how Brit is that?!), plus the hazier and folkier Victory Ship, who have a song called "Rod Stewart" (also very Brit, or at least Scot) and Joey Ryan & the Inks (9 p.m., $5). ... - Chris Riemenschneider Jan 16, 2009 (Star Tribune - McClatchy-Tribune Information Services via COMTEX

Self proclaimed indie-pop group, Sika, leisurely lull listeners with their newest release, “How to Dream with your eyes Open.” Granted there are only four songs on the album but for what the group may lack in quantity they more than make up for in overall length of each track. Those being most tracks are longer than five minutes and at times can feel like and endless whining session. Despite their influences, like Rammstein and which seems only to be in appearance, Sika’s sound is more like if New Age artist Enya had made Kelly Clarkson’s dolorous yet intriguing third album, “My December.”

Sika’s talent is certainly evident if listeners can get past the brooding vampire-esqueness feel and undistinguishable lyrics. Each of the albums’ tracks is different but distinctly Sika, you know who this band is and what style of music they are making. The instrumental backgrounds of the songs are artistic, emotional and are worth listening to if not only to hear what Sika is capable of. The third track, “Rose” is a nice song that is as if they wrote lyrics to Ludwig Van Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata.” The last track on the album, “Forget about Me” is a dreary song, harking to Simple Minds’ eighties anthem “Don’t you Forget about Me,” and seems as though it is a rough draft of the song.

Sika is an interesting group with an eclectic flair for weaving together an intricate bundle of songs that are both piquant and amiable. However talented these musicians maybe the vocals still take a bit getting used to and almost seems to blur the line between feminine and masculine, then again that is due to the falsetto voice that belts out the almost unnecessary vocals. This group reminds me of former Savage Garden front-man Darren Hayes, with the higher register vocals and intriguing harmonies. And despite Hayes’ apparent lack of solo success here in the States, he has made a huge impact on the music scene. As for Sika, as long as they keep on creating ever changing masterpieces for the audiophiles they will go pretty far.

Might like:
Panic at the Disco, the Gothees, My Brightest Diamond, Christian Burns, Darren Hayes - Rift Magazine

Artist: Band: Sika
Album: The Phenomenon EP [2007]
Label: Independent
Website: http://www.sikaband.com
Genre: Post Grunge and Electronica
Production/Musicianship Grade: 8.0/10
Songwriting Skills: 6.0/10
Performance Skill: 6.0/10
CD Review:

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that for something to be recognized as a ‘phenomenon’ some basic documentation is required – otherwise, a phenomena would be nothing more than a run-of-the-mill oddity. While blunting the term to mean something that’s “surprising” or “unusual” may make it more accessible, caution in its use as a descriptor should be exercised nonetheless, especially in the music world.

More of a post-grunge stab at progressive rock, Sika’s debut, The Phenomenon EP, simply isn’t. Deeply rooted in familiar structures, tones and riffs, its four-song lineup serves to disappoint those who hope to hold Sika to the promises made by the album’s title track…

Ironically, “Phenomenon” is the most familiar sounding track on the album, as delicate acoustic guitars become intertwined with lead Aleksey Zharino’s medium range vocals. Although crisp production techniques and tightly arranged instrumental layers colour the track with a predominantly pop-oriented flavour, Sika’s attention to smaller textural details (such as quiet reversing textures, the warmth of reverb-laden guitars whispering in the background, and march-like snare rhythms) reveals not only another dimension of talent, but an incentive for listeners to come back to discover something new each time.

‘Surprising’ in the sense that there’s a sudden volume shift – rather than being anything revelatory – a snarling entrance that’s reminiscent of AFI’s hardcore punk pieces, and 30 Seconds to Mars’s highly commercialized post-grunge ‘bite,’ kicks in. The combination of Zharinov’s (sudden) pre-pubescent vocal tone, a Ghostbusters’s bass line, distorted guitar riffage, and simplistic key lines (à la industrial metal), makes “Asleep Again” utterly ridiculous when factored into the overall makeup of the EP. (Why this piece was tacked on to the line up may be the only true inexplicable phenomenon on the EP). Then, as the pace abruptly shifts back to a lower gear in “2x7 4x4,” it’s difficult not to vocalize your own frustration equations as the sense of disconnect is further magnified.

Thankfully, “2x7 4x4” makes all the necessary repairs and improvements to get Sika back up and running again. With the vocal duties in the hands of one of the other bandmates, the grainier tones mixed with pulsating guitar riffs welcome back the warmer features showcased in “Phenomenon.” Zharinov’s lead vocals rise from the background to centre stage, taking on traces of Muse’s lead singer Matt Bellamy’s voice (reminiscent of “Sing for Absolution,” in particular), while beautiful piano riffs are sprinkled over top of the ascending melody. The Muse influence is not strictly limited to the vocals though, as demonstrated by Nate McLain’s ferocious tremolo picking guitar solo, which elevates the piece to a near-anthemic height.

Whether it’s an indication of deeper REM or second thoughts, so as to redeem themselves to a particular segment of the audience, “Asleep Again (Naphini Remix)” transforms what initially felt like a teenage temper tantrum into a reserved and well thought-out musical statement. Simplifying and stripping the original song down to its core – trimming much of the guitar dominated latter half away – the bombastic force of big beats and synth domination (borderline, The Crystal Method), makes it the standout piece on The Phenomenon EP.

With Sika, there is a grandiose spirit, an excitement and talent fueling each track with a creative energy that would feed a full-length album (indicating that perhaps it’s time to consider making an album). However, the sudden shifts are more jarring than cohesive, and in the larger musical picture, The Phenomenon EP is far from being anything new. It is interesting yes, but it won’t be turning many heads. A longer round two in the studio might be a different story, though…


The Verdict: 6.6/10

For more information, please visit www.sikaband.com - The Muse's Muse

The band Sika has a three song album out that makes you wonder if you are listening to the same band on all 3 tracks.


The order of the tracks are all wrong, with the slowly moving song 'Phenomenon' starting out this 3 track album. I kept waiting for any type of harder edge to kick in, and it never delivers. Whimsical comes to mind when trying to explain the sound of the song, and unless they are going for the Enya sound I do not think this band was aiming for whimsical, but that is what the first track conveys.


The second track does not even seem like the same band that was playing on the first track, not sure if that is a good or bad thing, but it is something. My musical taste is drawn more towards 'Asleep Again' despite the repeated singing/whispering of the line desperate to know me. When the song actually breaks into the song with all the instruments it is a song I would not mind listening to again.


With only 3 songs out I would hope this band picks a more concrete sound for their full length album. There is some definite potential to grow if Sika goes more in the sound direction of Asleep Again.


You can check out their website at http://www.sikaband.com.

- Estrella Online

Artist: Band: Sika
Album: The Phenomenon EP [2007]
Label: Independent
Website: http://www.sikaband.com
Genre: Post Grunge and Electronica
Production/Musicianship Grade: 8.0/10
Songwriting Skills: 6.0/10
Performance Skill: 6.0/10
CD Review:

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that for something to be recognized as a ‘phenomenon’ some basic documentation is required – otherwise, a phenomena would be nothing more than a run-of-the-mill oddity. While blunting the term to mean something that’s “surprising” or “unusual” may make it more accessible, caution in its use as a descriptor should be exercised nonetheless, especially in the music world.

More of a post-grunge stab at progressive rock, Sika’s debut, The Phenomenon EP, simply isn’t. Deeply rooted in familiar structures, tones and riffs, its four-song lineup serves to disappoint those who hope to hold Sika to the promises made by the album’s title track…

Ironically, “Phenomenon” is the most familiar sounding track on the album, as delicate acoustic guitars become intertwined with lead Aleksey Zharino’s medium range vocals. Although crisp production techniques and tightly arranged instrumental layers colour the track with a predominantly pop-oriented flavour, Sika’s attention to smaller textural details (such as quiet reversing textures, the warmth of reverb-laden guitars whispering in the background, and march-like snare rhythms) reveals not only another dimension of talent, but an incentive for listeners to come back to discover something new each time.

‘Surprising’ in the sense that there’s a sudden volume shift – rather than being anything revelatory – a snarling entrance that’s reminiscent of AFI’s hardcore punk pieces, and 30 Seconds to Mars’s highly commercialized post-grunge ‘bite,’ kicks in. The combination of Zharinov’s (sudden) pre-pubescent vocal tone, a Ghostbusters’s bass line, distorted guitar riffage, and simplistic key lines (à la industrial metal), makes “Asleep Again” utterly ridiculous when factored into the overall makeup of the EP. (Why this piece was tacked on to the line up may be the only true inexplicable phenomenon on the EP). Then, as the pace abruptly shifts back to a lower gear in “2x7 4x4,” it’s difficult not to vocalize your own frustration equations as the sense of disconnect is further magnified.

Thankfully, “2x7 4x4” makes all the necessary repairs and improvements to get Sika back up and running again. With the vocal duties in the hands of one of the other bandmates, the grainier tones mixed with pulsating guitar riffs welcome back the warmer features showcased in “Phenomenon.” Zharinov’s lead vocals rise from the background to centre stage, taking on traces of Muse’s lead singer Matt Bellamy’s voice (reminiscent of “Sing for Absolution,” in particular), while beautiful piano riffs are sprinkled over top of the ascending melody. The Muse influence is not strictly limited to the vocals though, as demonstrated by Nate McLain’s ferocious tremolo picking guitar solo, which elevates the piece to a near-anthemic height.

Whether it’s an indication of deeper REM or second thoughts, so as to redeem themselves to a particular segment of the audience, “Asleep Again (Naphini Remix)” transforms what initially felt like a teenage temper tantrum into a reserved and well thought-out musical statement. Simplifying and stripping the original song down to its core – trimming much of the guitar dominated latter half away – the bombastic force of big beats and synth domination (borderline, The Crystal Method), makes it the standout piece on The Phenomenon EP.

With Sika, there is a grandiose spirit, an excitement and talent fueling each track with a creative energy that would feed a full-length album (indicating that perhaps it’s time to consider making an album). However, the sudden shifts are more jarring than cohesive, and in the larger musical picture, The Phenomenon EP is far from being anything new. It is interesting yes, but it won’t be turning many heads. A longer round two in the studio might be a different story, though…


The Verdict: 6.6/10

For more information, please visit www.sikaband.com
- The Muse's Muse

MELODIC ALTERNATIVE POP ROCK BAND SIKA SET TO RELEASE FOUR-SONG EP, KINGDOM OF THE KROOKED MIRRORS, JULY 29; FIRST SINGLE “SUPERMAN” DUE OUT JULY 15

Los Angeles, CA: Alternative space rockers SIKA proudly announce the release of their latest EP, Kingdom of the Krooked Mirrors, on July 29th. The first single, “Superman,” is set to hit the street on July 15th. The album was recorded at Soundsmith studios in North Hollywood and was produced by Brad Smith (Blind Melon).

The new EP showcases lead singer/bassist ALEKSEY ZHARINOV’s brooding, lush falsetto and the band’s signature ethereal layers and textures. SIKA’s music is melodic pop rock at its finest. SIKA’s music is dreamy, trippy, and is influenced by the band’s favorite artists, such as Muse, Radiohead, Sigur Ros, Queen and Depeche Mode.

“’Superman’ is about celebrities who achieve huge success but can’t cope with it and eventually fall prey to it,” ALEKSEY explains. “It consumes them, and eventually destroys them.” “Superman, rescue me if you can/I can’t stay, but I see no other way/Why can’t you come now? Why you delay? Why can’t you come now and save me from myself?”

The next track, “Robin Williams,” is SIKA’s heartfelt reaction to sad and sudden departure of Williams from the world. “His death shocked us and made us wonder about how a person could bring so much joy to others while being so miserable on the inside,” reveals ALEKSEY. ROCKY continues, “He meant more to us than we thought…his death really affected us deeply…so much so that we felt compelled to write this song to sort out our feelings about it.” “Sometimes living in the spotlight makes you fight all your worst demons one on one/I’m sad that nobody could be there to stop you, make you realize that your life if far from done.”The romantic and ethereal “Vampire Love” is a love letter from ALEKSEY to his wife. “I wrote this song for my wife as Valentine’s Day gift in 2013. It’s about how our love is eternal…like vampires.” “Every king needs a queen/Please stay close to me for eternity/I know that you and I will find the way/You and I will find the way to never die.”Lastly, the title track “Kingdom of the Krooked Mirrors” is timely subject matter, with all the current political divide in 2016. “This song is about how the mainstream media doesn’t report the news, but instead censors, doctors, and spins the information to fit its own agenda,” says ALEKSEY. ROCKY adds, “This song is about the ‘krooked’ media and how they manipulate us with lies and innuendo.” “The fairy tales you call news/Divide us into reds and blues/You are all the same /With half truths they are controlling you/Withholding truth, they are controlling you.”

SIKA originally formed in 2002 in Minnesota. ALEKSEY and his brother SERGEI (lead guitar), originally from Russia, joined NATE (aka ROCKY), (rhythm guitar) to form the original line-up. ALEKSEY and ROCKY had met as teammates playing D1 tennis for the University of Minnesota, and the three of them formed the band out of ROCKY’s mom’s basement.

After months of practicing, SERGEI’s visa expired and he was forced to return to Russia, and it was unclear whether he would be able to come back. Then one night on a dark Russian street, he was jumped by several thugs, mugged and severely beaten. SERGEI suffered swelling of the brain as a result of the beating he took that night, and underwent a total of three brain surgeries, as well as some plastic surgery. After the operations, he fell into a coma, and it was uncertain whether he would ever wake up. Upon hearing the news, ALEKSEY and ROCKY were devastated. SERGEI finally emerged from his coma after 10 days. After his accident, the rest of the band unanimously decided to name the band after Sergei’s traditional Russian nickname, “Sika.”In early 2007 SIKA released its first four-song EP, Phenomenon, and began playing more favorable spots in their native Minnesota, hoping to become a recognized band locally. In 2008, SIKA came out with their second EP, How to Dream with Your Eyes Open, which was again well received in the Twin Cities music scene. Further developing their sound, they began opening for numerous national live acts such as The Secret Machines and The Helio Sequence, and found their way to #62 on the internet Cities 97 radio chart scoring over 2,200 plays.

In 2013, SIKA relocated to Los Angeles in search of more music opportunities. They met drummer ANDREW CULBERTSON who hails from Georgia and had also moved to LA with similar musical aspirations. They all hit it off immediately, and began playing local live shows around LA, as well as embarking on a two-month west coast tour in 2015. After that tour ended, the band was invited to tour Japan in November of 2015. SIKA has played some highlighted venues all over such as: The Chelsea Hotel in Shibuya, Japan; The Basement Bar, Tokyo, Japan; Austin City Limits and SXSW (South by Southwest) in Austin, Texas; The House of Blues, The Viper Room and The Whiskey Go-Go in Los Angeles. SIKA is planning another U.S. west coast tour soon, then a tour in Japan, and is also set to explore new horizons with a European tour in 2016.

Outside of touring, SIKA has also had success with placements on MTV’s, “The Real World”, Oxygen Networks, “Bad Girls Club” and “Best Ink” as well as video game placements and extreme sports placements. - scenester.tv