SICKY, a Black Country native now based in Shropshire, is no stranger to musical exploration. From the brass-filled pop of Papa Mantra to the gritty stomp of SUMO, SICKY has spent years crafting a rich, diverse musical landscape. Now, with Troubled Delight, he’s leaning into raw, unapologetic energy, delivering a collection of songs that capture life’s highs and lows with refreshing honesty and unfiltered fun. With Troubled Delight, SICKY’s approach was simple yet vibrant. Written and produced at home with no grand plans or overthinking, the record comes to life with raw, unpolished instrumentation. Many of the album’s percussion sounds came from unconventional sources, such as music room instruments, a church bell recorded on a phone, sliding shopping center doors, and even a sample from Quatermass and the Pit, kindly approved by Hammer Films. The album’s creation was a true family affair: Jen Bone contributed double bass to three tracks, Michael’s niece, Rebecca Butler, lent her angelic vocals to "Mankind," and even 10-year-old Lily and 8-year-old Scarlet joined in with their punk-inspired backing vocals on "I’m Happy If You’re Happy." |
