Indigo Syndicate Spin Comedy Into Catharsis on New Alt Anthem “Sick In Japan”

Indigo Syndicate are no strangers to turning life’s curveballs into songs that hit hard, and their latest single, “Sick In Japan,” might be their boldest yet. Recently released, the track takes its cue from an unlikely source: a comedy podcast. Inspired by a Bad Friends episode where actor Dax Flame told the story of getting sick on a solo trip to Japan, Indigo Syndicate transforms that awkward misadventure into a sweeping anthem about isolation, resilience, and the absurd ways we find ourselves.

The song opens with a tender melancholy. Sam’s vocals carry the weight of loneliness, while Jarryss layers harmonies that make the verses feel confessional yet strangely comforting. Lyrics like “Lost my mind, lost my job, got no one that I can call” cut deep, but the delivery is laced with wry humor, a reminder that sometimes the only way to survive despair is to laugh at it.

Musically, “Sick In Japan” draws on shimmering textures reminiscent of Tame Impala’s The Slow Rush, yet Indigo Syndicate keep it grounded in their own DNA. The production, helmed by Jharyss Granger, allows each verse to bloom gradually until Preston’s third-verse entrance pushes the track skyward. What begins as an intimate lament becomes a soaring alt-pop release of emotion, equal parts playful and profound.

The bridge is where the song lands its emotional punch: “Take me back, I’ll change my ways, new me living with old mistakes, break my teeth, steal my breath, kill my hope but don’t kill me yet.” It is both dramatic and tongue-in-cheek, a lyrical balancing act that speaks to the band’s knack for turning humor into humanity.

Having already landed on Spotify’s New in Alternative four times this year and earning back-to-back features on Live Nation’s Ones to Watch list, Indigo Syndicate is making it clear they are more than just rising talent. “Sick In Japan” proves they can take inspiration from anywhere, even a comedy bit, and turn it into a universal anthem that lingers long after the last note.

How did the idea of turning a comedy podcast story into a song first spark for you?

The lyrics balance vulnerability with wit. How do you strike that tone without tipping too far either way? We all love comedy podcasts! I (Sam) am a huge fan of Bad Friends and have been subscribed to their Patreon for years. I watched the episode “Sick in Japan” without any intention of getting inspiration from it, but one of the hosts, Andrew Santino, literally said to his guest that a song should be written about traveling alone to Japan and getting sick. I did just that! Preston made the perfect addition with his lyrics at the end. The lyrics balance vulnerability with wit. How do you strike that tone without tipping too far either way? It was all about putting ourselves in the perspective of someone who is in a completely foreign place and feeling uncomfortably vulnerable. Our empathetic nature helps fuel our lyricism.

Preston’s verse takes the track to another level. How do you approach sharing vocal duties as a band? We all go into a song not with the mentality of, “so when is my spotlight going to be,” but with “what is going to make this song the best that it can be?” We truly want the best for our music and don’t focus on individuality. It’s the beauty of being in a band and having the opportunity to change our sound not only instrumentally but vocally as well.

With “Sick In Japan” already generating buzz, what does this single represent in your artistic evolution? This is just the beginning. We have been hungry as artists to share our passion with everyone. We’re so honored to combine a community of music with a community of comedy into one amazing track.

You’ve been featured on New in Alternative and Ones to Watch. How do you keep momentum while staying true to your creative instincts?

Honestly, with the journey we’ve had as musicians, we’ve learned not to get our hopes up or let exciting milestones get in our heads. At the end of the day, we make music for ourselves and for our listeners. Our goal isn’t to be famous or rich; it’s to help us and everyone who is tuning in get through life. While making it on these editorials is exciting, it’s not the point. Our determination to be a sound everyone can relate to is our motivation. We’ll continue to make music as we always do: with love.  Also, Sick and Japan just got featured on New in. Alternative and New in Indie on Apple Music!