Introducing Michigan-based singer/songwriter SYDNEY LEIGH who, after the success of her first EP took some time to just be and just released her second EP suitably titled "Reinvented" as this beautiful songstress has come back as just that. I got the chance to interview her and get to know a bit more about her which you can read about below:
MHB: Where are you from and can you touch a little on the music scene there and what you like about it?
Sydney: I am from Detroit Michigan, more specifically Lake Orion Michigan which is a suburb about 40 miles north of Detroit. The music scene is very intimate, everyone knows everyone, and we love to travel around to different local venues and perform together.
MHB: How long has music been a part of your life and how did it come to be a part of it?
Sydney: I started musical theater and private vocal lessons when I was five years old, I then started playing guitar and writing my own music, and haven't stopped!
MHB: When was it that you realized your voice could be used as a special instrument and that making music was what you wanted to do?
Sydney: When I was 12 or so I began writing and composing my own music, I started to connect with music in a way I hadn't before with covering music. I knew from there I wanted to create my personal voice and sound.
MHB: Who were some of your biggest musical influences growing up and who are some current artists who are influencing you and your music?
Sydney: Christina Aguilera is my biggest vocal influence, her power, and soul, and the way she perfectly transitions through genres and uses classic jazz influences has always inspired me. I currently love Ariana Grande, Britney Spears, Demi Lovato, and The Weeknd.
MHB: Can you tell me a little bit about your creative process? It is typically the same or does it differ?
Sydney: I always think of a melody first, and then usually the words just flow, it's hard for me to keep up playing guitar or an instrument when I start singing, I like to record myself at all times, in the car, even in the bathroom at school! I use the voice memos and arrange songs.
MHB: If you had the opportunity to collab with any artist of your choosing, who would you choose?
Sydney: I would love to collaborate with another female. I love Britney Spears new collaboration with Tinashe. I couldn't just choose one, but it has always been my dream to sing with Christina.
MHB: Lets talk about your latest EP 'Reinvented'... How did it come together and what was the inspiration behind it?
Sydney: I wanted to focus on growing up, and the transition I have had the last four years from age fourteen to eighteen. I was connected with Chris Ganoudis of "Like the Movies" and we wrote and produced this together.
MHB: What would you say your growth has been since your last EP to this latest one?
Sydney: My first EP was strictly teen pop, this EP has may influences such as R&B, electronic, jazz, and Latin flares. I loved incorporating my favorite music styles into something unique to me.
MHB: What can we expect from you in the next few months?
Sydney: I am focusing on writing more music and performing my new EP! I also will be graduating from high school.
MHB: At the end of the day, what is it that you hope people take away from your music?
Sydney: I hope people find comfort and empowerment in my music, but most importantly I want people to enjoy listening to it.
MHB: If you were stuck on an island with only one album forever, which would you choose?
Sydney: "Stripped" by Christina Aguilera, by far, I listen to it everyday :)
MHB: Can you tell me one random fact about yourself?
Sydney: I can also speak Spanish, I have always had a passion for it and completed AP Spanish at my high school a few years ago.
MHB: What is the driving force that gets you up every morning?
Sydney: My love for life drives me. I love experiencing everything, music, school, and everyday life. I don't really have a hard time getting up because I try to stay enthusiastic for the day ahead!
MHB: What does music mean to you?
Sydney: It is everything, and I think it means a lot to a lot of people. I, like many others, am able to find comfort in music and when I listen to it it immediately changes my mood. I also love hearing peoples life experiences through their music.
MHB: Is there anything else you would like to share about yourself and/or your music?
Sydney: I want everyone to know that I am extremely thankful for the people who support me and have taken the time to listened to my music!
Check out the song that put her on my "eardar" called "Walls" which is a mid-tempo trap song that was inspired by one of my top favorites Alina Baraz’ “Urban Flora EP” below:
To hear more from SYDNEY LEIGH visit her Soundcloud page