Sydney Irving
Interview conducted on August 23, 2021
By Dan Locke
Syracuse, N.Y. rising star Sydney Irving’s musical journey may be just beginning, but she’s already been nominated for three major regional songwriting awards.
History tells us that Helen of Troy was the face that launched a thousand ships. Facebook tells us that Taylor Swift was the star that launched a thousand guitars.
One of them is in the hands of Syracuse, New York’s Sydney Irving, who, right now, is in the process of recording her third full-length studio album.
Irving’s dad—a pretty serious music lover himself—had actually purchased a birthday guitar, a white electric, for Irving when she was 9, but she’s not sheepish about admitting that it sat in her bedroom corner gathering dust until she discovered Swift, who became, as she has for so many aspiring young musicians, something of a lodestar.
You are from Syracuse NY. What is your upbringing?
When I was 2 years old my parents got divorced, but they kept on good terms. A few years later, my dad met my step-mama, Johanna, and they had my sister Kali. I’ve always had a happy childhood. When I was in school, I played almost every sport (soccer, basketball, gymnastics, etc.) and was in a few plays. At 9, I got my first guitar and throughout the years have discovered my love for music. My family and friends are all so amazing and supportive of me and what I do.
How did you discover music?
Ever since I can remember, music has been a staple in my house. In the car, my mom would play The Ramones and Shakira and my dad would play the likes of Jack Johnsons and Tom Petty. It was really only natural for me to fall in love with music.
How did you start to write music?
I wrote my first real song when I was 12 after discovering Taylor Swift’s Red album. I loved the fact that she played guitar and wrote her own songs.
Why did your dad buy you that white electric guitar at the age of 9, and do you still have it?
My dad has always had a love for music, especially rock n roll. I think that’s why he got me an electric guitar. I do have it. I don’t think anyone should ever get rid of their first guitar. It’s such a special memory. Without that guitar, I’m not sure I would be the person I am today.
You are a spokesperson for Breedlove guitars. How did that happen?
I have played Breedlove instruments for many years and just love them. They are great quality, look beautiful and play amazing! My mom was on the Breedlove website and suggested I reach out to them, so I sent Breedlove a message and a link to my video “Flames” which was shot on a frozen Otisco Lake on a bitter cold winter day.
Which model is your favorite one?
Honestly, I love all of the Breedlove instruments that I have gotten my hands on. I own a few, but I am partial to my … because it was my first 6-string Breedlove. I bring it basically everywhere I go and have written a lot of my songs with it. It’s my trusty sidekick.
Describe your music.
I would describe my music as indie rock with some folky influence. When I wrote my first album, it was simply acoustic guitar, ukulele and vocals. “The Halfmoon Sessions” was my second album which ventured more indie rock with the addition of some lead guitar, drums and bass. In 2019, I released two eps. The first was “The Greene EP” which was recorded in upstate NY in a cabin in the woods without electricity on an incredibly cold January day. We carried all the equipment up a steep snow-covered hill. We started a fire and recorded the album in an afternoon using solar to power everything. The second of the 2019 releases were called “The Ronan EP” which was recorded with the Mojo. The Ronan EP includes a cover of rock legend, Ronnie James Dio’s “Rainbow In The Dark” and “Temple Of The King” by Rainbow. Through writing and learning what I liked over time, I put together my newest album, “Relax With Fiends”, which is available on iTunes, amazon music, and on compact disc at my website www.sydneyirvingmusic.com.
How was it to sing the National Anthem?
I only sang the National Anthem once. It was at a roller derby bout. I was incredibly nervous and remember looking at my dad and reading his lips. I made it through but I almost blew it. I think I was 9 or 10 years old.
How was it to open up for Starship feature Mickey Thomas?
When I got the news that I would be direct support for Starship featuring Mickey Thomas, I was so excited. They are such a talented band with so many legendary songs. After my set Mickey Thomas and Starship were cool enough to let me meet them. I brought them this huge bottle of Jameson Whiskey as a gift. I had just come home from Canada and my parents bought the booze at the Duty-Free shop on the way back to the USA. I think they liked it, lol.
How was it to tour with Taylor Cromer? Did he give you any words of wisdom?
I got to play with Taylor on a three-day run across New York. Taylor is wicked cool and has an outlaw country sound. Taylor taught me the importance of taking care of my voice and my hearing. It was great hanging out with such a great talent.
Royalties never appear like magic. Royalties are only sent to you through work undertaken by a PRO to ensure that their members are getting paid. If you’re not yet signed up to a Performing Right Organization like ASCAP, BMI or SESAC, you may not be receiving all the royalties you deserve.
Do you belong to any to songwriters’ organizations like the International singer-songwriter association, SESAC, BMI or ASCAP?
I do. I am with ASCAP.
What makes a good songwriter?
Two of my favorite songwriters are Tom Petty and Ryan Adams. They have the ability to paint a picture with words, which makes a great song in my opinion; something that can make you feel something.
What was the title of your first original song? Did you record it?
The first song I ever wrote was called “Don’t You Dare”. I was like 12 years old and was doing a summer rock camp at The Red House in Syracuse, NY. Basically, all the kids are organized into bands, write songs and then at the end of the camp, perform for their family and friends. I had written a song and decided I was going to sing it for everyone. I really had never sung for anyone before, in fact, I don’t think my parents even knew I sang. Anyways, I got up and sang it. After that, my guitar teacher was like “okay. You’re going to sing now.” Haha
I did record it on “The Halfmoon Sessions”. It’s just a very different version. I changed it to fingerpicking and rewrote the verses and added a bridge. The original version can only be found on family movies or possibly somewhere deep within the internet.
How was it to hear yourself on the radio for the first time?
I think the first time I was on the radio was a couple of years ago on 95X. A song from my second album “The Halfmoon Sessions” got played and my parents and I sat in a car and listed because I was at a gig. It was so cool; I think we videotaped it!
What is the process of writing your music?
The process isn’t the same every time, which is part of the excitement. Sometimes it will start with a lyric idea or a melody and other times, I’ll sit down on my bedroom floor with my guitar and just start playing until I find something I like.
How was it to perform on stage with Barns Courtney in Buffalo NY at the Rec Room?
Singing with Barns Courtney was unreal. I think he is a true rockstar so to get to share the stage with him was a dream come true. He is so kind, cool, and talented. I truly can’t say enough good things about him.
You have been nominated for 3 regional songwriting awards. Are you ready for the Grammys?
That would be super cool!!
Tell me about your album “Relax with Fiends”?
“Relax With Fiends” is my fifth album and it has an indie rock feel, which is something new for me! I got to work with a legit producer which was a really cool experience. I wrote all the songs and then sent them to him. When we went into the studio, I would sit down and track the vocals and acoustic guitar, and then he would play the drum, electric guitar, bass key parts, etc. The album name was kind of created by my little sister. When we were trying to come up with a name for the record, I walked into her room and she had a sign with letters on it. She has tried to write “Relax With Friends”, but instead she wrote “Relax With Fiends”. I thought it was funny and cool so it became the title.
Tell me about the making of the video “Season Change”?
“Seasons Change” is my brand new, summer-inspired single. That being said, the video needed to be fun and kind of summery. It featured the Mojo (Evan, Randy, and Luke) as well as the incredible Ronnie and Ming, rockin’ their roller skates. It was filmed in a warehouse, in the evening after my high school graduation. I had worn a white bodysuit and I spent a lot of my time that day trying not to get any dust or pizza on it lol
How different was it making the videos for Weighing Me Down than the video for Season Change?
“Weighing Me Down” was the first song I had ever made a music video for. I think I was about 15 years old and I was pretty nervous. I remember it being really cold and really wishing I had worn a heavier jacket haha! I also remember, when we were filming a performance shot sitting with my Breedlove guitar, there was a guy that came up and threw some change in my guitar case; that was pretty cool. My friend, Jacsen Kutik, who is a very talented young skateboarder from Syracuse makes an appearance in the video as well. Flash forward like 3 years, the “Seasons Change” music video was a much warmer day! It was also different because of the addition of the full band rather than just me.
What is your favorite track on your album?
Possibly “Wish That I Knew” because I think the bridge is really fun to sing.
The symbol # is known as the number sign, hash, pound sign, and a sharp sign in music. The symbol has historically been used for a wide range of purposes Since 2007, widespread usage of the symbol to introduce metadata tags on social media platforms has led to such tags being known as “hashtags”, and from that, the symbol itself is sometimes called a hashtag.
Are people forgetting that the # is a part of music?
I figure it is kind of like there, their and they’re. The # symbol changes based on the context:)
Digital vs. Vinyl
Vinyl is king. Digital is great because of the instant access however nothing replaces a physical copy
What song from the past is in your mind right now? Moreover, what is the meaning that song means to you?
The past few days, I have been really hooked on The Lumineers’ second album “Cleopatra”. So, I’ll say “Sleep On The Floor”; it’s the first song on the record and I think it has such beautiful lyrics. To me it’s about seizing the day.
Have you discovered or rediscovered any new hobbies during the lockdown?
I got back on roller skates recently! I used to play junior roller derby and haven’t been on skates for a little bit, so it was fun to get back on skates; always with wrist guards and a helmet of course.
What about Holographic concerts in our living room?
I didn’t know you could do that in your living room. Very interesting! I’m not super techy, so that kind of stuff is so futuristic to me:)
What is your happy place?
I guess it would be on my bedroom floor with my Breedlove guitar.
Over half a billion active users around the world share their favorite music on TikTok either with something like dance challenges and lip-sync videos or creating a funny skit or candid camera moment.
TikTok has become a great platform for music promotion, sharing songs, and finding new listeners. In which it has become a place for music artists to earn revenue when people use their music. Which in many cases the daily promotion on TikTok has led to hug boosts on other platforms like Spotify, Facebook and YouTube.
TikTok does this with the become algorithmically generates a feed of content for each user, which you see as the displaying of #. The more a user engages with content, the smarter TikTok gets at guessing what kind of videos the viewer wants to watch.
Because a song can go viral because of this.
Sony Music and Warner Music Group-, The ByteDance-owned video app revealed that it has struck an “expanded” global licensing agreement with Universal Music Group. Now that TikTok is now fully licensed by all three major record companies, will you start using TikTok more?
That’s rad! I am on tik tok and have been working on my Tik Tok skills:) You can find me @sydneyirvingmusic
Breaking news: TikTok is launching TikTok Radio, a full-time SiriusXM music channel going live this summer. The station will be available in vehicles and as a streaming channel on the SiriusXM App, desktop, and all connected devices.
The station will be part of a new TikTok collaboration with SiriusXM and its subsidiary, Pandora, to jointly promote emerging talent. Do you think this platform could became a force in the future of streaming music?
Maybe! I think there is no limit to what the future can hold.
Anything you would like to say in closing.
If you have a moment, please check out my website sydneyirvingmusic.com!
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