What is your name?
Sydney Shae
What is your genre of music?
Country-Pop or what I like to call Acoustic-Pop
Give us a little bio about you.
I am 19, from a small town in central Florida called DeLand. I have known I wanted to be a musician since I was 6 and asking to take piano lessons! I am working while making my dreams come true at Belmont University in Nashville, where I study Music Business.
What made you go into music?
I was mesmerized by the song “Clocks” by Coldplay and that is what initially got me into music lessons for piano! Soon after that, I was inspired to change instruments by Taylor Swift because she played guitar and taught herself to write songs. I ended up teaching myself everything I know about guitar and songwriting. I thought it was amazing that I could make up my own songs to sing!
Are you signed?
Not yet!
You released your single ‘End Of The Night’, tell us more about the single.
Something super cool about this single is that I got to work with amazing musicians that I had never worked with before! There is nothing better than a collaborative environment in the creative process. Heres a list of those amazing musicians: Dustin Painter (Producer), Dallas Jack(Guitar and Mastering), Andrew Poe(Acoustic), Benjamin Warsaw(Bass), Brandon Salewsky(drums), Trey Strange(Co-Writer). I truthfully couldn’t have pulled my original content together without those amazing humans.
What is the meaning behind ‘End Of The Night’.
End of the Night is a look into my exact thoughts during a terribly handled breakup in January. The boy in question just kind of disappeared without much explanation after telling me he loved me. I journal when I am really happy or super upset, and I just so happened to jot down the hook of the song before the relationship fell apart. “We say we’re fine but we’re not alright, he didn’t say I love you tonight”. This song was another way for me to process those emotions as I really didn’t know how to feel after it was over.
Describe the track in two words.
Candid and Energetic!
What was the writing process like?
With the main hook melody and lyrics from my journal, it was pretty simple. I took my lyrics and idea to Trey Strange and we wrote out the rest of the story! Trey is a good friend so writing was so much fun.
What was the recording process like?
I got to have a few sessions with the producer Dustin Painter who organized everything form setup to musicians! You would never know, but this song was actually a project for one of Dustin’s production classes (and he passed with flying colors, I might add)
Who did you work with on the Single?
Dustin Painter (Producer), Dallas Jack(Guitar and Mastering), Andrew Poe(Acoustic), Benjamin Warsaw(Bass), Brandon Salewsky(drums), Trey Strange(Co-Writer), and Kathryn Hennessy(Photographer).
Who did you work with on the ep?
My EP is still in the works!
Do you have any online shows coming up? If so where can we find the links?
May 22nd I will be doing a Facebook Live takeover on New Country Buzz! 8-9 PM https://www.facebook.com/TheNewCountryBuzz/
What else can we expect in 2020?
Lots of visual content!!! I am working on telling my stories visually as much as I am used to sonically.
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any upcoming artists?
Other than co-writing End of the Night with Trey Strange, no.
Would you be up for collaborations if other musicians wanted one with you? and who would they have to contact?
Of course!!! They could just send over a DM or Message, I try to read them all.
Do you play any instruments?
Piano, Guitar, Uke, Flute, and Vocals!
Who are your influences?
Kacey Musgraves and Abby Anderson are major influences in my music. I love the honesty and innovation that is found in their music!
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Inspiration comes from my life experience. Any time that I feel strongly about something and don’t know how to process it I usually try and turn it into music!
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
I see myself graduating from Belmont University and going on a big tour across the United States. Living the dream I am putting the work in for now!
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
I have so many hobbies! I volunteer with CreatiVets, a nonprofit that inspires and helps veterans through the arts. I also love the beach, fishing, painting, and just relaxing with friends.
What was the song you listened to most that influenced you to go more in to the music scene?
I would say that Clocks by Coldplay is what actually got me into music in the beginning. After I started on lessons I fell in love with the Speak Now album by Taylor Swift. That album and tour are what made me see what I really wanted to do in life. Create music and inspire others!
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
“There is no substitute for hard work” is an idea that I have been taught growing up. I put hard work into everything that I do. I understand that the work has to be put in and that nobody will do it for you.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
I think something so simple but life-changing as an artist is just the ability to be kind. Life is not about walking into a show and acting better than anyone in the room. The truth is that you have to earn your own respect. Always be the kindest person in a room. Kindness and intelligence will take you so much farther than anything else.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
I stick by that saying about learning to dance in the rain. Optimism is not easy, but I try to stay positive through hard times. Learning to love the challenges of life is so important!
Where in your hometown is a must go to visit?
Deland, Florida has the most beautiful small businesses. We even won a national award for our downtown! Trilogy Coffee is my go-to place as soon as I am home. The coffee shop is beautiful and aesthetic, plus they roast their own coffee beans. The owners Michelle and Clay Cass are the kindest people you will meet! Everyone there knows me by name and order at this point.
Your coming off tour;
1/ Where do you go first? Home to Florida
2/ Who do you see first? My family, if I can!
3/What do you eat first? A great burger
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
My acoustic/electric guitar, a tuner, music sheet (for chords/lyrics), extra picks, and most importantly a smile!
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
My social links are
(IG)
(FB)
(YT)
