Hey Sydney! So excited to be chatting with you! You just released your new EP! How excited are you that this song is finally out into the world?
Hey! Thank you so much for taking the time to talk with me! Yes! The new EP is called “Relax With Fiends” and it’s my first endeavor into indie rock. My first few albums were much more folky and acoustic based, so the addition of a full band, distorted guitars, bass, drums, keys along with some various street noise and such, is super exciting for me!
What do you hope your supporters will think of the new song?
I hope that they are songs that people will like to listen to, rock out to and I hope people can connect to the lyrics. Lastly, I hope people don’t think they suck:)
Can you tell us the backstory of this song? Is it from a real experience?
The lead single off the record is called “Rain”. It was the first song I wrote for the project and is definitely one of my favorites to play live! Everyone goes through ups and downs in life and I feel like “Rain” is a metaphor for this. The clouds turn grey, but the rain is purifying and after the storm, you can step into the light and feel better than before. In terms of the full album, the songs seem to follow themes of hopefulness, new love, a contemptible friendship, broken love and dearly wanting the company of one specific person.
You also have more music coming out soon!! Can you spill any details on what your supporters can look forward to from you this year?!?
I am working on new material, but all new Sydney Irving projects are super duper top secret! Although currently, my main focus is promoting “Relax With Fiends” in all it’s rock n roll glory! I can let you in on a little secret though. There may be a fresh summer song soon.
Do you have a creative say in your music? Did you help write all your new songs?
Yes. I think if I didn’t, the music wouldn’t be authentic. With “Relax With Fiends”, I wrote the lyrics and melody with my Breedlove guitar on my bedroom floor as I do with most all of my songs. I got to work with the very talented Steve Sopchak; I would write the songs and then together in the studio, we would dress them up and make them sound epic!
What’s it feel like to be releasing your own original music?
It feels amazing! The process of creating this album from writing the songs to releasing it took about two years, so to be able to finally play the songs live and for people to hear them is really cool.
Where did your love of music come from?
Ever since I was little, there has always been music playing around the house, so it was only natural for me to love it. For my ninth birthday, I got my first guitar and started taking lessons soon after. I found a lot of inspiration to start writing songs after discovering Taylor Swift’s Red album and Tom Petty’s Highway Companion.
Will there be a music video for your new single? If so, can you tell us about the concept of the video
The first two singles off “Relax With Fiends”, “Rain” and “What Have You Done” both have music videos which are out now on youtube! The video for”Rain” was shot in Sylvan Beach, NY at a cool joint called Willie’s Chop Shop! It was my first music video with actors, which was wicked fun! The “What Have You Done” music video was shot on the rooftop of the band’s practice space. We also just recently shot the music video for my next single “All I Need Is You” at the beautiful Stanley Theatre in Utica, NY. Video coming soon…
What’s been the pros and cons of pursuing your music career?
I think it’s super important to do what you love in life. Music is what I am hoping will be able to pay the bills as I continue, so I can make a living writing and performing! It is a difficult proposition, but in the words of AC/DC, “It’s a long way to the top if you wanna rock n roll”.
Is there anyone you want to thank that’s helped you get to where you are today?
There are so many people that have helped me get to where I am today that I wouldn’t want to try to list them all and forget someone. To name a few, my family and friends, my manager Brian, Breedlove Guitars, The Mojo, Steve, Loren, Ron, ISSA, Music Mafia Radio, and to all the venues that have supported me and my music.
What do you think makes your fan community/fandom different from others?
When I perform live, I play a very wide range of music from rock to pop to country, so my fans are true music lovers no matter the genre.
How would you describe your fans?
They are awesome! They’re kind of into old school stuff like me; buying cds and Tuesday music releases. Side note: I would really like to put my music on vinyl someday!
What do you want your message to be towards your fans? What do you want your fans to take away from your music and shows?
I would say that my music is for everybody! For me, music is like finding an escape from reality and I want my music to do the same for others.
Are you planning any IG Live shows to promote your new music?
These past few weeks, I’ve been doing instagram and facebook live shows every Tuesday at 7:45 pm ET! We call it “A Sides, B Sides & Covers”. It’s just a three song blast with a track from the new record, “Relax With Fiends”, an older song from the Sydney Irving catalogue, and then a cover tune to wrap it up! It’s super fun to play for people from all over the social media world!
What is it like performing in front of your fans? Are you excited to start performing your own music live!?!
I love performing so much! There is a special energy of getting up on stage and putting on a show for people that is like no other. We have an awesome 2021 planned with shows in NY, PA, and GA! You can check out all show dates at my website sydneyirvingmusic.com
What do you want your supporters to know that you think is important?
I think positivity and enjoying life is important. I like to live optimistically.
What’s something your fans don’t know about you?
I used to play roller derby.
What’s one word you would use to describe what your fans have allowed you to accomplish?
Supportive! Thank you to everyone that has supported me and my dreams.
What do you want your fans to know if they ever see you in public?
Come say hi! I don’t bite 🙂
Is there anyone in the music business you are dying to meet?
I love meeting people! Someone that I really look up to is Tom Keifer of Cinderella, so meeting him would be wicked cool!
What’s your current go-to song?
Currently, it is anything by Midland! In fact, they just put out a new record called The Sonic Ranch which I am beyond stoked for! It’s country music that makes you want to go to a honky tonk.
Why do you think social media is so important for artists like yourself?
Social media is a way to interact with people and get the word out about my music.
What would you say is your biggest dream/goal right now?
My dream is to continue playing music and writing songs that people like to listen to.
Any last things you want to tell your supporters?
If you don’t have anything to do today, please visit sydneyirvingmusic.com
