2008 Woodie Awards
Gamut of influences shape a young yet focused career
Singer/songwriter Syd discusses roots as performer and staunch work ethic
Kristin Grimsgaard
Issue date: 9/30/04 Section: Entertainment
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After his well-received performance at Marist College's SPC Coffeehouse last Thursday, Sept. 22, singer and songwriter Syd took time to answer some of my questions regarding his development and success as a young performer.
KG: Now that you've successfully completed your first show at Marist College, how are you feeling?
Syd: Sweaty. Nervous, we recorded it and don't know how well it turned out.
KG:Where did you last perform?
Syd: Lesley College in Boston.
KG: While performing you told the audience that you just graduated from college in May; where did you go to school? And what was your major?
Syd: I went to Emerson College and majored in new media Web site design.
KG: How did you originally get into the music scene?
Syd: My mom was an actress, my dad was a musician, my ex
stepfather was a jazz artist, my current stepfather plays the guitar, so music was deep rooted in me from the beginning. I started playing the drums at age 12. Tuck [the band's bass guitarist] was 15 and lived next door. He played the guitar and got me into it. So I've been playing the drums now for 10 years and the guitar for about seven years.
KG: Who are your musical influences?
Syd: Nirvana, Pearl Jam, Jimmy Eat World, the first Dashboard Confessional CD, The Get Up Kids, The Smashing Pumpkins, Ani DiFranco, Tori Amos.
KG: Who are you listening to now?
Syd: Jimmy Eat World, especially their newest album, [Futures], Dave Matthews (even though I can't stand the guy), The Killers, The Stills, The Strokes' most recent album.
KG: Do these artists affect your personal songwriting style?
Syd: My newer stuff is way more rock. Rock is back!
KG: There's a lot of new, up-and-coming music out there receiving a lot of attention from the media. From a musician's point of view, who do you think is really talented right now?
Syd: The Killers, The Stills, Modest Mouse, Jimmy Eat World, Gift of Gab, The Streets, Lyrics Born, John Mayer.
KG: Based on contemporary pop culture, in what direction do you think music is going today?