Singer-songwriter Sydney Beau grew up in the city of British Columbia where she developed her own style in honor of her city motto “the city in the country”. Her songs carry the excitement and intensity of the city while still containing that small town, heart filled emotion. Her poetic songwriting style has been influenced by artists such as Ed Sheeran, Jason Mraz, and Passenger. Sydney Beau released her single “Utopia” the remix and we were fondly attracted to her appealing songwriting skills in which can possibly be credited to her completion of the singer songwriter course at Langara college. Sydney Beau has this intricate vocal detail where it seems like she sings in italics. The cursive vocalist knows how to charm us with enrapturing melodies and a mainstream backtrack instrumental to match. The beat to “Utopia” is a sound I can hear on the radio. It’s obvious you can vibe out to the music with your friends, at a party or alone in your singular zen, but you can also intune your focus onto the lyrics and that’s what I appreciate a lot about the record. Sydney Beau is a fascinating artist who has a lot going for herself and a long musical journey ahead!
Listen to "Utopia" here.
Be sure to check out Sydney's website and social media to keep up to date with the artist:
Get to know the real Sydney Beau through our exclusive interview below!
How was it growing up in the city of Abbotsford?
I absolutely love Abbotsford. It’s so close to Vancouver, which is one of the most beautiful cities in the world, but is far away enough to have farm land. I was able to have a horse and had a lot of fun while also learning responsibility. I ended up moving to Australia for a few years, and as much as I loved it, I couldn’t wait to get back home to Abbotsford.
Are any of your songwriting comparisons also some musical influences of yours?
Definitely! Anyone who knows me knows I’m a huge Ed Sheeran fan, and a lot of my earlier songs were very influenced by his style. In my more recent songs I feel like I’m starting to find a nice blend of outer inspiration from other artists and inner inspiration of a completely original style. Whenever I wish I could write songs just like another artist, I always have to remind myself “the world doesn’t need another one of ‘them’, it already has one”. That encourages me to write music because if I’m always copying someone else's style, then the world would never see what I have to offer.
In what ways has music impacted you?
Music is how I express myself. People don’t often just share their feelings and deepest secrets to each other in casual conversation, but through lyrics and melodies you can say anything. Music gives you the opportunity to open up and connect with people in a way that you wouldn’t otherwise. I’ve had people tell me my songs moved them emotionally, and that’s how music impacts me; through the way it impacts others.
Do you recall the feeling you felt when you were nominated in the female artist category at the FVMA’s ?
I honestly didn’t think I had a chance. There were so many other amazing female artists nominated at the FVMAs. I remember when my name was called I thought it was a mistake. I’ve been told the look on my face was aggressively confused, but once I realized that I had actually won I was so excited. Apparently improvising isn’t a talent of mine because my acceptance speech was “I’m very excited and…that’s all I have!”
What has been your favourite song you’ve written so far and why?
I don't know if I can pick a favourite! There are ones that I think were written the best, and a few that are my favourite to perform live, but some I’m just emotionally attached to. If I were to pick the top 2 for audience favourites it would have to be “Utopia” from the Hummingbird EP, and “Something Different” that will be the single for my upcoming EP.
How would you lyrically summarize and interpret “Utopia” for our readers?
Utopia really is the least deep song on the Hummingbird EP. The other songs are about going through rough times and being bullied and self worth whereas Utopia is the lighthearted breath of fresh air! The song is basically about waiting for that flirty guy to finally man up and ask you out! He never did…
Is utopia your own original piece? Or considering it’s a remix, is there another copy of the original out there?
Both Utopia and the Utopia Remix are originals, but were produced by two different people. When I had the original version produced with Andrew Conroy (Flash Recording Studios), I was able to be a part of building the entire track and was very involved with the outcome. I was then approached by another producer, Robin Cruz, to do a Remix. Although I was also involved with the creation of the remix, I would have to give most the credit to Robin. Both producers are so talented and working with them is an absolute pleasure. They will both be involved in producing the EP that I’ll be releasing later this year.
What can we expect from you through 2019?
I am currently working on a music video for the original version of Utopia. The premise of the video is a metaphor based around the line “we could be living in utopia” and it contrasts a perfect futuristic society with a dystopian society. Another project in the works is my second EP. The songs are definitely a lot darker than The Hummingbird EP, but there will be a love song or two to lighten the mood. I’m hoping to play a lot of shows this summer and the dates will be posted on my website (sydneybeau.com).