Sydni Tahra is an American Pop singer and songwriter born in Oakland, California. Her interest for music grew at her church at a young age. Later on as a freshman in high school, she began private vocal lessons and performed around the Bay Area. She picked up guitar and began writing songs about how frequently moving to new cities and being "the new kid" at school felt. She took interest in her school's choir in Danville, California and got a taste of how to arrange harmonies and use vocal dynamics. Sydni has been fortunate to work with vocal coaches such as Ariana Grande and Shawn Mendes's coach Eric Vetro, Justin Timberlake and Pharrell's coach Robert Stevenson. She now has performed professionally since her teenage years, both as a solo artist and as a member of several musical groups based in Los Angeles and San Diego. Sydni has released two singles already this year, one of which we are tuning into today; “Warzone”.
What an amazing duet! This single is the perfect couples night song. You can really hear the passion breaking through. The beat sounding much like a heartbeat is very subtle but adds depth to the song itself. Tying both the beat and lyrics together. Along with this single there is an amazing music video. The direction made in the visual really takes you through their emotions and what they other is feeling individually. They take you on this tumultuous battle they are willing to go through for love. We love the creativity built behind the video and showcasing the outstanding vocal and artistic talents of both artists. Sydni has an amazing talent and sure to shine!
Listen to "Warzone" here, and learn more about Sydni in our interview below!
Hi Sydni! Would you kindly introduce yourself to our readers?
What's up lovely people, I'm Sydni Tahra. Im an artist from the SF Bay Area and I'm currently living in San Diego, CA. Ive been writing my own songs since I was 14. One Christmas, my dad bought me a guitar and from that day on I wrote the most salty, bitter, emo songs you'd imagine as a teenager. I was sick of being the new kid at school and it was my way to vent about the drama. And writing songs in high school made me feel better. So I kept playing, I kept writing and never stopped. And to this day I still write, sing, and produce music. Its just slightly less salty, but I keep enough in to add taste lol.
Where has been one place you have traveled to that inspired you musically?
I've always had a passion for traveling. I need to see new things, eat different foods, experience different cultures. Maybe its because I moved so much growing up. But I think traveling to the Maldives inspired me to dig deeper into the "why" I do music. I promise you, at the time, I wished my experience was something different than it had been. I was 10,000 miles away from anyone I loved and anyone who cared about me. I had to dig deep and discover my own strength in a whole different country, how to be my own support system and ultimately trust God had a reason why I was there. I wish I could say, "Oh man, the palm trees, warm sand and the snorkeling was the inspiration for beautiful music!". But I truly do believe struggle, pain, and finding where you stand in the midst of the storm is the biggest catalyst for growth and inspiration. And I got that. And today, I wouldn't trade that experience for anything.
What is the story behind your single “Warzone”?
"Warzone" started off as a songwriting session between Sheldon Botler and I in his apartment near downtown LA. We created a track for it the same day we wrote it. We wanted to create strong imagery through our lyrics to depict what it would actually look like to defend our love story amidst the trials life puts a relationship through.
How was it collaborating with another artist on this song? what were some challenges you faced?
Sheldon and I have been friends for a while, way before we began writing with one another. As artists, we both get passionate about the words or melodies we chose and try to find a way to make it all work out like a puzzle. However, I am known for being a perfectionist. Songs become my little baby and I put my heart and soul into making sure it turns out as great as it possibly can. And that can rub people the wrong way, even though my intentions are good. And Im working on it! But honestly, this song came together pretty fluidly. It was easy and we both loved the way it was pieced together. He wrote the part at the end of our song on his own. He is so poetic and in those lyrics it shows. I like that aspect of him as a writer.
What's your favorite lyric line from "Warzone"? Why?
My favorite lyric in the song is "God will take this love to new heights". I love it. I know as people we are imperfect, yet we still try to make things perfect around us. We idolize our significant other. But when their imperfections let us down, we feel crushed. We can't take our love to new heights alone, so might as well take the pressure off of ourselves and let God do his thing.
What’s next for you through 2019?
Sheldon and I are just excited. Sheldon has been in the studio creating new music and he's been doing live shows around Los Angeles doing big thangs! His stuff is dope and I believe in it. As for me, Im finally opening up the music vault. The next song I'm releasing is "Costume Party". I also made a pretty cool acoustic version too Ill be releasing right after. I collaborated with Mark Lettieri from Snarky Puppy. He was just recently on Tori Kelly's Grammy winning album, "Hiding Place" so I'm pumped to have him on my song. That worked out well for me! lol!
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