Meet Sunny War

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sunny War.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Sunny. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My name’s Sydney Ward. I’m a singer/songwriter who performs under the name “Sunny War”. I started playing guitar when I was seven and began playing and singing my songs on the Venice Boardwalk when I was a teenager. I played and lived on the streets for around ten years. It really molded me in every way. I am no longer homeless or a street performer these days but I know that I owe my musical adventures and gains to all the busking I did. I would usually play at least 5 hours a day when I was busking. I am glad I had that time to work on my craft. Now I am working on my 3rd album and touring a lot.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
It hasn’t been a smooth road. But life’s not a smooth road. In my early 20’s I had an abusive boyfriend, four roommates, a drinking problem and no job. In that time I wrote the songs that became the album “With the Sun”. I was fired from my manager (at the time) after releasing the album “Red White and Blue”. She was convinced after that album that I wasn’t a very good songwriter and there wasn’t a lot going on for me. Being fired by a manager sent me into a deep depression. At the time, I was only making money busking and I was starting to think I was wasting my time continuing to pursue music. I’d get jobs to get a steady check instead of not knowing if I was going to make rent as a busker. But I’d always end up quitting the jobs because I missed playing guitar on the beach. I was really scared and I didn’t know what to do. Things have gotten a lot better since then but I still feel really scared and don’t know what to do. But I’ve felt this way my whole life.

We’d love to hear more about your work and what you are currently focused on. What else should we know?
I specialize in songs and fingerstyle guitar. I’m known for fingerpicking. I’m most proud of meeting Aroyn (bass) and Paul (drums) because I’ve always wanted to have a band. What sets us apart from others is that were black hippies that play folk music.

So, what’s next? Any big plans?
My plans for the future are to play a lot of shows, more shows than I’ve ever played in a year. And also to finish my album.

Contact Info:

• Website: sunnywar.com

Image Credit:
Randi Steinberger

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