Daily Inspiration: Meet Sydney Shea

Today we’d like to introduce you to Sydney Shea.

Sydney, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I’ve been singing since before I could talk. My mom always tells this story about when I was two, she turned around and heard me singing Gwen Stefani’s “Hollaback Girl” word for word in my car seat, except instead of “this shit is bananas,” I was singing “the ship is bananas.” I was singing before I even understood what the words meant. And once I did understand them, I never stopped writing. My diary was my best friend.

I grew up in Los Angeles dreaming about becoming a superstar. Eventually reality caught up with me, and right after high school I came across someone who made music — that’s when I really started my career and picked up a guitar. But songwriting always wanted me first; I was writing songs before I even had an instrument. My voice led me into rooms I never knew were possible, working with producers who made the songs I grew up listening to, all just by being me.

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
onstantly crashing on you, you just get better at taking the hits as you grow. There were moments in the studio where someone would be hitting my arm, trying to get me to sing a riff “right.” I took the pain because I loved creating so much, and I’d push myself past my limit to become greater. I once recorded a whole album’s worth of songs with someone, only to realize later that none of them were actually mine. Up until recently, my creations’ worth was tied to what other people thought. That mindset has changed as I’ve grown my own audience independently, it’s been about learning how to fall in love with your voice. Now I know I make things for myself first, and if I don’t love it, none of it matters.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer/songwriter, but most of all I’m someone who loves sharing my internal world. What sets me apart isn’t for me to determine. I believe everyone is one of one, perspective is what sets you apart.

How do you think about happiness?
Sitting with my guitar and letting a song unfold. The adventure of life that leads to art. I grew up in California, so I could say being here makes me the happiest. Just walking outside makes me happy. It isn’t about the external, it’s more about the feeling inside of me.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.sydneysheamusic.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/iamsydneyshea
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/iamsydneyshea