Rising Stars: Meet Syd Jones

Today we’d like to introduce you to Syd Jones.

Hi Syd, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Growing up, I was an artsy kid – I really loved to draw and create. As I got older and I began to go through things emotionally, I started writing in a diary. I found that very satisfying. Then, at around age 12 or 13, I started rapping those words and feelings over instrumentals. But I was super shy so I kept this to myself. I wasn’t ready to start rapping out loud for anyone. I also don’t have anyone in my family that was a part of the music industry. This was all new to me.

I didn’t write music consistently at that age. Basketball was really my life from age 6 until I was a senior in high school. I thought I would go to college and play, but I didn’t. It wasn’t my passion anymore at that point. I tried going to college for a few years but I felt disengaged. I didn’t know what I wanted to do. I dropped out and started working in warehouses – what I seen my family do. I wanted to start making my own money.

A few years go by and I meet a guy at my job that raps that goes by the name Big Fam. We start having conversations and I vulnerably told him that I rap. We end up doing a song together and released it on SoundCloud. It actually might still be there. It still took a few years after that to release my first EP, Jones Street (2017), but I did and I was really excited about it. Today, I have a total of 3 projects and a couple of singles out on all streaming platforms.

In my first two projects, I got a lot off of my chest. I unpacked a lot of the heavy things that I had carried for some time. My newer music feels light. I’m still being vulnerable, but it’s light. I’ve learned and let go of a lot since those first two projects. And just like the last single that I released titled ‘Feel Good’ (2022), it feels good to move around in this world lighter. Nowadays, I’m having fun making more upbeat music.

My fiance and I moved to Los Angeles this May from Atlanta, Georgia. I am happy to be here and to have my music heard by a new audience.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Ah man. It has not been a smooth road. I feel like a lot of my struggles are the ones that I create. A lot of stuff is in my head. But, it has been a struggle being an independent artist over the years; you have to put a lot in and you hardly get anything back in the beginning. It’s also a struggle to be the only person in your family or close friend group that is creating music. I do have a few friends who are creatives though. But no disrespect to anyone. It’s just hard to share your exciting ideas with people and then them not return that same energy and be excited with you. Through this, I came up with my own mantra… ‘Seek no validation. Affirm yourself.’ because I feel like that’s really important. You have to believe in yourself and keep the vibrations high no matter what. I’ve also learned it’s important to find a community of people who have similar interests. I am grateful on this journey, though. I know that these are things everyone has to go through. It’s a part of the process.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I am an artist/rapper. I am known for being transparent in my music and telling my life story. I am most proud of the fact that I was brave enough to tell my personal story with music. It’s scary putting mine and my family’s business out there for everyone to hear. But, as humans we all go through things so I know there’s a chance someone is going to hear what I am saying and relate. It may also help them get through the things I have gone through. When someone tells me that my words touched them in a special way, it reassures that I am fulfilling my purpose.

I think what sets me apart is my flow. I know that I am different. I haven’t heard anyone that sounds like me. Some people say my music sounds West Coast. I think that’s funny because I literally grew up on the other side of the country in Cartersville, Georgia. Ironically, I live in California now.

Are there any apps, books, podcasts, blogs or other resources you think our readers should check out?
Right now, I’ve been enjoying listening to Dan Runcie’s ‘Trapital’ podcast. He talks a lot about the music business which I find helpful for my career. And I am currently reading ‘Living Untethered’ by Michael A. Singer. I finished his other book ‘The Untethered Soul’ towards the beginning of the year. It was really good so I had to try this one. My goal is to read a chapter every morning. It’s made me more self-aware of my feelings. Shoutout to my fiance, Diamonde, because she really puts me on to these types of things! She actually has a podcast called ‘Creative Women Wanted’ that’s really good. She’s a TV director and the podcast is for Black women working behind the scenes in the TV industry. She interviews women in the industry, shares some of the shows and documentaries that she’s currently watching (she has really good recommendations), shares creative affirmations and more. Check it out.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.sydjonesmusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydjones/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sydjonesmusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/sydjon3s
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/SydJonesAffirms

Image Credits
Personal Photo by Ian Drummond