Today we’d like to introduce you to Syd Rose.
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.
I was born and raised in a suburb of Northern Virginia, far from any commercial music hub. My early days were filled with playing in the dirt with the rest of the neighborhood kids (or snow when it was wintertime) and exploring the nearby forests and streams that peppered our area. My love for music began with the records that played on my parents’ and grandparents’ turntables. I was drawn immediately to rock and roll, folk music, and old singer-songwriter records. I developed a special appreciation for the musical craftsmanship of legends like Bruce Springsteen, Billy Joel, and Led Zeppelin. As I grew up, more modern mainstream acts began to creep into my playlists: artists like Maggie Rogers, Harry Styles, and Taylor Swift began to influence how I conceptualized modern song creation and production processes. But at the time, I didn’t know how essential that would be for my future– I was more concerned with the high school pecking order, marching band practice, how many AP classes I could cram into my schedule.
My priorities changed when after finishing high school in Virginia, I auditioned on the flute for Berklee College of Music in Boston. I originally planned to study songwriting but quickly fell headfirst into one of the most scientifically oriented majors at Berklee– Music Production and Engineering. During my time studying the art of recording and producing records, I became fascinated with the technology and mindset behind creating songs from the ground up. Eventually, I started to independently record my own music and that of other artists with my classmates, who taught me more than I ever thought possible. Soon, I was not only writing songs and producing for myself but began to work with more bands and songwriters to bring their songs to life.
After finishing my education, I made the tough decision to leave my family home and move across the country to Los Angeles. I began to pursue a career as an artist and producer, started working at a recording studio, and learned even more about mixing and production from my coworkers. I was also still quietly chipping away at a project that I had begun at Berklee (which I still carried around every day in my hard drive). After many months of recording and re-recording, writing and rewriting, and some remarkable teamwork, my debut EP, Half the Things I Said, is releasing on May 17th, 2024. This project is a testament to my love of the full-band classic analog recording techniques that I studied while still staying true to my songwriting style and musical influences. Each track is a carefully crafted homage to growing up, finding one’s way through young adulthood, and the trials that come with it. After months of late-night sessions and revisions, I’m so happy to be bringing it out into the world!
Nowadays, you’ll find me in the studio, working on my projects or collaborating with fellow musicians. I hope to continue making records that I love– both by working on my music and that of others. I look forward to what the future will bring!
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?
It definitely hasn’t been the smoothest road. As a recent post-graduate with a Bachelor of Music, most people’s visceral reactions are along the lines of: “Why didn’t you get into IT? It pays so much better,” “What’s the point of a bachelor’s degree in music?” and the age-old favorite, “Well, you can always go back to school.” And honestly, a lot of the time, it’s hard not to see their point. However, all I can do is continue to move forward and begin to learn more about the industry and how to navigate its pitfalls. I recognize the privilege I have to even be able to study as an undergraduate, and I want to leverage what I’ve learned and the connections I’ve built to become successful– and prove that you can make a good living in the arts.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I used to think being a jack-of-all-trades was a weakness. I’m an engineer, producer, songwriter, and flute player– it gets confusing even just saying all of these specialties in a row. However, I’ve begun to learn that a lot of people need a multi-skilled person in their lives. I may not be the best engineer on the planet or the best songwriter that the industry has ever known, but my knowledge of each of these working parts makes me a valuable player when it comes to making a record. It took me a while to realize that, but being able to give feedback on every creative level while also troubleshooting, being capable of overseeing proper file delivery, knowing my way around a console, and even recommending everything from microphone placements to alternate hook melodies can be the difference between a successful or unsuccessful session. I implement all of these skills when I make my own music as well, which is something I’m very proud of. When a lot of my work entails easing into another person’s story to find their ideal sound and finished product, it is a very comforting thing to be able to tell my own story with my music and lean into all of my different talents in the way that they come naturally to me. This is something that I feel I showcase beautifully in my debut EP, Half the Things I Said, which has just released on May 17th. I produced, engineered, wrote, and even played flute on this record, and I hope people begin to love it as much as I do. You can find it anywhere you listen to music!
Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?
Always ask! Think of someone who is in a position that you’d like to be in the future, find some common ground, do your research, reach out politely, and ask to pick their brain. If they’re open to it, you’re in! In my experience, most people want to help and like hearing from others who admire their work on a professional level.
Contact Info:
- Website: sydrosemusic.com
- Instagram: instagram.com/sydrosemusic
- Facebook: facebook.com/sydrosemusic
- Youtube: youtube.com/@sydrosemusic
- Other: linktr.ee/sydrosemusic
Image Credits
Vince Baur
Timothy Mah
