Interview: Sydney Raneé
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What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?
I've always had a passion for music. My mom said that before I could talk I was singing. If I hadn't gotten into music I think I would've definitely been in the fashion industry. I love fashion!
What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?
When I'm not playing music I love to sew. It's something that I picked up during the pandemic and it's definitely my therapy. I love that it also blends with my music. I make a lot of the looks I wear on stage and in my videos.
How long has music been your career?
I've been doing it professionally for ten years and I've been a solo artist and producer for five years now.
Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?
I'm born and raised in LA. I feel like LA has definitely played a huge role in my sound and music. I grew up surrounded by music and in LA there's always something to do or someone to see. I also feel like a lot of my music has that "LA" laid back vibe.
Tell me about the best and worst shows you have played.
I don't think I have one. All the venues I've played at have been pretty cool.
Tell me about your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?
I love playing at Melrose Trading Post! It's such a vibe and it feels like a mini festival. I would love to play at the Hollywood Bowl as well as the Santa Barbara Bowl. I guess I have a thing for outdoor venues.
If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?
Great question! I would love to be on the same lineup as Solange, Lucky Daye and Ari Lennox. I think our vibes would match well together.
What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into music?
I would say don't get too much in your head. I think there's so much pressure to release material constantly and to be perfect especially with this digital age. Take your time creating beautiful and thoughtful art.
If you could go back in time and give yourself advice, what would it be?
I would tell myself to be confident in all that I do. In the past I've doubted my sound as well as my aesthetic and I feel like that crippled me a lot. There was a long period of time when I didn't want to release any new music and was anxious about putting myself out there. Super glad I broke free of that!!
Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?
Hmm.. I would have to say "17". The chorus sings " We don't give a damn like we're 17", I honestly miss those days of being young and not having to worry about bills and being a grown up haha. It also was my uncle's favorite song. He passed away a year ago and every time I sing it it reminds me of him.
Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?
"17" and "LA Boys" for sure!! I feel like so many people connect to the lyrics of "17" plus it just has that feel good groove. "LA Boys" is more popular amongst my female fans. I'm pretty sure we've all dated an LA Boy at some point.
What is the creative process for you, and what inspires you to write your music?
Social Media Links: creative process definitely varies depending what mood I'm in. Some of my songs start off as voice memos and I build from there. Other songs start off with me creating a beat and building the song up from there.
What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?
I love to write and sing about confidence. It was something that I struggled with for a while and still at times struggle with. I want the listener to feel confident and good when listening to my music.
Do you ever have disagreements when collaborating and how do you get past them?
Yes. A lot! Mainly because I have a vision on how I want things to sound and sometimes people don't understand it. I also think it's hard being an independent female artist in a male dominated field. Sometimes people try to screw you over. I've found that it's best to be upfront with what you want in the beginning of the project and also to be open to constructive criticism.
What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?
Well I actually have an EP that I just wrapped up. I'm looking to drop it in either January or February of next year. It's called "Wake Up and Get It" and it features my latest single "One Night Only".
Social Media Links:
https://www.instagram.com/sydney.ranee/
https://www.facebook.com/SydRanee/
https://www.youtube.com/user/SydRanee/
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1MvIqIr5okw4M1GO51nzdH?si=6xvpPWudTeqZ7Je-7Sg3oA&dl_branch=1
https://soundcloud.com/sydney-ranee
https://sydneyranee.bandcamp.com/
https://www.youtube.com/user/SydRanee/
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/sydney-ranee/662846360
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Sydney+Ranee%27&i=digital-music&qid=1566324805&search-type=ss&ref=sr_pg_1