Syd, the Grammy-winning singer, songwriter, and producer, opens up about her roots in the collective Odd Future, her role in the band The Internet, and her deeply personal new solo album, Broken Hearts Club. In an exclusive interview, she reflects on her artistic evolution, the challenges of balancing multiple projects, and the creative freedom she now embraces.
From Odd Future to The Internet
Syd first gained attention as a member of Odd Future, the influential Los Angeles-based collective that launched the careers of Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean, and others. She served as the group's DJ and occasional vocalist, but her true breakout came as the lead singer and producer of The Internet, a band she co-founded with Odd Future's Matt Martians. The Internet's blend of neo-soul, R&B, and funk earned them a devoted following and a Grammy Award for Best Urban Contemporary Album in 2016 for Ego Death.
Reflecting on her time with Odd Future, Syd says, "It was a wild ride. We were all kids just making noise, but there was something special about that energy. It taught me to take risks and not care about what people think."
Broken Hearts Club: A Personal Journey
Syd's second solo album, Broken Hearts Club, is her most intimate work to date. The album explores themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, drawing from her own experiences. "I wanted to make something that felt like a diary," she explains. "These songs are about real moments in my life, and I hope listeners can find pieces of themselves in them."
The album features collaborations with artists like Steve Lacy, who she previously worked with on The Internet's projects, and newcomer Kelsey Lu. Syd produced the majority of the tracks herself, showcasing her versatility as a musician. "Producing my own music gives me complete control over the sound. It's liberating."
The Evolution of Her Sound
Syd's music has evolved significantly since her early days with Odd Future. While The Internet's sound was rooted in alternative R&B, her solo work leans more into electronic and pop influences. Broken Hearts Club incorporates elements of house, synth-pop, and even punk, reflecting her diverse musical tastes.
"I don't like to be boxed in," she says. "I listen to everything from Prince to Nine Inch Nails, and that shows up in my music. I want each album to feel different."
Balancing Act: The Internet and Solo Career
Juggling her role in The Internet with her solo career has been challenging but rewarding. The band released their fifth studio album, Hive Mind, in 2018, and Syd says they are already working on new material. "We're like family, so it never feels like work. We just get in the studio and vibe."
However, she acknowledges that maintaining separate identities for the band and her solo work is important. "With The Internet, it's a collective voice. My solo stuff is purely me. Both are fulfilling in different ways."
Impact and Legacy
Syd has become a role model for many, particularly as an openly queer Black woman in the music industry. She uses her platform to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and representation. "Visibility matters," she says. "When I was growing up, I didn't see many people like me in music. I want to change that for the next generation."
Her influence extends beyond music. She has launched her own record label, Odd Future's former imprint, and mentors young artists. "I want to help others find their voice, just like Odd Future helped me."
Looking Ahead
With Broken Hearts Club receiving critical acclaim, Syd is already thinking about her next project. "I'm always creating. I have a bunch of demos lying around. Who knows what will come next?"
She also plans to tour extensively, bringing her new songs to fans around the world. "Live performance is where I feel most alive. I can't wait to connect with people through these songs."
