In this interview spotlight, I chat with West Texas native Sydney Wright about her latest release, challenges, motivations and more.

Full Q&A along with links and the video for Seiche below.

Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)

I’m from a west Texas town called Snyder. I write songs that are lyrical and cinematic. I like to write the words like I’m telling a story. Musically, I usually start things off minimal and slow, then hit hard for at the choruses or sometimes later. I like to chameleon through different styles and influences, but the structures usually follow a traditional pop format with verses, choruses, and vocal bridges.

What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?

I’ve always loved writing, and I’ve always loved singing. I was lucky enough to have parents that played music themselves and got me lessons. I suppose positive affirmation from others led me towards it as a career, and I like the attention. So I guess it works out:)

Performing and writing new music motivate me. I produced my last music music video myself, and I enjoyed that very much. I’ve also become proficient with a loop pedal, and it’s made me think more like a music producer which make me want to give that a shot next. I like learning and expressing myself in new ways through different mediums. I think that’s what will keep me prolific in the long game.

How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?

I made a concerted effort with this first solo album to make it count. My fan-fam contributed to my Sydneygogo (www.sydneygogo.com) campaign by preordering the album and purchasing song requests, up-cycled T-shirts, and my archives of demos. Through their advanced support, I got propped up on my leaning side to be able to invest in merch, mixing, a PR campaign, and my latest music video. I got everything I needed, and I’ve learned a lot about making moves with a budget. I have many goals, and I just wanted to do this project right and make sure it got heard.

Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?

It’s challenging to keep my social media updated. I like to dive into projects by sequestering myself, and I’ve had to force creating content of me creating content to be part of the process because the fam likes to see the steps.

On the other hand, the ‘digital age’ and advantage of the internet is how I’m able to climb into a career without a label. It’s given independent artists like me the ability to cut out the middle man and transact directly with our listeners. It’s obviously helpful with distribution, but also drives home a personal connection. I get to share a peep into my creative process and personal life while getting affirming feedback along with ‘omg same’ moments with the fan fam. It builds bonds and helps with my classic case of crippling self doubt.

Where can we follow you online and hear more music?

Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Youtube, Soundcloud, Patreon! You can find links to all on my website, www.sydneywrightmusic.com

Anything else before we sign off?

Yes, I’m releasing my first solo album on November 9 this year. I’ve named it after the title-track, ‘Seiche’, which is a French word meaning ‘to sway back and forth’. Hydrologists use it to describe a surfing wave on top of a lake. They’re unnatural under normal conditions, and they’re caused by violent, sudden changes in atmospheric pressure or seismic activity. It forces the water to slosh back and forth to regain equilibrium. It has been a prophetic title for this project in regard to a violent change in my life. I got knocked off a scooter in a hit and run a few months ago, and at this point, I’m working on walking again. It’s been a heavy test in mental strength, patience, and resilience, and I’m fortunate to be very loved and able to make a full recovery eventually. Many of my songs have taken on new meaning during this struggle, and I hope listeners will assign their own meaning to them as well.