CelebrityHauteSpot

1. When did you get your start in singing?

If you ask my family, I have been singing my whole life.  I became a little more passionate about music in general in the summer before 8th grade when I attended a one week rock band summer camp.  We wrote songs and performed covers and I fell in love with both the writing and performing stages of writing.  Music became a bit of an escape for me. Life offers everyone something different, and I have come to learn that through all experience, good and bad, my one constant is music.

2. Who are your musical influences?

My musical influences are Sara Bareilles and P!nk because they both inspire me to be independent and to live life according to my own standards.  When I was 11 years old, I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease, a chronic, auto-immune disease for which there is currently no cure.  When I turned 14, all medications stopped working, and  my doctors put me on Remicade, an intravenously infused medication.  Now, every 6 weeks my mom and I travel to Manhattan and spend the day in the pediatric oncology suite while I receive my medication.  During the drive in and during the 4 hour infusion process, I listen to these artists to help me relax and to remind me that I am strong and can face any obstacle.  Their musical styles and lyrics influence so many of the songs I have written.

3. How would you describe your sound?

I would say my sound is soulful with a bit of pop mixed in.

4. Who are your favorite artists?
Besides Sara Bareilles and P!nk, I’m a fan of Alesia Cara, Jon Bellion, Darius Rucker, John Mayer, and Rachel Platten.

5. Can you tell us about your new single “Big”?

“Big” is a kind of anthem for my life and the life of anyone who believes that our time here is precious and should be lived to the “max.”  As I co-wrote the song with Kayliann and Doug Lowe, we discussed the shift in someone who kind of sat in the background and kept quiet.  “Big” is about stepping out of one’s shell and living, loving, and dreaming about big things. “Big” is the perfect song for my first release because it encapsulates the passion I have for music and the pursuit of this dream. It also speaks to the message I want to share in my music – I want to empower people who face struggles and to remind them that they are strong.
6. What was it like getting to record the song?

Recording “Big” with grammy winner Matt Bronlewee was incredible.  He is brilliant and understood the exact vibe I wanted my music to have.  Being in his studio and going into the booth to record vocal tracks was a dream come true.
7. Why do you think fans are going to enjoy the song?

I hope fans hear this song and feel empowered by its message that anyone can make the choice to face a challenge and/or obstacle and to move through it with strength.

I also want people to know that it is never too late to live life the way they want and to pursue their dreams.  My hope is that through sharing my music, I can help individuals who find themselves feeling alone or vulnerable, to feel encouraged and unafraid.
8. Do you have any other upcoming music or projects you can tell us about?
Yes, I’ve written a number of other songs and have been fortunate to work with incredible producers like grammy winners Jeff Pardo and Eren Cannata.
9. What are your social media accounts?
My social media accounts on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook are all sydneyray03.