Sydney Syrianna Visits Section 36 Music!

Another visitor to Section 36 Music! Sydney Syrianna recently released a single, "Pacifist", that I just can't get enough of. I'm so glad Sydney wanted to visit with us to discuss the song and more. I'm sure you'll love what she had to say.

So, let's see what happens when Sydney Syrianna visits Section 36 Music! 

I absolutely love your recent single, “Pacifest”. What can you tell me about it?

The writing process for Pacifist was actually kind of an accident. My good friend Damini and I were just messing around with melodies in my room, tossing lines back and forth, when I mentioned a line about being a pacifist. Damini immediately clung onto it, and from there we ended up turning one word into an indie pop folk song about conflict and the messy ways we try to avoid it. I love that it came from such a simple, playful moment but grew into something really vulnerable and honest.

Do you have a favorite memory from the recording process?

One of my favorite moments was when Damini and I were writing, and the lyric shifted from ‘it wasn’t war’ earlier in the song to ‘but it was war’ in the final chorus. That small change completely flipped the meaning and made it feel like the song was really telling its story. Recording that last stripped chorus was especially powerful, because you can hear all of that emotion in the performance and it really captures the realization at the heart of the song.

You are currently attending Berklee College of Music. What made Berklee the right choice for you?

I first experienced Berklee through the five-week summer program going into my senior year of high school. I was originally there for piano, but I ended up switching to voice and auditioning as a singer. That experience completely opened me up and I had never felt anything as freeing as singing. Berklee gave me the space to discover that, so choosing it for college felt natural because it was already the place where I found my voice.

Who or what would you consider your greatest musical influences?

Lizzy McAlpine is one of my biggest influences sound-wise because her music just sticks with you. Listening to her feels like experiencing emotions you didn’t even know you had, and that’s something I really admire. Lyrically, Taylor Swift has been huge for me. Her writing is so unique that I often find myself relating to things I didn’t even realize were happening in my own life. Music has that power to help you see yourself more clearly, and that’s what I want my songs to do for people.

What Disney song would you most want to cover?

I think I’d choose Part of Your World from The Little Mermaid. It’s such a beautiful song, and I’ve always connected with the sense of longing and wonder in it. I feel like reimagining it in a stripped, indie folk style would bring out a whole new kind of vulnerability, which is what I love most about music.

What are your immediate musical goals?

My immediate goal is to build momentum from Pacifist and keep releasing music consistently. This song is just the first step, and I want to keep sharing more of what I’ve been writing. I’m also focusing on performing more around Boston and building an authentic connection with listeners. For me, it’s about laying the foundation for a long-term career where each release feels like a new chapter in my story.

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I'm sure "Pacifist" will provide plenty of momentum!

As always, I want to thank Sydney for visiting with us, and for sending along the pictures to accompany the interview. 

I'm sure you’ll all want to follow her and see what she has going on. I would follow her on Instagram and Spotify to make sure you don't miss a thing. 

Thanks again, Sydney, and good luck reaching your goals!