Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Sydney Cope

Watch out for Sydney Cope! The singer-songwriter is taking the industry by storm with her genre-bending sound. Since the age of eight, she’s been developing herself as an artist, mastering the guitar and piano, studying vocals, and finding her voice as a storyteller. In 2019, she’s gearing up for a massive year filled with music and she already gave us a first taste with the revenge track we all needed in our lives, “Watch Out for Me”. Pop Culturalist caught up with Sydney to discuss her career and the new single.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Sydney: My passion for music began once I started to write music. It was my way of getting my emotions out and creating a story.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Sydney: My mom and dad are the reason that I’ve been able to pursue my passion. Their ongoing support has meant everything to me.

PC: What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned being a part of this industry?
Sydney: You must have a strong backbone and a good work ethic in this industry, and you must believe in yourself. There are so many no’s, which means you have to keep going until you get that YES!

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Watch Out for Me”. What was the inspiration behind the track?
Sydney: When I wrote this song, I wanted to leave it open to the audience to decide, who or what this song means to them and their lives. “Watch Out for Me” was originally written about a friend who stabbed me in the back. I don’t like being involved in drama, so when rumors are being spread, I tend to stay away. However, I was really hurt by some of the things that were said. So rather than retaliating and stirring the pot, I expressed my emotions through my music.

PC: What is your creative process like when you’re working on a new song? Has it changed throughout the years?
Sydney: When I create a new song, I will start with an instrument and create a melody first. Then, I develop an emotion from the melody to begin storytelling.

PC: What does the rest of the year hold for you as we look ahead in 2019?
Sydney: This year, I will be working on releasing new music. I will also be working on acting and dance audition opportunities.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: Guilty pleasure TV show?
Sydney: The Office

PC: Guilty pleasure movie?
Sydney: Nacho Libre

PC: Favorite book?
Sydney: If we are going to be honest, I’m not a big book reader, but one I have enjoyed reading is The Second Circle by Patsy Rodenburg.

PC: Favorite play or musical?
Sydney: Wicked

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Sydney: Bob Marley

PC: First album you bought?
Sydney: Taylor Swift’s Fearless

PC: First concert you attended?
Sydney: It was the eighth season of the American Idol tour.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Sydney: Bruno Mars’ Unorthodox Jukebox because we went to his concert and he reminded me of the excitement that music brings to listening and performing.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Sydney: The American Airlines Center in Dallas

PC: Hidden talent?
Sydney: I have an eye for photography.

To keep up with Sydney, follow her on Twitter and Instagram, and pick up “Watch Out for Me” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or stream it on Spotify.