Meet Sydney Gordon: Pop Artist from New York with a Bold Voice You Can’t Look Away From
Written by: Safaque Kagdi
With a voice that cuts through the noise and lyrics that echo raw, lived emotion, Sydney Gordon has carved a lane that’s equal parts powerhouse pop and soul-baring storytelling.
I discovered Sydney on Instagram and instantly connected with her. Born and raised in New York, Sydney has always viewed the world differently. Maybe that’s why her songs have such clarity.
If her music were a movie, it would be an action drama with big emotions and quick moves because nothing about her journey is quiet or still. When someone hears her music, she hopes they feel not just heard, but also understood.
This latest chapter in her life? She calls it “Unlocked.” And it fits because her sound is growing bolder and her message is becoming clearer. She’s not holding back, and she’s urging her fans to do the same. In an industry that can blur your vision and dim your light, Sydney’s staying focused.
And if someone tried to copy her? Well…they might match the look, but not the soul. I had the pleasure of interviewing Sydney where we explored the making of her latest track Bad Habit, discussed her musical influences, the highs and lows of her journey, and what’s next on the horizon.
I first discovered you on Instagram. I must congratulate you on “Bad Habit”, it’s a great song! Can you describe the process of making that track? Did the lyrics come first, or was it more about the vibe?
Thank you so much! I’m so happy you like it. For me, I always have a list in my phone with song titles in my notes app. These titles will just come to me when I’m doing everyday things.
Sometimes I will even see a sign in the street as I’m walking and will be like “I need to write this phrase down.” Also, mid conversation with friends I will be like “wait I gotta write what we just said down”. When I wrote Bad Habit, I came into the session knowing sonically what I wanted to hear and feel, we began messing with some chords and I knew that this title fit the vibe for the track the best, and then related it to what I was going through currently.
After hearing “Bad Habit”, I looked you up on Spotify and your other songs are very groovy. What or who inspired you to become a singer-songwriter?
Thank you so much! I always had an interest in music as my dad loved music and would play me his classic rock records while I was growing up. It was something we bonded over and was always a part of me, it still is. When I was 7, I asked my parents to take me to piano lessons and at age 9, I began vocal lessons.
Going by this, when you first told your family you wanted to pursue music, what was their reaction?
My family is very supportive of my music. I’m so grateful for them as they have pushed me to pursue my passion.
You’re from New York, where exactly? Do you think where an artist is from influences their sound or identity?
I’m from Staten Island! And yes. I do think New York has shaped my sound and identity. New York energy is raw. It’s fast, it’s loud, it’s real and that definitely shows up in my sound and how I carry myself as an artist.
Who are your musical influences, and how are they shaping your sound today?
My musical influences are Miley Cyrus and Christina Aguilera. They are both such powerful, strong women that have definitely shaped my sound and vibe as a singer. They have inspired me to embrace my own voice and tell my story with the same intensity and honesty.
Can you share some of the biggest breakthroughs and challenges you’ve faced along the way?
A big challenge I have come across in the past is trusting my gut. Everyone of us has intuition and you need to listen to it. It’s important to get advice from those around you who you trust, but you have to trust yourself at the end of the day. You know what's best for you.
In a world full of noise, what do you think makes your music impossible to ignore?
My music is honest and raw. Even though I am bold, I’m not afraid to show my vulnerable side. I want to say the things my audience might be feeling but don’t always know how to express. I want to be a voice they can relate to, something real they can hold onto when they need to feel seen, heard, and understood.
What are you most excited, or even scared, about in this next chapter of your journey?
I am most excited to release my new upcoming single. I think a lot of people will be surprised at the sound because it is so unique and a side of me my listeners haven't seen!
Do you think standing out is more about being different or being deeply yourself?
I think standing out is all about being deeply yourself. Anyone can try to be different, but when you’re truly being you, that is the most important thing you can do.
What can we expect from you in the near future—new music, performances, collaborations?
YES! Lots of new music and performances as well.
