By: Gracie Mullen-Thomspon
Posted In: Entertainment
Photo credit: Salve Today
With half a pick and wooden acoustic the Vermont based artist, Syd, commenced an “evening of heartbreak” in the Wakehurst student lounge turned coffeehouse this past Wednesday evening. His music reflected a past of “premarital affairs,” with lyrics that took us from the woods of Vermont to the city streets of Boston, which Syd, a recent college graduate of Emerson, described as “a great town to go to school in and also a great town to get dumped in.” His songs were poetic and personal, straying from covers and epitomizing young love lost, and although his music was immersed in the bitterness of breaking-up, his keen sense of humor and interaction with the audience garnished his performance with an engaging versatility that kept everyone present pleased. This is precisely the unique quality that will continue to draw success to Syd’s travels and lure devoted fans, such as the Vermonters sitting directly in front of the stage in the Wakehurst lounge last night.
I had the pleasure of speaking with Syd after the performance. His gentle demeanor and good sense of humor allowed for a relaxed conversation that flowed like one of his acoustic melodies. We talked about everything from college expenses to his favorite gig, which was an electric show at a “dirty little rock club” in New York City, and I was surprised to learn that he took up guitar in college, as he had been a drummer prior to playing the six-string. I inquired as to where he derived his inspiration from and he explained that his inspiration has changed from “whenever it strikes” to feeling like it’s now his job. “I go out of my way to find things,” he said. Our conversation ended in a lesson where I picked up a few new chords on Syd’s acoustic, and later practiced on my own instrument. I enjoyed watching him perform and see his career only flourishing from here. Best of luck Syd and props to Salve’s Campus Activities Board for bringing him to Newport!-If you’re interested in learning more about Syd or hearing some of his music then check out his websites:
-www.sydband.com/
-www.myspace.com/syd
