Sydney Worthley’s journey as a songwriter began early. At just nine years old, she knew that songwriting was her calling. Each of her songs begins in the quiet solitude of her room and ends on a stage, where she shares her stories with the world. Drawing inspiration from artists like Phoebe Bridgers and Taylor Swift, Sydney's music explores themes of coming of age, lost connections, and the growth that comes from confronting past mistakes. This deeply personal and cathartic process has remained a constant in her life.
During the isolation period, Sydney found herself wrestling with unresolved plans and a lack of creativity. This period of overthinking and self-reflection culminated in her new 12-track LP, It Was Nice While It Lasted, set for release on July 19 via Mint 400 Records. The album was recorded at Nada Studios with John Naclerio, known for his work with American Authors and Imagine Dragons. This collaboration allowed Sydney to blend the acoustic elements of her previous work with a newfound appreciation for 80s-tinged synth-pop.
When discussing the essential qualities of a good songwriter, Sydney emphasizes the importance of balancing catchy tunes with meaningful lyrics. She believes that captivating an audience with both melody and lyrics is a hallmark of great songwriting. Reflecting on her own process, Sydney highlights the challenge and reward of pulling from personal experiences. She finds that diving into personal details, despite the risk of losing some anonymity, is crucial for building a connection with her listeners.
Sydney cites Taylor Swift and Phoebe Bridgers as significant influences on her songwriting. Swift's control over her craft and Bridgers' ability to weave deeply vulnerable moments into her music have reshaped Sydney's approach to writing. She also finds motivation in the energy of younger artists like Billie Eilish, whose growth and confidence inspire Sydney to push her own boundaries.
'It Was Nice While It Lasted' is a reflection of the many changes and endings Sydney has experienced in recent years. Initially driven by anger and resentment, the album's creation became a process of coming to terms with these emotions. The title encapsulates the feeling of letting go and finding appreciation for past experiences.
Sydney's meticulous approach to songwriting often involves holding onto songs for a long time before including them on an album. She believes in perfecting her work and gauging audience reactions before finalizing tracks. For this album, she revisited some of the earliest songs, such as "80's Song" and the title track, to refine them just before recording.
Throughout the writing and recording process, Sydney has learned the importance of trusting her instincts and not overthinking. This realization has allowed her to produce music that she is confident in and that resonates with her audience. As she looks ahead to future projects, Sydney plans to carry this lesson with her, focusing on creating music that feels authentic and true to her vision.
