Born and raised in northern Minnesota, Sydney Hansen will tell you that her destiny was to join the short list of music icons hailing from the North Star State. Embracing singing and entertainment at a very young age, her training unknowingly started with singing along to the radio while her peers were only learning to speak. Understanding her love for music and wanting to maximize development in movement, her parents enrolled her in competition dance at the age of three. A natural in the studio, Sydney soared amongst her peers and seemed to live a life that never left the studio, dancing where ever she might be. Recognizing the passion that Sydney had for movement & music and seeing the benefits they offered in her development, Sydney began working with a vocal coach and guitar instructor at the age of six. Never expecting her to maintain her interest,
her parents continued providing support and dedicated hours every week to lessons, dance sessions, and home training as Sydney continued building the foundation of her craft. Since then, Sydney has been working with top-name producers to release singles that are loved by all genres.
Instagram: sydneyhansenofficial
Interview by Tim Brown
When and why did you start playing?
I started singing when I was 7 and playing guitar when I was 10. I was always interested in music. Even at a young age I loved performing in front of people and got addicted to that feeling. I knew it was what I wanted to do.
Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?
I admire artists like Stevie Nicks, Chris Stapleton, Janis Joplin, Bonnie Raitt, or Kacey Musgraves just for their unique tone! My goal is to not be like every other artist out there.
Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?
A big part of my life was spending time on my grandpa’s pontoon listening to Johnny Cash, Bob Dylan, Dolly Parton, etc. and I feel like they all shaped me into the artist I am today.
Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV
Yes! I perform in front of people as much as possible. Before COVID, I was playing events all over just trying to get noticed. I also have been featured on radio stations and news networks. I’m grateful for all of those opportunities!!
Why did you choose to play this kind of music?
I chose to be Southern Rock because I wanted a mix between country and rock that suited my voice. I’ve always been in love with country, but something has always pulled me towards that rock side. My voice does have power but I also like to include my tone. This genre allows me to do both!
Let’s Talk about your music and your last work…
I released my debut single Fallin’ January 25th on all streaming platforms. It has done very well and I have been given so much support from people all over the world. It is so awesome to see people take a liking to the words that you put out into the world with a song.
How do you feel about the internet in the music business?
Social media and the internet is a helpful tool to spread music to listeners all over the world. We get to connect easier this way. But social media definitely has it’s bad parts too. There is too much hate and cancel culture happening and that is always hard to deal with. But you just have to take it for what it is!
What are the plans for the future?
My plan is to keep pushing my career and I’m hoping to be on a tour bus someday sharing my music with millions. My main goal is to be heard and hopefully create relatable music for my fans.
How has your music evolved since you first began playing music?
That been working hard my whole career and the last few years I’ve noticed a lot of improvement. I still work on my vocal training and guitar technique weekly. My voice is much stronger than before and I know what my sound is now!
Could you briefly describe the music-making process?
I start out by writing down all of my thoughts and then slowly putting them together and turning it into a meaningful song. Then all that is left to do is get good a producer and production to make it all come alive!
M.T.V.rock 