Meet Sydney LeNell | Writer & Recording Artist

We had the good fortune of connecting with Sydney LeNell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Sydney, why did you pursue a creative career?
Taking an artistic career path has always felt like a calling to me. For years I knew I saw things differently and had something to say. Little did I know that it was something that the world needed to hear, until I took the chance.

My music always acted as a therapeutic release for me because it stemmed from poetry. My poetry was my way to express myself and heal myself. As I began to share my poetry and eventually songs with others I began to see the positive impact my writings had on them. What I had to say was not only healing me but it was speaking to people and encouraging them as well.

From a young age I always loved music. It just drew and called to me in a way it didn’t for others around me. From experimenting with mixing song lyrics and beats, to writing songs in a matter of hours from the vibe of a beat, I knew I had a calling. However, it hasn’t always been an easy fight.

When you decide to release your own personal writings and feelings, you expose yourself in such a vulnerable way that it can be difficult to stay motivated. When critiques run into lack of open or positive response, low streaming numbers, etc…you can become discouraged of how your art is taken and received by others. That lack of confirmation can create a state of stagnation if you let it overpower your motivation to keep going. There can be a constant fight if you don’t keep your focus on your “why” versus your “well done”.

Even in those discouraging times, which inevitably come, it’s important to know that your voice needs to be heard. The imprint you leave behind with your talents and passions creates a priceless legacy that can inspire and potentially even save a life.

We as artist see the world in a miraculously different way. And without the minds we possess to challenge the status quo and go against the grain, the beauty we readily experience would not exist. It is the creative mind that continues to drive forward the simple pleasures and beauties that make life worth it.

From my personal experience and faith as an example, I believe our abilities are God given and intertwined with our calling and purpose in this life. Our “oddities and uniqueness” are divinely designated because we are meant to resolve a problem in this world that only we can solve. Be it, we are meant to inspire the next generation with a piece of art or we write a song that saves a life that goes on to save even more. It is an angelic and unending cycle that we invest in to when we take the step to put ourselves out there.

Ultimately, my decision to embark on an artistic career path was a leap of faith. While it leaves me vulnerable, and comes with its own fears and concerns; the rewards far surpass the negatives. In my decision to make this my career, I get to leave behind a legacy that goes far beyond me and brings a necessary beauty that I couldn’t afford NOT to give.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art is inspiration and faith driven with an R&B flare. Each of my songs is meant to give a message or give you something to think about. From moments of accomplishment and self appreciation in my song Soaring, to experiencing an incredible and unexpected bond like Eternal Vibe, my desire is that you can take something away from each song. In short, my music represents the human side of Christianity. Some songs will have scripture while others may be based on a verse or concept from the faith. I believe that’s what truly sets my music apart. It’s gives the groove of soul music but it’s music with meaning.

Releasing my music was truly a leap of faith. It hasn’t been easy at all, but it’s worth it. From trying to get everything released for my first EP by myself, to facing rejections and disappointments in performance opportunities to get more exposure. The climb of being an independent artist is never ending, however the satisfaction of seeing people vibe to your creation is unmatched. I’ve been burned a few times in spending money to perform, being made to believe I’ll be spotlighted in a show only for there to be 50 other people waiting to sign up to perform and have to pay a cover charge. In those moments of disappointment however, I’ve learned how to be more mindful.
On the contrary, I have had the opportunity to open a showcase with some incredible people/fellow artist, as well as even getting my song on the radio! It’s truly a roller coaster, but the positive feedback I continue to receive, such encouraging words and gratitude for writing such heartfelt words in my lyrics continue to drive me and make me want to keep going.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I love to explore the city and its surrounding areas so I go a little bit of everywhere. I tend to go to the Nest Cafe in Alpharetta or Le Petite Marche downtown for an amazing breakfast. For lunch, I can be found at Harold’s Chicken and Ice bar in Marietta, or Pure Taqueria in Roswell (especially during summer nights for live music). If you feel like being active and social I suggest going to Overall’s Very Own for an open Mic (to see performers like yours truly or even the Battery (Truist Park) where you can grab a slushie from Fat Tuesdays (21+ only), see a show at the Roxy or slide over to Punch Bowl Social or Sports and Social for an unforgettable night of fun.

If you want to be inspired by beauty, you can go to the Illuminarium or Aquarium to see amazing displays. If you prefer to be more secluded, head over to the performing arts center at Sandy Springs for some beautiful waterfalls and swings, or one of my favorites, a cruise on 285 at night to see the beauty of the city that made me come down and fall in love with Atlanta. I’m still learning my way around the city so I always encourage the use of Eventbrite because there are so many events going on every night!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
My shout out goes to my village. This includes but is not limited to my parents, siblings best friends and DOBB community. To take a leap of faith and go against the grain is absolutely terrifying sometimes. There are constant roller coasters and more, and my village has kept me afloat through it all. I am eternally grateful of how they continue to motivate and inspire me to keep going and remember my why.

My shout out also goes out to those that can no longer be here with us. To young souls destined for greatness but their lives were taken before they could reach their full potential. For me, that was my cousin Trevor. Right before he was killed he was beginning to do amazing things. He’d moved to a new state, gotten a promotion at his job and a new apartment. He was a musical genius and incredible lyricist, who was taken from us in an inexcusable act of rage. Unfortunately there are far too many like Trevor whose life was ended before they even hit their prime. It’s because of my cousin that I continue to push forward. It’s my way to keep his legacy alive. My shout out goes out to those legacies, of those we lost who we knew would be doing incredible things if they still had the chance. It’s my way to show love and also my hope that through this, they may live on despite being gone from us far too soon.

Website: https://sydneylenellmusic.live

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sydney_lenell_music/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SydneyLeNellMusic/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCjNGTU7l-_10V7wSkaE2TTA

Other: https://www.tiktok.com/@sydney_lenell

Image Credits
The Lilith Collective
Overalls Very Own (Cece)
FunnyHunnyz
Ry J Productions