Following on from a string of impressive releases throughout the last year, singer-songwriter and producer sydneyunicorns recently returned to deliver her latest stunning effort 'The Crown'.
Channelling more of that bold and euphoric alt-pop energy she has showcased so far, 'The Crown' makes for a wonderfully bright addition to her growing catalogue. Filled with soaring textures, powerful production, and her own alluring voice at the helm, she is certainly set to break the mould in the coming years.
So with the new single available now, we sat down with her to find out more about her background and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
Piano! I've been playing classical piano since I was about 8. To this day I absolutely love playing–the most recent piece I learned is Grieg's piano sonata. I learned to play and sing at the same time by learning My Heart Will Go On from the movie Titanic, which I was insanely obsessed with.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I fell in love with musicals like Les Miserables and Starlight Express at a super young age, but I also loved pop (Spice Girls, Destiny's Child, Britney Spears, Avril Lavigne). My parents always played artists like James Taylor and Carole King, so I loved them too. My brother listened to a lot of rap. I really grew up being influenced by many different types of music.
What was the first album you remember owning?
I don't remember a specific one, but I have vivid memories of what particular CDs looked like. The red of Michelle Branch's The Spirit Room, and the cover of Evanescence's Fallen.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Wow, these questions are hard!! One of them is definitely Breathe Me by Sia. It's so simple and absolutely beautiful. Also a lot of Patty Griffin and Sara Bareilles songs.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
These days I start with some simple synth chords, then add a beat, then I'll go into my notes to see all of my unfinished lyric ideas and build on top of one of them. Lyrics come to me in a very different way than music. Sometimes one is easier than the other, but recently, I keep them separate until I'm actually in the process of sitting at the piano or at my computer writing the song.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Grimes, Lady Gaga, Taylor Swift, Allie X, Billie Eilish, Caroline Polachek, The Cranberries...so many!!!
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
I'm always listening to and inspired by Grimes. I feel like she's got such a unique sound and I look up to her greatly as a female producer, so I'd probably say her.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The freedom of getting to express myself through art. To make a world of sound that's pretty much all my own. I also love when people are in turn inspired to create their own art and express themselves. I think a lot of people are afraid to do that, but when they see someone putting themselves out there/sharing their work, it can empower them and provide momentum for them to do the same.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I'm constantly fighting imposter syndrome as an artist and doubting myself!
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
"There's only one of you" I think for a really long time, I didn't understand when mentors and teachers said this to me, but I understand it now. You are unique. No one else expresses themselves like you do, no one else can write the music you do, or make the art you do. I used to compare myself to people constantly, and it would make me feel so terrible. It's not about that and it's such a waste of energy!
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sydneyunicorns' new single 'The Crown' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.