Sydney Sherrill isn’t afraid of starting over. After growing up in Dallas and eventually landing in New York City, she found herself uneasy about the direction of her career, and more than willing to return to the drawing board. She scrapped the songs originally earmarked for her debut and created an entirely new persona, best summarized by her Instagram bio: “bottled blonde nyc.” She’s equal parts rock and pop, flat and fizz, and that duality is perfectly embodied in her second single, “Hard Candy.” Across five questions, Sydney dives into the tone of her project and what “Hard Candy” is really about.
“Hard Candy” is both emotional and sarcastic. Are the innocent references meant to contrast with what’s probably a deeper meaning?
“Hard Candy” was inspired by Dolly Parton’s “Hard Candy Christmas.” I like the idea of making a sad situation a little sweeter, even when you know it isn’t good for you. You take what you can get —even if it breaks your teeth.”
This is the second single from your debut EP after October’s “Closer.” What can we expect from the rest of the project?
The project is, if nothing else, an attempt to examine myself and the sometimes poor romantic situations I find myself in. In “Hard Candy” I ask, ‘Could you live me down?’ – and I think the whole project may be me asking myself that question, now that I think about it.
You’ve assembled some top-notch collaborators to help realize your vision. Would you say collaboration is a critical part of your creative process?
I think collaboration is a key part of any project. I want to create music that feels bigger than just myself, and the only way to accomplish that is by working with talented people you trust. This EP wouldn’t exist without my collaborators. And besides, making music with others is just more fun.
The NYC music scene is alive in a way it hasn’t been in years. What’s fueling that energy, and how is it informing your sound?
These are volatile times we’re living in—which sucks overall, but makes for incredible music. Especially in a creative mecca like NYC, people are searching for ways to express themselves, whether that’s playing onstage or dancing in the pit. Coming from the South, I felt obligated to maintain a certain image within my family and community. Moving to New York allowed me to test those boundaries and express myself authentically. I’d say that’s definitely been showing in my music.
Leave us with one line to sum up what you’ll be doing in 2026:
Um, probably singing.
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