Check out our interview with singer/songwriter Sydney Hansen who is releasing her debut single “Fallin” this month. (January 18)
A hopeless romantic that sees the world through a lens of love first and appreciating life experience, much of her writing is a snapshot of her personal triumphs and tribulations, loves and losses, and successes and failures. Sydney pulls her fans into her life and through her own experiences and speaks to each individual. She celebrates the victories in one song and then offers comfort for losses in the next. Without intention, Sydney’s style was formed in such a manner that her fans can relate to her through her message and appreciate the creative production that causes her melodies to play in the listeners mind long after the last note.
Sydney is also true to the causes that she embraces. A long time performer for our United States Veterans, she has performed for them at MACV/Tribute Fest for many years.
Follow Sydney @sydneyhansenofficial
Hi Sydney, please tell us a little about you?
I’m a Southern Rock singer/songwriter/musician born and raised in Northern Minnesota. Music has always been a big part of my life. I fell in love with it and I haven’t stopped working on it since. I’ve picked up a lot of momentum in the last few years and I’m hoping to break into the industry. I hope that all my hard work can be recognized by millions some day!
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Creative, loyal, and humble
We’re sure you have been asked this a million times but how did you get into the industry?
My journey started when I was very young. I began working with a vocal coach when I was 6 and guitar instructor when I was 10. From then on I performed anywhere I could. I wanted to get out there as much as possible. My goal then was to be well-known around the area that I live. Today I can say that I did that. Now I have a manager from Ablaze Entertainment, Paula Anne, and many new and exciting opportunities outside of my Minnesota.
Describe your sound in 3 words?
Smooth, soulful, and sultry
Who influenced you and why did you choose to make music?
I have been influenced by a number of artists from many different genres throughout the years. Chris Stapelton, Kacey Musgraves, Stevie Nicks, Janis Joplin, Bob Dylan, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and many others. These artists all come from different genres, but they have helped me find my own sound.
Do you play any instrument?
Yes, guitar
Do you ever get nervous?
Of course! I would be worried if I didn’t get nervous before going on stage. I need that adrenaline to kick in to be able to have great performances.
Tell us about your debut single “FALLIN?”
I wrote “Fallin” a few months ago. The amazing producer, Rocky Byrd, flew into Minnesota so we could collaborate at Helvig Productions in Minneapolis. With my writing, his fresh ideas, and the perfect studio production, it turned out just how I wanted. I’m beyond excited for everyone to hear it. It will be on all streaming platforms January 18th!
What’s the story behind this song?
As I said before, I wrote this song a few months ago during this crazy pandemic. At this time, I focused a lot on my writing and creating a song that I could pour my heart into. I decided to write “Fallin” for a very special person in my life. As I wrote, I knew that this song was going to be one of my all time favorites. I was right. This song is about someone falling in love for the first time. From my experience, I thought I knew what love was till I met this special person. Love became a whole different feeling. I’m so excited to share these words with my supporters in hopes that they relate to it.
Did you have plans/concerts planned and canceled because of COVID? If so have you done any online concerts or interaction with your fans?
I have had many shows canceled or postponed because of COVID. Sadly, most of them did not become an online event. Although I have done many lives and mini projects,nothing beats a live show.
Which project is still on your bucket list?
I would love to collaborate with one of my influences someday. I think that would be an absolutely incredible milestone to achieve.
What is fun and rewarding about what you do? And what’s not?
It is rewarding to see how happy I make my family and fans by doing something that I love. Making people smile and feel the message in my music has always been my main goal. I think that the fact that I get to do what I love while also making people happy is wonderful.
While being a singer has many joys, the one thing that is sometimes hard is balancing time. Music is the most important thing in my life and I take it very seriously. But it can be very challenging at times being a 17 year old student, singer, and a normal teenager. But to me, some small struggles are worth it.
What’s next for Sydney Hansen in 2021?
Besides my debut single being released on the 18th of January, I have many more exciting things coming. I will soon be recording a music video for “Fallin” to complete the project. I will also be going to Nashville the first week of January to work with the well-known producer, Kent Wells. I will be working with him and writers with a goal of creating a few hit songs!
What is your favorite song? And why?
My all time favorite song would have to be Vienna by Billy Joel. For some reason, it has been a comfort song for me. Sometimes I feel like I’m too focused on how my future is going to look. This song reminds me that I still have the rest of my life and it isn’t going anywhere. Another new favorite is High by Miley Cyrus.
Any loves other than music?
Dance and art! Dance has been a big part of my life for a long time. I’ve been dancing since I was 3. I was a competition dancer at a dance studio till just a few years ago. Also, I’ve been on my high school’s dance team for 5 years. This year (my senior year) will be the 6th! I have been a captain for 4 years. As for art, I have completed many drawings and paintings that I am pretty proud of. This has also been a big stress reliever. I’m lucky to have multiple outlets like singing, dancing, and drawing to wind down after a busy day.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
While this list could go on forever, I would love to meet Lady Gaga. She is not within my genre, but I’ve noticed that she is such a wise and powerful woman. I think that she would be very sweet to me and give me very useful advice. I would love to ask her how her fame has affected her. I find that to be an interesting question to be answered by any famous artist.
Best advice ever given?
“Don’t ever settle”
How’s a typical day in your life?
During the school year, my typical day is pretty full. First I wake up and do all of my school work (online because of COVID-19. Then, depending on the day, I could have a singing lesson or guitar lesson. Besides that, I practice for many hours during the day, and try to come up with new lyrics at night.
Name one your strengths?
One of my strengths is my amount of trustworthiness. I can’t remember one time that I told someone a secret that I’ve kept for someone else. I feel like I’m a person that people know they can talk to about anything. I also have proved my loyalty to a number of people throughout the years. My loyalty has gained a lot of trust and I’m grateful for that.
Idea of a perfect Sunday?
My idea of a perfect Sunday would be to sleep in, wake up to the smell of bacon and chocolate chip pancakes, and then work on a happy upbeat song. After that I would go out with my friends for the day and then come home and watch a movie with my family.
What is your favorite song to belt out in the car/for karaoke?
Definitely “Before He Cheats” by Carrie Underwood. I can really get into that one!
What is your own definition of happiness?
My definition of happiness is the relief that your life is really going the way you want it to in that moment.
Do you support any charities?
Yes! Throughout the years I have been honored to work with any charity that I could. A few organizations that I have been very passionate about include the Bluebird Foundation, MACV, and SOS. The Bluebird Foundation uses donations to provide scholarships to aspiring local artists. I have performed annually at their events and donated songs for a CD that benefits the foundation. I was lucky enough to receive a scholarship one year! Another foundation that I work with annually is MACV. MACV (Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans)is a fundraiser that works directly with military veterans in need. My brother has served in the military and I have the utmost respect for active and inactive soldiers for their sacrifices. Most recently, I became an ambassador for a foundation called SOS4Life. SOS provides resources for struggles such as mental health, anxiety, depression, bullying, drug abuse, sexual assault, etc. Our team consists of entertainers all over the world that advocate for at risk youth. Donations go towards therapy sessions for people in need. I am very passionate about all of these organizations and their causes.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love fruit! I could eat a huge fruit bowl with strawberries, grapes, pineapples, and melons all day. My favorite fruit is definitely a strawberry.
And your favorite cheat food?
Top the Tater and Doritos. That is my all time favorite snack especially in the summertime!
What would be a deal breaker on a first date?
A deal breaker would be if the guy is paying more attention to a screen than me while on a first date. To me, first impressions are everything. I like when people are present and engaged in the conversation, especially on a first date.
How do you see yourself in 5 years?
I see myself continuing to improve my voice and being a known artist. I would love to break into the industry and be more recognized for my hard work. I would also love to be touring and sharing my music with as many people as possible.
How would you describe your fashion style?
Casual but flashy. I love to be comfortable in my own home, but I would never miss an opportunity to dress up.
What do you think of Social Media?
I think that social media can be good and bad. It is good in the sense that you can spread information, music, and promote. But I think that social media can be a devil in disguise. While there is so much support going on online, there is also a lot of negativity. It can also be tough to always be online because without even knowing it, some people compare their life to others.
Where can we follow you?
You can follow me on Instagram @sydneyhansenofficial, Facebook “Sydney Hansen Music”, and you can also subscribe to my YouTube channel “Sydney Hansen Music”.
Quote: ”If you don’t like the road you’re walking, start paving another one” by Dolly Parton. For obvious reasons, this is such an inspirational quote that has always stuck with me.
Movie: The Notebook. I’m a sucker for a classic romance movie and Ryan Gosling. (I’ve seen it literally about 20 times)
Travel Destination: New Zealand. I’ve heard so many good things and I would love to see the breathtaking views.
Sports Team: The Minnesota Wild hockey team
