INTERVIEW WITH DMV ARTIST SYDNEY FRANKLIN

By Quianna Adams, Staff Writer

New artist Sydney Franklin is making major moves in the DMV area. She recently headlined her first performance at the Songbyrd Music House and Record Cafe along with labelmate Luke James Shaffer. Franklin and Shaffer are affiliated with D.C.’s House Studios, a new age multimedia and communication company.

Franklin described House Studios as an open space for artists to create and be inspired. Franklin is one of three main artists for House Studios. The trio includes Franklin, Shaffer, and Mannywellz, who just recently returned from his tour with hip-hop artist, Jidenna. 

Franklin began working with House Studios as an outreach intern after her time at Berklee College of Music. She promoted the studio and invited local and visiting artists to use the space while they were in town.

This internship was a networking tool for Franklin, as it allowed her the opportunity to meet artists and get to know the leadership team of the studio. “I wanted to learn the other side of the business,” said Franklin about her internship experience.

Less than a year later, she began using the studio for her own creative projects. In 2016, Franklin became an official House artist.

Franklin does not confine herself to one specific music genre. She describes her sound as a “soulful pop feel.” Her music reflects the catchy-like tunes of pop music, but still has depth and meaning behind it. Some of her inspirations are Aretha Franklin, Jessie J., Allen Stone, and Elton John just to name a few.

During the interview, Franklin mentioned Mary J. Blige’s “Family Affair” as it reminds her of her childhood. She appreciates these artists because of their ability to bring stories to life through their soulful and powerful voices, which is something Franklin aspires to do as a singer-songwriter.

Franklin co-wrote her first single “L.O.V.E. Me,” which is a ballad about self-love.

Through her music, Franklin is able to learn about herself, work through emotions, and create a sense of community amongst her listeners.

She stated in an interview that, “singing creates an indescribable feeling for everyone in the room. It’s as if the artist and audience feel numb to everything except the music and – even if just for a moment – they are lost in a world without fear. Untouchable and invincible.” She uses the guitar and piano as an outlet and inspiration for new music as well.

Her goal as a new artist is to create quality sounds that have potential to be everlasting. One of her biggest fears is becoming a one-hit-wonder.

With this in mind, she is working to build a respectable career where she is able to create relatable content that tells a story through music, much like her iconic musical inspirations. She wants people to be impressed and think of her voice when they hear her name.

Since she is a developing talent, Franklin can be spotted at local events around the DMV area. In the past week, she performed at Mason’s Open Mic Night and Relay for Life of Washington, D.C.

In the next month, Franklin will release new singles and her first EP is expected to be released early next year. When asked where she plans to be in the next five years, Franklin said that she hopes to be anywhere that she is able to create and she hopes to go on tour. She said she would love to write a song with One Republic lead singer Ryan Tedder, and sing a duet with Adele.

You can follow Sydney Franklin’s Instagram account, SydneyFranklinMusic, for videos and upcoming performances. Her performances and music can also be found on YouTube and SoundCloud (Sydney Franklin 4).

Photo Courtesy of Sydney Franklin