It’s not every day you meet an artist who feels like they’re on the brink of something big, but Syd Taylor? She’s got that energy. After 17 years in the game with her twin sister as part of the duo Stereo Jane, Syd is stepping out on her own. And honestly, it feels like she’s been waiting for this moment, cooking up something new and powerful in the background. Her debut single “Love of Your Life” is out now, and if you’ve ever had a brush with someone who’s a little too obsessed, this track will hit home. Producing everything from her apartment, she’s keeping things raw, real, and maybe even a little messy—intentionally so. There’s something undeniably organic about “Love of Your Life,” a track that’s catchy but also carries that nostalgic vibe that sticks with you. So what makes Syd Taylor tick? Why now, after 17 years, is she stepping out on her own? And how does one turn a somewhat unsettling experience into an upbeat, sexy anthem? Let’s find out.

photo by sophia liv

Syd, stepping out from a duo like Stereo Jane and launching your solo career with “Love of Your Life” is a big shift. What’s been the most exciting and maybe the scariest part of this transition for you?

I’ve been a twin my whole life. It’s a huge part of my identity. When we decided to take a step back, it was like I became my own person for the first time. It was scary because I felt so alone, but it was inspiring to discover more about myself and who I am as Syd Taylor, the individual. 

What was the writing process for “Love of Your Life” like? Did the concept of a guy being too obsessed come to you all at once, or was it one of those ideas that slowly evolved as you wrote?

I was at home and I started playing some guitar chords. The melodies sort of just started coming out of me. And then the lyrics. Earlier that night I had been with my friends watching the first 2 episodes of the Netflix show, “Baby Reindeer”, and I realized I was actually writing about that. I then turned it into a song about a not so fun experience I had with someone who wouldn’t leave me alone. I wanted turn that dark moment into a campy, up beat, rock song! 

So many artists talk about finding their “sound.” Do you feel like you’ve found yours now, or is it still something you’re shaping with each new song you write?

For the first time in my life, I feel like I have found my “sound”. As I started writing this summer, each song felt more and more like me. It’s been so cool feeling confident in who I am and the songs I write/produce. I think my vocals are such a big part of my identity and I’m so excited to showcase them in a way I haven’t before.

You producing everything from your apartment, blending analog and digital sounds. What does your creative space look like, and how does it inspire the sound you’re crafting?

I have a tiny studio in my apartment. Most of my songs I record with bass, guitar, and keys. I have a tiny keyboard that I’m always messing around with to find new sounds. I’m always trying new plugins. I love anything vintage sounding. I can’t afford to work in a studio where everything can be analog, so I try my best to make it sound like it from my computer. Side note- I’m so thankful I haven’t gotten any noise complaints yet because I like it LOUD. Shoutout to my neighbors for being cool. 

You’ve said the demo vocal for “Love of Your Life” felt more special than an overly produced version. What was it about that raw take that really connected with you, and how do you know when something feels “just right”?

I’ve been producing my own vocals for years now. I was primarily working in the Pop/EDM space where everything had to be perfect. I’m a perfectionist at heart. It’s one of my best qualities but also my greatest flaw. I could obsess about getting something perfect forever, but I didn’t want to do that for this project. Especially not for this song. I wanted to let loose and forget about the rules I had been sticking by for the last few years. So I ended up keeping the demo vocal because even though it’s not perfect, it has a really amazing character and vibe. I didn’t want to go back in and re-record it because I felt that it would make it sound too polished.

photo by Emilia Paige

With the upcoming album in the works, how has your sound evolved from the Stereo Jane days? What new elements are you bringing into the mix that we didn’t hear before?

I’m using my voice in a less pop way. When I was a kid, I sang with so much vibrato. Aretha Franklin was my biggest vocal influence. I feel like I lost that the more I worked in this industry.  I also feel like I’m writing a lot folkier than I did with Stereo Jane. I’m just letting my voice guide the songs and they become whatever they think they should be. 

Your show at The Viper Room must have been electric. What was it like performing your unreleased tracks live for the first time? 

I can honestly say that it was one of the most beautiful experiences I’ve ever had. I got to be me for the first time on stage. The crowd was so responsive to the new material and all of my friends were in the front row singing along. I couldn’t have asked for a better debut. 

Let’s talk influences. You’ve got some major names in there—Aretha Franklin, Fleetwood Mac—but are there any unexpected artists that have snuck into your work that might surprise people?

I’ve always been really inspired by live music. Some artists I saw this summer were Bleachers, The 1975, Holly Humberstone, and Olivia Dean to name a few. I always leave really inspired to write for myself. I definitely feel like I can hear some of those artists in my music. 

Now that you’re stepping into this solo journey, how do you feel about the freedom of creative control? Does it ever feel overwhelming, or is it exactly what you’ve been craving?

It’s definitely overwhelming. I’m doing everything myself which is terrifying. But it’s worth it. It’s really freeing. I can make my own schedule and write whatever I want. And while it’s a lot for one person to take on, it’s been an incredible experience. 

Finally, Syd, what does success look like for you now? Some people look at it like it’s this destination—you hit a certain number of streams, sell out shows, or grab a spot on some chart, and boom, you’ve made it. But for others, It’s more about the journey, the day-to-day of getting to do what you love without having to compromise who you are. And I think especially in a creative field like music, success can shift depending on where you are in your life. So, I’m curious—now that you’ve taken this leap as a solo artist, stepped away from the duo, and are making music on your own terms, what does success look like for you? Is it still about those big, shiny milestones like chart positions and sold-out venues? Or has it become more about waking up every day, having the freedom to create, and just enjoying the ride?

I’ve always wanted the same thing. To write passionately and perform my songs for whoever will listen. While I don’t feel I’ve had success in my artist career yet, I feel successful as a person who set her mind to something and did it. I gave myself 3 months to write and produce an album so that I could perform it live in September. First goal, accomplished. My next one is to release the album and find a tour to hop on! I’m not sure when I’ll feel I hit that pivotal moment of success. I can tell you that last night at my show, I felt a feeling in my heart that I know will just keep growing the more I perform for people. 

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