Sydney Wayser Interview: SXSW 2010

Sydney Wayser, 23, grew up in Los Angeles and spent her summers in Paris. This bilingual, bicoastal, bilateral upbringing has given her music a very distinct feel. Wayser is a multi-instrumentalist and while recording her sophomore album, she utilized toy instruments to add even more dimensions to her music. She plays three shows at SXSW before jetting off to France for more performances.

Describe your sound in your own words.

It sounds an awful lot like me playing toys and laughing with my friends while reading Greek tragedies.

Why did you decide to start playing music?

I have been playing music since I was little. There was never really any question about why. My dad was always playing piano/writing downstairs and it became something I was interested in. I then asked to take piano, clarinet and voice lessons and the rest kinda just happened.

What are your musical influences?

My music is influenced from my environment mainly. As far as subject matter goes I tend to draw my inspiration from books, films, painters, life experiences, etc.

Why go by your name and not something else?

I like my name. There is a city named after me!

What's your biggest vice?

Sugar

What's in your festival survival kit?

Stacy's pita chips, any vegan cookies and a jacket (my mom taught me right).

Who was your first celeb crush?

Josh Hartnett

What's your musical guilty pleasure?

'Spice Up Your Life'?

Beatles or Stones?

Beatles. Everyone should watch 'The Anthology'!

What's the craziest thing you've seen or experienced while on tour?

What happens in Minnesota stays in Minnesota.

Why did you become a performer/artist?

There has never been a question as to what I want to do. I woke up one day and said, "Hey, I can travel the world playing music." So that is what I did.

What did you want to be when you were a kid?

A musician and/or a mermaid! The two m's. Tricky decision but since I am scared of sharks, staying out of the water won't be too difficult.

What's your professional dream?

To travel! I am happy just playing music in a new and exciting city each day. I have never been to Sydney and what with it being my namesake and all, I think that would be a great place to play. Sydney plays Sydney!

What other bands/artists do you like?

To name a few: Sufjian Stevens, Leonard Cohen, Regina Spektor, Jeff Buckley, Wilco, Feist, Grizzly Bear, Rilo Kiley, Sigur Ros, the Shins.