By Cynthia Gross
New York-based singer-songwriter Sydney Lauren releases her latest single “Maybe,” a feisty, tongue-in-cheek post-breakup song that restores her to pre-breakup splendor. Breakups are inevitably messy and painful. The contrasting compatibility of playful production and a melancholy narrative provides a fitting backing to Sydney’s assertion: there are no “maybes” in love.
In response to her ex-lover’s callous indifference, Sydney clarifies, “maybe is reserved for things that don’t hurt, like should you chop off your hair or throw out clothes you don’t wear.” There’s a poetic, upbeat quality to “Maybe” that feels empowering despite the subject matter. Fans of Ingrid Andress and Taylor Swift will feel at home with Sydney Lauren’s music.
Sydney collaborated with long-time producer Jake Ohlbaum remotely to record “Maybe” due to the pandemic. She notes they were able to capture the same magic in the recording process that typically fills the room during in-person studio sessions.
Perhaps what’s most attractive about “Maybe” is that Sydney makes no apologies for who she is or the skin-deep elements her ex-lover attempts to project as faults. “I’m pretty decisive, strongheaded, I know what I like,” she sings. The song is a testament to the value of self-love and never settling for less than what you deserve. During a period of heartbreak, Sydney takes comfort in the freedom that comes from moving on from a relationship that was never meant to last.
Sydney Lauren’s growing body of work continues to move audiences. She has been featured on Temptation Island and The Biggest Loser on USA Network, in addition to performing at notable NYC venues including The Delancey and The Bitter End.
Her honest songwriting provides an authentic representation of who she is. “No over-the-top makeup or creating an image of myself that doesn’t feel truthful,” Sydney explains. “It’s a girl with her guitar, telling stories she writes in her bedroom in hopes that others will relate.”
“You can take your maybes cause I’m alright,” Sydney sings boldly in the closing line of the song, leaving listeners to wonder who ended up the most damaged – Sydney or the ex-lover. The song serves as a refreshing reminder that new beginnings offer an opportunity to live on your own terms and find love outside the confines of “maybe.”
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Cynthia Gross is a freelance writer and award-winning spiritual pop artist based in Maryland. With more than a decade of experience as an executive ghostwriter, she understands the power of each individual’s voice to create positive, meaningful change.
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Alchemical Records is a Washington, D.C. based music publication. We cover the Washington, D.C., Baltimore and Richmond, VA metro area music scenes, including band interviews, articles about your favorite musicians, new music and concert dates.
