Photos courtesy of Swurve (@swurv3)
Co-founder of the band The Internet, member of the collective Odd Future, and Grammy-winning artist Syd released her third solo project, Beard, last Friday. Beard is a 12-track album that features a variety of artists, including Big Sean, Blu June, Jordan Ward, and more. This album is about coming to terms with yourself, both the good and the bad. Beard pays ode to the complexities of loving yourself and others, while learning to be comfortable in your own skin despite societal pressures. Syd has a longstanding career in the music industry and has learned to love herself for who she is despite her insecurities, encouraging others to stay in tune with themselves throughout their careers.
Syd hosted a private listening event for her recent album release, Beard, at The Motoring Club in Glassell Park, where those who worked on the album could celebrate alongside family and friends. It was a wonderful celebration of the album and the music community.
Guests were welcomed with Gam Gam smash burgers, drinks, and good vibes. The moment they entered the venue, excitement filled the room. Before playing the album, the DJ set the mood, bringing good vibes and great music to the dance floor.
The venue had hidden gems highlighting Syd’s latest release. Cars were cleverly used as decor and photo ops, with “Beard” stamped on every license plate and a photo booth set up inside a classic van. My favorite installation throughout the venue was a vibrant stained-glass car. The album art was projected on the main wall, which later revealed the lyrics to each song as it played throughout the speakers. Listening to her new album for the first time as the lyrics were unveiled created an intimate experience. The space was clearly curated with intention, providing a meaningful environment to showcase the album.
There were many interactive activities throughout the night to accompany this evening of socialization and celebration. There was a table with prints of the album cover available to draw on with paint pens. Everyone took turns adding their renditions to the album cover. It was amazing to see how creative some people were with their personalized designs.
Then it was time for Syd to announce the start of the album listening experience. She thanked everyone involved in the project and those in attendance that night. She was extremely humble, and it was fantastic to hear about the album from her perspective before it was released to the public.
Throughout the night, Syd took the time to personally thank everyone who helped bring the album to life. Fortunately, I was able to speak with her and some of the musicians who worked on the album to get some insight. We both agreed, upon first listen, that the fourth song, “My Love,” was one of our favorites on the album. She told me the song came to her spontaneously during a collaborative jam session with the other musicians. Initially, “My Love” was not going to be on the album, but following an impromptu session, this standout was elevated to a key addition on the final project. I was immediately captivated by the song’s smooth, bossa nova groove. Hearing jazz break into the mainstream through a completely new perspective feels like a breath of fresh air. The song itself is about protecting her partner from men when in public, starting off with:
“I see him trying you… I wanna protect you, baby… Come stay at my place. I can take care of you. Holster at my waist. Just to keep them off you.”
Syd would do absolutely anything to shield her loved ones from harm. She is willing to go to extremes for love and is not worried about the consequences:
“If I go down I’d smile in my cell all day. ‘Cause you’d know I love you, babe.”
We are all human and face difficulties at different points in life. However, the key message behind Beard is about how we learn and grow from our mistakes. The album art even showcases the lines blurring in her life. Syd’s authenticity and honesty is brilliantly reflected throughout this album.
Listen to Beard below:
