In this interview spotlight, I chat with Sheridan Reed about the latest project, challenges, motivations and more.
Full Q&A along with links and music below.
Where are you from and what style of music do you create? (In your own words, not necessarily in marketing terms or by popular genre classifications.)
I’m based out of Austin, Texas. I write music that’s for me, but that I hope people could relate to. I’ve played lots of different genres in the past from folk and indie to hard rock and jazz, and after all that I settled on where I’m at now. I wanted to write music with a feel, a groove that people could move to, or sit back and relax to, while still feeling the ebb and flow. It’s always hard to classify your own music but if I had to I describe it as pop soul.
What led you down this path of music and what motivates you to stay the course?
It’s been a long journey getting here, first inspired to pursue music by my older brother but then finding my own legs and direction. I played classical, then jazz, then rock and now I’ve finally developed my own sound and style. It wasn’t really up to me as far as staying the course and continuing to do music. I do it for me, it’s what I would naturally be doing on my own as a cathartic experience, to work through certain emotions and experiences. It’s what I love to do and it’s my favorite feeling in the world to finish a song—it feels like my brain can finally put the issue to rest, at least a little bit. At this point I do it for me, and if people can relate and enjoy it then all the better.
How is your new release different than previous ones? Did you set out to accomplish anything specific?
This release will be my first release that In a new style and genre for me. It’s something new for me as I’m trying out new things and growing as an artist.
Do you face any challenges as an indie musician in a digital age? On the flip side, how has technology helped you (if it has)?
It’s definitely tough trying to make music work as an independent artist, constantly trying to book shows, network, make connections and navigate my way through the modern social media driven music scene. That being said, I started to work with it rather than being resistant to it, and it’s been the best thing I could have done for my career. We live in an age where we’re connected like never before, on a global level, able to reach audiences more easily than we ever could have previously dreamed. I’ve taken that to heart and try to connect with fans from all over the world, and it’s payed me back with a lot of different incredible opportunities I wouldn’t have otherwise had.
Where can we follow you online and hear more music?
You can visit www.sheridanreed.com for more information on me, and you’ll be able to hear my new single across all digital steaming services July 27th.
Anything else before we sign off?
I’m just so grateful to be given the opportunities that I have, and for the people in my life that have continued to support me and my music.
