Sydney Jo Jackson – You Should Be Here

By starrymag | May 28, 2025

By: Lisa Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

A) I would describe it is as jazz/ soul / pop

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

A) I’m particularly inspired by icons from the 80s. I love Prince and Janet and Michael Jackson. I’m also very inspired by the Spice Girls.

Q) How did your time in Bali help you come up with the idea for “You Should Be Here?”

A) I think being on an island that is so connected with energy and spirituality helped me in finding the time to spend time focusing on my craft and making me see that moving away from Dance music was the correct thing to do.

Q) This song has to resonate with so many of us. What have fans been reaching out to share with you how they connect to it? 

A) It’s really cool to know that people vibe with it. I’ve had people say that they feel like they relate to what the experience is and that it gives them comfort.

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

A) The visuals were made in New York City, and I had not planned for them to be done there originally; it all just organically happened. Which is what happened with the song and how it came about. So, it all really feels like it was meant to be despite how cliche that may sound.

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

A) I love to write when I’m in the bathroom. Like if I’m having a shower I’ll put on instrumentals and come up with ideas. I think that it’s just something to do with the water and being naked. [laughs]

Q) Jonas Bauer crafted the beat for “You Should Be Here,” but how much of a hand do you have in the production of your music?

A) I didn’t partake in the making of this beat although I wish I could say I did.

I usually am in the sessions with my producers and help with the structure of the song. I can’t actually produce, but I have a good ear and like to have an input to the vibe and the over all songs.

Q) With this sultry song out now, will there be a full album or EP coming in the near future?

A) An EP will be out by end of the year.

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you?

A) I love to perform anywhere. I really enjoy open mics or in the subway when you can just jam with another performer. I love the relaxed and authentic environment of it all.

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

A) I mean Janet Jackson would be insane or Missy Elliott. I’ve always been a huge Missy Elliott fan and I like rap music also.

Q) What artist/musician are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

A) I just started listening to Jesse Reyaz – I think her songwriting is just untouchable. Everything she’s singing sounds like a part of my life, and I think when you can relate with an artist’s art like that then you know they’re super special.

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

A) I would like to say a huge thank you first and foremost as it’s always hard to believe in myself. So, to have people call themselves fans or support me, I just find so selfless and generous. And I hope they enjoy the art that I will be putting out in the near future.