AN IN-DEPTH CONVERSATION WITH THE CANADIAN QUEEN OF THE UNDERGROUND- SYDNEY BLU

By: Christina Schmidt

Sydney Blu has been a leading name in the Toronto underground scene since the very beginning…bringing class and grit to everything she touches, I’m sure we can all agree we are proud to have her representing Toronto on the global scale. Not only as has she been labelled as one of the most powerful female DJ/producers, Sydney collectively puts gender labels aside and keeps up with all the big boys of the industry, all though I’m sure she will graciously take the label of The Canadian Queen of the Underground. We caught up with Sydney after an epic weekend at Pacha NYC, and since then she has been on a back to back schedule of shows like playing an intimate set at the MixMag Lab LA (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b3ITnHQumM4) , and being one of the expected final DJ’s to play at the infamous Guverment complex before closing it’s door at the end of the month.

And let’s just say we went deep with this one, we wanted to know it ALL…where she began, what inspires her signature sound that has taken over the world, and where she finds all that passion that goes into her parties, label, and of course her music. Love This City TV lets get to know the one and only SYDNEY BLU….

You just played b2b with Nathan Barato at Pacha NYC. Both representing top Canadian talent on the global scale. Describe the vibe playing with someone who is so close to your roots at such a famed venue? What energy does this bring to your career?

It was such a great night. I love Nathan, We have been spinning together for 15 years now! He’s someone who I have always loved to DJ with and it was SO great to be able to do it at Pacha. What a great room to play. I also have played Pacha about 4/5 times before this but I feel like this was one of my favourite times ever.

As one of the leaders in the Toronto underground scene, who are some of the up and comers you have been keeping an eye on in the city?

Jonathan Rosa who had my most recent release on BLU Music ‘Storm’ is an up-and -comer from Toronto who I’m definitely pushing for. He’s a talented DJ and producer who I plan to sign more tracks of this this year. Jayforce is another one who’s such a talented producer. I’ve known him for years. I’ll be pushing for this guy. His releases on my label last year were both fire. Super excited for what’s to come with him.

You have made your home in LA but we all know how important Toronto is to you. What are the benefits of living in LA and what do you miss the most about Toronto?

The benefits of living in LA (besides the obvious …amazing weather) are everyone is health conscious. Everyone eats organic and I have learned more about taking care of my body than anywhere else. Also, people don’t party as crazy as they do in Toronto. I feel like there is a bit more drive in LA to be honest. It’s a sink or swim city. You HAVE to be on top of your game. You can’t go out all night at get home when the sun is coming up. There is no time for that. It’s work work work & Goals & What’s next? What are your plans for success? Everyone is in the industry there, whether they are an artist or behind the scenes. You gotta work your butt off. You cannot slack. I feel Toronto has some INSANELY talented people and it’s VERY artistic with that artisticness (is that even a word?) it’s easy to get caught up in the party craziness of the scene. I did, and I know most people that are hard players in the Toronto scene do. However, I feel like you get much less done this way. So there are pro’s and cons for sure. I love coming back to Toronto because the energy is SO electric there, but I easily get caught up in the party and fall behind on work. I think I like a dose of BOTH cities right now. I feel like I kind of live in both places.

One of the biggest demands as a producer is evolving in order to succeed with the times. In the past year your sound has changed quite a bit and you have produced some of your best work to date. Describe the journey from when you started your career to the change we have heard in 2014.

I basically evolved over time with my surroundings. I started playing the big room stuff when I was living in Miami and playing Mansion. After a couple years of it, it’s like I woke up one day and said “What am I doing? I don’t even like this music anymore.” I can’t even go on the Progressive House genre on Beatport and buy 1 track I like because (let’s be honest) it’s all terrible. I went to Movement Detroit in 2013. That was also a wakeup call. After that I changed. It took me a while to FIND the sound I wanted to represent me. I think the music I am making now really represents me.

You have toured the world playing music, it’s probably a hard decision but what are 3 of your favourite gigs you played to date?

Off the top of my head:

1. Rogers Centre with Deadmau5 November 2011. My whole family flew in for it. It was a special night

2. My final headlining show at Footwork with Starvingyetfull from Azari and III

3. Ultra Music Festival 2012 headlining the UMF Radio Stage. Crazy insane gig. The pics alone prove it.

Blu Music has become a highly respected label in the industry, what have been some of the biggest milestones of the label and what’s some projects we can keep an eye out for?

The biggest milestone was our big #1 hit I Want a Freak which stayed Top ten for 3 months. Also Our True Blood remix Bad Blood by myself and Christian Falero was played by almost every DJ & charted Top 10. This year, Jonathan Rosa’s storm was supported by people like Roger Sanchez and Jayforce’s Johnny Advice was played by some big acts likes Mark Knight, Groove Armada and Paco Osuna

I have your latest EP on repeat! I’m loving the vibe and stripped down grit of both tracks. You can really see the true underground roots in Sydney Blu coming out. You just dropped ‘Vnderground’ at Pacha NYC this past weekend, what’s the response you have been getting and what was the inspiration behind the 2 Track EP?

When I dropped it at Pacha people went OFF. It really goes off anywhere I play it. The response has been really amazing. I hope it does well on Beatport. We just got a HUGE banner on the Tech House page, which means it got a lot of support. That’s a good sign!

https://soundcloud.com/sydneyblu/sets/vnderground-ep

Vnderground was your debut release on Kevin Saunderson’s KMS label. How did that come about and how it was collaborating with such a legend representing one of top labels in the world?

Kevin played for me at Miami Music Week in 2014, for my BLU party. I kept in touch with Kevin’s manager Phil and the rest is history.

Putting genres aside, labels aside, names aside, and gender aside, what is GOOD music to you?

Something that makes your hair stand on end. You know it when you hear it. You feel it in your soul. It gives you natural energy. Doesn’t have to do with a genre, just makes you FEEL.

Your infamous BLU parties are a staple in your in your collection of musical outlets. Describe what these parties mean to you and after such a successful tour this past year how are you going to top it in 2015?

These parties are my babies. I work SO hard on them. I book artists that inspire me and that I love to DJ with. I plan to take these shows SO much further in 2015. I plan to take them around the world. It’s going to be a big year of BLU parties.

Along with throwing your parties, you are an accomplished producer, busy DJ, label boss, on totally top of your social media game (and not to add a busy mom to a little pup named Nico)…where do you find your balance?

Well my dog definitely gives me balance. He gives me a chance to express my motherly instincts on something. I love him dearly. I also do Yoga as much as possible and try to eat healthy. This is important.

What has seemed to be the best method of producing some of your favourite work?

Definitely when I have time to think or time to create space for myself is when I am most creative. Also on the plane is another good time to create music. I wrote ‘It Doesn’t Matter’ on a plane actually.

Where do you gain your deepest inspiration from and in what atmosphere does mind reach it’s creative peak?

Like I said, when I STOP and let myself think I can create. You cannot create or be creative with no time and just work work work. You need to stop and give your self space to come up with stuff. It’s like pushing yourself too hard, you can’t do it. Rest is important too. I can’t write on no sleep. I don’t get the people that do.

If you had a weekend off and had the opportunity to go ANYWHERE to hear ANYONE play. No limits. Where would you go and who would you hear?

Well next weekend I’m hoping to take my first weekend off in 2 months and go skiing and go to wine country. I can’t wait. I also want to go to Bali in Thailand as soon as possible. It’s a long time dream of mine. Maybe stay there for an extended trip.

What does 2015 have in store for Sydney Blu and all of your fans?

My first artist album! I can’t wait! It’ll come out early spring. Lots of amazing tunes. Get ready! Also get ready for another HUGE Miami Music Week showcase. This WILL be big. It was last year and it’ll be even bigger this year!

Let’s get personal! 10 questions to get to know Sydney Blu beyond her music 🙂

Favorite perfume? Versace Crystal

If you could listen to only one song on repeat for the rest of your life what would it be? Turn Me On – Danny Tenaglia

Where is your favourite place to relax? HOME

Fav place to party? Toronto…no doubt

If you won the lottery what would be the first thing you do?

Give it to Dogs Without Borders in LA and rescue all the dogs. The lottery will kill you if you keep the money. I believe this. Work for your money.

Celebrity crush? Many Characters in Game of Thrones…Particularly John Snow

What’s your biggest hobby outside of music? Yoga

Fav dessert? Ice Cream!!

3 things that define “Happy” to you?

My Puppy, Yoga and being in love & connecting with another person