The multitalented artist shares her journey from songwriting to Off-Broadway and her passion for inspiring the next generation.
Sydney Kamel © 2024
GH: What inspired you to start writing music?
Sydney Kamel: Gregory Orr has a quote that says, “If we’re not supposed to dance, why all this music?”
There is so much art and music decorating this world. I always wanted to live my life highlighting that beauty. In school, I would hear music in the sound of pencil on paper or see art in the way droplets would form on the outside of my glass on a hot day. I always wanted to turn that inspiration into art. Even when I’m going through battles, I find so much liberation in creating beauty out of the things that pain me. Beauty can always be found by those who look for it.
GH: Can you tell us more about your experience performing live at gigs? What was the most memorable experience you’ve had?
Sydney Kamel: There is truly nothing like a live audience. I remember when I was young, I would be brought to tears watching artists create music in front of my eyes. It still gives me goosebumps to think that I now have the opportunity to inspire others in the same way.
I recently had an experience where a man and his 6-year-old daughter approached me after one of my performances. He told me it was her first time in New York City and that I was the first live performer she had ever seen. She looked up at me and said, “I think I want to do theater now.” I never felt more proud.
GH: How is your songwriting process set up?
Sydney Kamel: Every song is different. I’ve had times in my life when I was battling hardships and couldn’t put my feelings into words, so I just sat at a piano and found a melody that captured my experience. There have been other times when I would write a poem that I later turned into a song.
Sometimes inspiration will hit me at a random moment, and other times, I’ll force myself to sit down and see what I can come up with. One of my most influential teachers once told me that a song will reveal what it wants to say—whether it’s the lyrics or the music that comes first, let it unravel naturally rather than trying to force it.
GH: What motivates you to create music and bring awareness to different situations through your songs?
Sydney Kamel: I find a lot of inspiration from other people. I so deeply want to share with others the beauty that I see in them. I hope to help people see that life is meant to be lived. Dreams are possible, and this world wants to embrace you. You are so important; you matter more than you know.
GH: Could you share some insights into your next projects?
Sydney Kamel: I am currently working on one of my original shows, Broadway Divas, which will be taken Off-Broadway to The Triad Theater in March. This is a show that I’ve written and arranged with the help of Harry Castle, my original music director, and Kathleen Wrinn, the director of the piece. It honors many incredible female artists of Broadway and is so close to my heart.
I’m also writing a film set to shoot in early 2025. While I can’t share too much information yet, I will say that an incredibly talented team of artists is part of this project, and I’m excited to see it unfold!
GH: Who in your life inspired you to get where you are?
Sydney Kamel: I can’t talk about my parents enough. They noticed this spark inside me when I was young and did absolutely everything in their power to support me in pursuing my dreams. They also truly believed in me every step of the way, which is a big reason I never gave up, even when I struggled to believe in myself.
I also have a wonderful community of friends and fellow artists surrounding me. I learn so much from them. I couldn’t be where I am now without the people by my side. If I can say one thing to other artists: the most beauty happens when we come together and uplift one another rather than compete. When artists come together, we are unstoppable.
Don't Forget To Follow Sydney On Instagram and visit her website sydneykamel.com