Syd has officially returned as The FADER’s newest cover star. While the Odd Future alum is no stranger to the spotlight—having previously graced the cover with her bandmates in 2016—this latest feature offers a deeper, more intimate look at her evolution as a solo artist. Since her last group cover, Syd has released three solo albums, including this year’s Beard, and has spent significant time reflecting on her roots in Mid-City Los Angeles and her growth within the Black creative community.
In a wide-ranging interview with Evan Nicole Brown, Syd discusses the nuances of her “most personal” work to date and provides updates on the highly anticipated new album from The Internet. Below, we explore 11 key takeaways from her latest cover story.
The Creative Process Behind ‘Beard’
Syd revealed that she recorded her latest album, Beard, at her parents’ guest house in Mid-City L.A. This location holds deep significance, as it served as the original studio space where she once sold session time to collaborators like Tyler, the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Vince Staples, and Casey Veggies. She noted that her parents provided the necessary space for her to express herself freely, a sentiment that clearly influenced the record’s intimate tone.
Furthermore, the album’s cover art—a blurred, black-and-white portrait—was shot at her own home, just a 15-minute drive from her childhood neighborhood. Syd emphasized that she thrives in relaxed, DIY environments, preferring the comfort of home over traditional studio settings.
The Evolution of The Internet
Fans of The Internet have been waiting patiently for a follow-up to 2018’s Hive Mind. Syd confirmed that the group, which includes Steve Lacy and Matt Martians, has been working on the project for years. While the music is largely complete, the group is currently in the final stages of polishing, including adding background vocals and finishing touches now that their respective solo projects have concluded.
Artistry and Personal Growth
Syd’s journey into the spotlight was not immediate. She admitted that she never initially intended to be a frontwoman or a singer, having started a band primarily because she needed someone to sing the songs she was writing. It took nearly a decade for her performance anxiety to subside.
Beyond music, Syd has recently taken up painting, transforming her garage into a “fantasy factory” filled with supplies. This creative outlet serves as a personal flex space, allowing her to curate her own environment. Her brother, Travis Bennet (formerly known as Taco), noted that this evolution from a quiet homebody to a confident artist is a testament to her growth, describing her as a “caterpillar that turned into a butterfly.”
“She can see the end, you know, in the beginning. That’s what producers do.” — Raphael Saadiq
With praise from industry heavyweights like Raphael Saadiq, Big Sean, and Jordan Ward, it is clear that Syd’s influence continues to expand. Whether she is fostering dogs with her wife, Ariana Simone, or defining her sound as “soul”—a genre she believes encapsulates everything from bossa nova to house—Syd remains one of the most intentional and authentic voices in modern music.
