Music & Concerts
Syd of the Internet fame releases impressive debut album ‘Fin’
It’s chill, sexy and thought-provoking all at once, an impressive debut
(Photo courtesy Columbia Records)
The 24 year-old Los Angeles-based singer/songwriter Syd (born Sydney Bennett) has just unleashed an impressive debut solo album, “Fin,” out now on Columbia Records. “Fin” is a smart collection of pulsating R&B, a quiet storm of electronic beats and imaginative arrangements. It’s chill, sexy and thought-provoking all at once, an impressive debut.
The openly gay Syd began her career as part of Odd Future, a hip-hop collective that has at various times included such luminaries as Tyler, the Creator, Earl Sweatshirt, Frank Ocean, among many others. In 2011, Syd co-founded the neo-soul group the Internet, whose acclaimed 2015 album “Ego Death” was nominated for a Grammy for Best Urban Contemporary Album. Syd is still a part of the Internet (with whom she will be performing at the Fillmore in Silver Spring on Feb. 27), but with “Fin” she clearly stakes her claim as a solo artist worthy of attention.
“Fin” is hypnotic and low-key, Syd’s captivating voice adding a velvety softness to the generally spare electronic beats. She maintains an aura of coolness, keeping her emotions in check — nothing is overheated or overdone. There’s plenty of sonic space for the listener to appreciate the subtle complexities that Syd and her collaborators lace throughout the album. Syd co-wrote every track and produced much of the album along with several top-notch collaborators.
Album opener “Shake Em Off” establishes the equable mood with Syd delivering a lovely and understated vocal over a stuttery rhythm and a simple booming bass riff. “Know” is one of several tracks that seem influenced by ‘90s R&B artists like Toni Braxton and Aaliyah. Syd sings in her whispery upper register, reminiscent of Janet Jackson at times. “Nothin to Somethin” is stripped-down melodic hip-hop, her laid-back half-sung vocals keeping the mellow vibe intact.
The lead single “All About Me” finds Syd somewhere between a recitation and a rap over spare electro-beats and a quavery keyboard riff that sounds like it’s bubbling up from under water. “Smile More” is a smooth R&B ballad, another ‘90s throwback with an ultra chill vibe that’s intoxicating. “Got Her Own,” with its slow-burning groove and sultry multi-layered vocals, is another beguiling track on an album loaded with them.
On “Body,” Syd dips her toes back into ‘90s R&B with a sinuous melody sung in her beautiful falsetto over a sparse arrangement, mostly just a simple combination of electronic beats and a quavery synthesizer. Arguably the album’s high point is “Over,” a collaboration with up-and-coming R&B vocalist 6LACK that contemplates the end of a relationship from both points of view. 6LACK’s contribution involves a much harsher retribution than Syd’s — he ends the song with an open-ended question that presents an obstacle present in many relationships: “How we gon’ look for help when you don’t know yourself?” Interesting that he gets the last word and Syd’s character leaves his accusations unchallenged. Maybe she agrees.
The final track is “Insecurities,” in which Syd delivers what seems to be a more personal and revealing side to herself. She doesn’t shy away from her gayness, with lines like, “You know I love you girl/maybe more than I love myself/but in a perfect world/I would be with somebody else.” She wants to leave, but her insecurities prevent her from making the move. Every moment feels genuine. It’s intriguing that Syd would end such a self-assured album with a song that expresses doubt and apprehension. She’s not about false bravado or what one might expect from pop/R&B aiming for Top 40 radio. Syd isn’t afraid to be vulnerable, or one might say, real.
“Fin” is emotionally honest and musically alluring, a pleasurable listen that should earn Syd much praise and recognition. It’s a strong debut for a young artist who is on a trajectory that could eventually lead to true greatness.
Music & Concerts
Tom Goss returns with ‘Bear Friends Furever Tour’
Out singer/songwriter to perform at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Singer Tom Goss will bring his “Bear Friends Furever Tour” to D.C. on Sunday, June 8 at 8 p.m. at Red Bear Brewing Co.
Among the songs he will perform will be “Bear Soup,” the fourth installment in his beloved bear song anthology series. Following fan favorites like “Bears,” “Round in All the Right Places,” and “Nerdy Bear,” this high-energy, bass-thumping banger celebrates body positivity, joyful indulgence, and the vibrant spirit of the bear subculture.
For more details, visit Tom Goss’s website.
Aussie pop icon Kylie Minogue brings her acclaimed “Tension” world tour to D.C. next Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. at the Capital One Arena. Tickets are still available at Ticketmaster.
The show features songs spanning her long career, from 1987 debut single, “The Loco-Motion,” to “Padam, Padam” from her album, “Tension.”
Music & Concerts
Busy season for live music in D.C.
Erivo, Kylie, Sivan, and more headed our way this spring
One sure sign of spring’s arrival is the fresh wave of live music coming to Washington. With more than 10 venues and a diverse lineup of artists, the city offers no shortage of live performances for the new season.
In addition to this impressive list, don’t forget the many artists coming to town for WorldPride, May 17-June 8. In addition to headliner Cynthia Erivo performing on Saturday, June 7 at the two-day street festival and concert, many other performers will be in town. Jennifer Lopez, Troye Sivan, and RuPaul are among the featured performers at the WorldPride Music Festival at the RFK Festival Grounds, June 6-7. Visit WorldPrideDC.org for a list of other performers.
MARCH
Grammy and Emmy Award-winning Mary J. Blige will take the stage at Capital One Arena on March 26 for her For My Fans tour. Two days later, on March 28, J Balvin will also perform at Capital One Arena for his Back to the Rayo tour.
The Lincoln Theatre will host the Gay Men’s Chorus of Washington for three performances—one on March 15 and two on March 16.
If dance parties are more your vibe, you’re in luck. DC9 is hosting a series of themed dance parties this month, starting with Poker Face: 2000s + Dance Party on March 14, the ever-popular Peach Pit ’90s dance party on March 15, H.O.T.S.: A Sapphic Dance Party on March 22, and RageRiot!—a burlesque and drag revue featuring a lineup of local drag kings, queens, and everything in between on March 29.
APRIL
Australian queen of pop Kylie Minogue will bring her Tension tour to Capital One Arena on April 8, with British dance artist Romy as her special guest.
Indie singer-songwriter mxmtoon will stop in D.C. for their Liminal Space tour on April 4 at the 9:30 club, followed by indie rock band Gossip on April 5. The 9:30 club will also host two dance parties in April: Gimme Gimme Disco – a dance party inspired by ABBA on April 11 and Broadway Rave on April 18.
The Atlantis will feature Brooklyn-based indie rock band Pom Pom Squad on April 2.
Comedy duo Two Dykes and a Mic will bring their Going Hog Wild tour to the Howard Theatre on April 19.
DC9 has two dance parties lined up this month: Bimbo Night on April 4, hosted by Baltimore’s “premier red-tattooed Filipina diva” Beth Amphetamine, and Aqua Girls: A QTBIPOC Dance Party on April 5, celebrating “queer transcendence through music, movement, and community.”
The Anthem will welcome a lineup of big names in April, starting with Alessia Cara on April 8. Lucy Dacus will take the stage on April 18 and 19 for her Forever Is a Feeling tour, while funky pop artist Remi Wolf will headline on April 27, joined by special guests Dana and Alden.
MAY
Indie-pop artist Miya Folick will bring her Erotica Veronica tour to The Atlantis on May 1, followed by multi-genre musician SASAMI on May 2. Pop artist Snow Wife will close out the month at The Atlantis on May 31 as part of an official WorldPride 2025 event.
Queer rock band Lambrini Girls will perform at the Howard Theatre on May 4, while rock trio L.A. Witch will take the stage at DC9 on May 12.
Union Stage will feature Rachel Platten on May 3 for her Set Me Free tour, followed by Femme Fatale: A Queer Dance Party later that night.
The popular DJ festival Project Glow will return to RFK Stadium grounds on May 31 and June 1.
JUNE
Pride month kicks off with “RuPaul’s Drag Race” star Trixie Mattel, who will perform at Echostage on June 3 as part of a series of official WorldPride 2025 events.
Queer icons Grace Jones & Janelle Monáe will take over The Anthem on June 5 for a WorldPride 2025 event performance.
Perfume Genius will bring his signature sound to the 9:30 club on June 7 as part of WorldPride 2025 festivities. Later in the month, Blondshell will hit the 9:30 club for her If You Asked for a Tour on June 24.
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