Syd Carter West has had an unusual route to become the Americana/Southern-rock artist she is today. From award-winning opera singer to original singer-songwriter of her own dirt and dust, West has finally found her path.
This Canadian singer-songwriter grew up in British Columbia and, after hearing the gritty, soulful sound of Amanda Marshall when she was five years old, she knew she wanted to be a singer. By 12 she was training in opera and studying music theory at the Royal Conservatory of Music, competed nationally, and was awarded the much-lauded Gold Medal (formerly Silver). At 20, West moved beyond performing opera and began to write original lyrics and compositions.
“‘Cheaters’, the debut single from Syd Carter West’s forthcoming self-titled EP, is powerful beyond measure. The track was written about West’s personal experience of being cheated on in a past relationship and how she was able to gain the confidence to end the relationship for good.
“Instead of admitting that he cheated, he said he was raped,” says West. “Later on, he recanted and admitted that he said ‘rape’ to cover up his cheating. He manipulated an incredibly traumatizing experience in an effort to cover his ass. This song is how angry, sad and fucked up I was from that experience. This is my closure. This is my middle finger. Somehow, someway, he’s going to hear this song. And he will know it’s about him.”
‘Cheaters’ is proof positive that the bright-eyed, roots ‘n’ soul singer-songwriter is the real deal. With a set of pipes that “feels” – she can belt it out and pull it back in – West’s powerful vocals are reminiscent of Elle King, with a dash of Melissa Etheridge’s growl and the soul of Adele. Her earlier influences range from country chanteuse Deana Carter to the electric blues rock of Led Zeppelin.
Syd Carter West’s new single ‘Cheaters’ is available now on Spotify, Apple Music/iTunes, and other digital retailers and streaming services. For more information, please visit: sydcarterwest.com
