From Lubbock to LA: Sydney Ross Mitchell’s Journey Through Folk Dream Pop and Finding Her Voice in a New Era of Freak Folk

Sydney Ross Mitchell’s musical journey is a captivating blend of introspection and exploration, beginning in the country-infused heart of Lubbock, Texas, and evolving through the vibrant, eclectic scenes of Nashville and Los Angeles.

With her unique sound, dubbed "Folk Dream Pop," Sydney combines the lyrical depth of 2000s country with the ethereal textures of modern indie, all while embracing the emerging "freak folk" movement. In this interview, she opens up about the pivotal moments that shaped her artistry, the challenges of finding her voice, and the inspiration behind her most personal songs.

Nicolle: Hi, Sydney, can you introduce yourself and your music style to our readers and any new potential fans?
Sydney: Hi! I’m Sydney and I make songs. I call it Folk Dream Pop, but I’ve seen the term “freak folk” thrown around online lately and I think that works too.

Nicolle: Your music journey began in Lubbock, Texas. How did your early exposure to 2000s country tunes influence your sound today?
Sydney: Country music is very lyrics-focused - I remember sitting in the back of my Mom’s car, listening to Billy Currington, desperately trying to catch every line. I wanted to understand and I wanted to remember. So, it doesn’t surprise me that when I started writing songs, getting the words right felt like the most important thing. I also really love pedal steel.

Nicolle: Despite not having a musical family background, you found music came naturally to you. Can you describe the moment you realized songwriting was your best outlet?
Sydney: I remember having (what I would call) a spiritual experience the first time I heard “That’s Alright” by Fleetwood Mac. I felt like I was holding hands with 1,000 people. I grew up in a culture where politeness and sensibility were held in a much higher regard than self-expression, and for a long time, I was afraid that there were certain things I would never be able to say out loud. It only went away when I was writing. The concept of “artistic license” felt like a shield. It liberated me. I honestly might’ve gone insane without it.

Nicolle: You moved to Nashville to further your career alongside your mentor. How did the city's music scene shape your development as an artist?
Sydney: My two years in Nashville felt like a crash course. I kind of laugh when I look back on it now - I had no idea what I was doing and the growing pains were intense. If I’m being honest, the most important thing I learned from my time in Nashville came from my decision to leave. I told myself I would never go home because I thought it would mean giving up, but when it happened, it didn’t feel like giving up, it felt like starting over, and I felt more inspired than defeated. It made me tougher.

Nicolle: After spending time in Nashville, you returned to your hometown to record your first EP. What drew you back to Lubbock for this important milestone?
Sydney: Good question. There was very little thought or logic involved in the decision. I have a perfect memory of waking up one morning, lying there in bed, and out of nowhere I just said to myself, “I’m going home.” I think it had to have been divine intervention. I spent a year at school studying audio engineering and entertainment business and then dropped out again. I recorded an EP and then scratched it - but it all brought me back down to earth again. I came closer to myself and reconnected with the reasons I started doing this in the first place. I got to see my Mom every day. It was perfect.

Nicolle: You’re now based in LA and have been releasing singles for the past two years. How has the LA music scene influenced your work compared to Nashville?
Sydney: The community is really special. There’s an openness - a willingness to explore, to get weird. The creative people I’ve met here have made me feel really supported in saying whatever I feel like I need to say. I’ve been very lucky.

Nicolle: Your latest single, "Sting," is something I am sure a lot of people can relate to. Can you tell us more about the inspiration behind this song and its unfinished love story theme?
Sydney: The inspiration behind the song is 100% literal. There really was a spider trapped in a jar, and it was such an insanely perfect metaphor for how I felt at the time. It was the classic “more than friends, less than lovers.” It’s the ambiguity that gnaws at you.

Nicolle: Your music often draws from personal experiences and relationships. How do you approach translating these intimate stories into your songs?
Sydney: I think it’s funny how you can have a profoundly intimate experience with someone, or someone can hurt you so bad, or you can love somebody so much, but the feeling is so big that the only way to bring it down to earth is by talking about the little things. The stuff that might’ve been missed if you weren’t paying attention. That’s how I approach it I guess, just talking about the little things I remember.

Nicolle: What advice would you give to aspiring singer-songwriters who are trying to find their unique sound and voice in the music industry?
Sydney: Figure out how to be okay with embarrassing yourself. It’s exhilarating. Also, trust your taste. “Because I like it” is a full sentence.

Nicolle: How do you see your music evolving in the next few years, and are there any new directions or collaborations you’re excited to explore?

Sydney: I don’t know what my music will sound like in a few years. I don’t really want to know. So much new has come into my life lately - right now I just want to be in it, feel it, see what comes up, and follow what pulls. That’s the plan.

As Sydney continues to carve out her space in the music world, her journey reflects a deep commitment to authenticity and creative freedom. From the early influences of country music in Lubbock to the experimental energy of Los Angeles, she remains driven by a desire to explore new sounds and tell stories that resonate on a personal level. With an open mind and a fearless approach to her craft, Sydney is poised to evolve in unexpected and exciting ways, inviting listeners to join her on a path defined by honesty, vulnerability, and a touch of the surreal.

You can listen to her latest single Sting here and you can follow her on her Instagram here.

_

Nicolle Knapova is a 30-year-old young adult writer and freelance blogger from the Czech Republic. She has a master’s degree in Creative Writing and Publishing at Bournemouth University. She loves to write about music, books and TV shows. If she’s not writing her fan fiction, she’s writing her poetry and sharing it on her Instagram @elisecaverly.