Sydney Bennett, a 34-year-old multifaceted artist known for her work as a singer, rapper, producer, and engineer, once yearned for recognition to validate her efforts. She rose to prominence as part of Odd Future, a rebellious Los Angeles rap collective that also featured notable talents like Tyler, the Creator, Frank Ocean, and Earl Sweatshirt. In 2011, she co-founded the indie-R&B group the Internet with her close friend Matt Martians. Since then, Bennett has achieved significant milestones, including the release of two highly praised solo albums, collaborations with artists such as Beyoncé and Kehlani, and a Grammy nomination alongside her bandmates.
However, following the release of her last album, “Broken Hearts Club,” in 2022, she began to seek public accolades. Her perspective shifted dramatically after she purchased a home on the same street where she grew up in Mid-City, Los Angeles. “Now I’m happy,” she says, sipping pineapple juice during our conversation in a private hotel room in East London. When I inquire whether her newfound happiness was as simple as that, she chuckles, revealing a bright smile, and admits, “I’m afraid it was.”
Bennett maintains a modest presence, often opting for understated attire. Today, she sports grey shoes, oversized jeans, and a frayed grey sweatshirt. On her latest album, “Beard,” her vocals are both subtly commanding and playfully expressive, showcasing a mix of smooth and rough textures. While her new work is the focus of our discussion, she often appears more eager to share updates about her bandmates’ upcoming projects.
Her sense of fulfillment stems from creating music that resonates with her true self. Bennett refers to “Beard” as her “first really me album.” Her debut solo project, “Fin,” released in 2017, was largely driven by her desire to establish herself as a songwriter and to create a successful career writing for others. Though she released one of the year’s standout R&B albums, she reflects on her intention with humility. The subsequent album, “Broken Hearts Club,” served as a cathartic expression following a breakup. In contrast, “Beard” allows her to focus on her personal journey, as seen in tracks like “2 Many Days,” where she celebrates her achievements, with much of the album’s production being handled by her own hands.
Bennett was born and raised in Los Angeles, where her mother worked as a clerk and her father held the position of president of sales at Small World Toys. She and her brother, Travis, known as Taco from Odd Future, occasionally modeled for the company. As a teenager, she developed an interest in music production, transforming her parents’ guesthouse into a makeshift studio. This space became a hub for her creativity, as she invited friends over and shared her work on MySpace. When she and Taco joined Odd Future in 2007, the crew utilized the family studio for their recordings, often leaving their mark with graffiti and broken windows.
Initially, Bennett held the role of DJ and engineer within Odd Future. As the collective approaches its 20th anniversary next year, she remains in contact with many of the members. Just yesterday, she spoke with Tyler, the Creator, who was curious about why she and fellow bandmate Steve Lacy planned to release their albums simultaneously. While Bennett finds the situation adorable, Tyler prefers that each album has its own moment in the spotlight. Reflecting on her time in the group, however, she expresses some discomfort.
As Odd Future gained traction with record deals, tours, and a growing fanbase, Bennett faced personal struggles. The camaraderie of their earlier days faded as the focus shifted to professional ambitions. She recalls a pivotal moment when she called a band meeting to discuss recording arrangements, only to be met with the stark realization that their friendships had transformed into a business-like relationship. This shift contributed to her feelings of isolation and depression, which she felt went unrecognized by the group. Fortunately, her bandmate Matt Martians provided support during these tough times, contrasting the lack of understanding from others in Odd Future.
Despite the challenges, Bennett does not harbor resentment toward her time in Odd Future. She acknowledges it as a foundation for her and her brother’s success and a source of pride for their parents. Furthermore, the Internet emerged from Odd Future, and she cherishes the enduring relationships, noting that Tyler still celebrates holidays with her family.
Initially, Bennett aspired to be a music producer but struggled with self-doubt. Being the only woman in Odd Future made her feel intimidated by the male-dominated environment, leading her to underestimate her abilities. Over time, she recognized that her peers were not dismissing her talent but were simply preoccupied with their own creative pursuits.
