Description
B-Sydes are a Cambridge based indie/ folk/ punk act.
Modern folk that’s as powerful as it is personal.
Modern and authentic folk delivered with power, personality and purpose. B-SYDES (aka rising singer-songwriter Ben Sydes) has been capturing the hearts and minds of audiences since his first EPs.
Having shared the stage with the likes of Frank Turner, Gaz Brookfield, Ferocious Dog, Sam Duckworth, Dave McPherson and countless more, he’s honed his craft, found his true voice, and has set himself up to chase the many ambitions within his music.
Sydes’ introduction to music came in his early teens, inspired by the music his older brother would play from his bedroom. Before long, Sydes found a new “freedom” and a way out of “the rut” by teaching himself guitar. He found himself playing in alternative bands around the Cambridge scene.
Soon, he grew tired and frustrated. In going solo, he found freedom all over again – and the rest of the world started to listen. Punktastic hailed his ‘undeniable passion’, while Big Cheese touted his ‘raw emotion and conviction’ – all of which was at the heart and soul of ‘Constant Fictions’.
“The proudest moment was finishing and releasing my debut album,” Sydes admits. “I really wanted to take my time and get the songs right, get the right people in playing on the record and involved in general. I really think we did that.”
The proof of that can only come from the dedication of the people who enjoy it. “My fanbase is very passionate and supportive,” says Sydes. “They’re willing to travel to shows, sometimes great distance, which is always a compliment.”
It’s on stage where Sydes really comes into his own, where his punk-tinged troubadour energy is allowed to breathe.
“Although I mostly play solo, I think I manage to cover most of the stage during my set,” says Sydes of his live presence. “Not in terms of running around like a headless chicken, more like learning to use the space properly and seem comfortable – even when you’re not. I’m always one to tell a story about a song or what’s happened that day to try raise a smile or a chuckle from the audience.”
