Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Sidney Copus. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Sidney, appreciate you making time for us and sharing your wisdom with the community. So many of us go through similar pain points throughout our journeys and so hearing about how others overcame obstacles can be helpful. One of those struggles is keeping creativity alive despite all the stresses, challenges and problems we might be dealing with. How do you keep your creativity alive?
I keep my creativity alive by constantly striving to understand myself better every day. This involves staying open to new ways of learning and growing, and being mindful and in tune with my surroundings. I make a conscious effort to truly listen to others and to myself. This practice often leads me to find inspiration for songs in the smallest details and moments. Many of my favorite songs that I’ve written have been sparked by something seemingly insignificant someone said or a fleeting moment. For example, my song “Float” was inspired by a tourist I encountered in Venice, Italy. She was so engrossed in taking a selfie video that she completely missed seeing this incredible gold building right in front of her. I believe creativity works in a similar way—if you’re not open to it or actively seeking it, you’ll miss it.
Many people believe that creativity is an innate talent, something you either possess or you don’t. However, the truth is that we’re all creative and it’s a skill that can be cultivated and honed over time. Some of the things I do to practice and keep the creative channels flowing are:
*Journaling/Writing Daily: This habit enhances my self-awareness and helps me process my emotions, often leading to creative ideas for songwriting. Writing every day keeps my thoughts organized and allows my mind to wander freely, sparking new ideas.
*Spending Time in Nature: Whether it’s going for a walk or a hike, or simply watching the rain, nature is a powerful source of inspiration.
*Engaging with Different Art Forms: I listen to a wide variety of music, read books, and watch films. This exposure to different forms of storytelling and expression often ignites new ideas and approaches in my own creative process.
*Connecting with People: Conversations with friends, family, and even strangers can be incredibly inspiring. Hearing their stories, experiences, and perspectives opens up new avenues of thought and creativity.
*Staying Curious: I always try to maintain a sense of curiosity about the world. Exploring new places, trying new activities, and learning about different cultures and ideas can spark creativity in unexpected ways.
Creativity, for me, is about staying open, curious, and connected to the world around me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I grew up on a working cattle ranch in small-town East Texas, where I serenaded the cows; now, I serenade listeners across Austin. With a Texas fiddler as my grandfather, I was surrounded by the essence of bluegrass and the joy of making music from an early age. My earliest singing experiences were with the church choir, where I learned to harmonize and perform on stage. Growing up, I was always singing. As you can imagine, this annoyed my two older brothers quite a bit, so I often practiced my singing outside in the pastures where the cows would be my attentive audience.
As a teenager, my passion for music led me to pick up the guitar to accompany myself, and soon I was performing all around my small town—every Sunday and Wednesday for my church, at local events, and notably, delivering powerful renditions of the national anthem at sporting events. In college, my talents reached even greater heights as I sang for audiences of up to 4,000 people. However, in 2014, upon moving to Austin, I set aside my musical aspirations to focus on my career.
Over the following eight years, I put my degree in Social Work to good use, dedicating myself wholeheartedly to my role within the local non-profit organization, Girls Empowerment Network. It served as more than just a workplace; it was a platform where I witnessed firsthand the transformative power of encouragement and support. As I helped girls discover their inner strength and realize their potential, I found my own confidence and sense of purpose steadily growing. I often reflect on how, in guiding others to believe in themselves, I found my own belief in my abilities deepening. I fondly recall a moment early in my career at Girls Empowerment Network, during a goal-setting group session, where I bravely penned down a personal aspiration: “attend a local open-mic.” Despite the initial uncertainty and the passing of a few years, I eventually realized this goal and more!
At the end of 2022, I left my job, uncertain of what was next, but feeling a strong pull back to music. The pandemic had reignited my passion, and I began posting covers on social media. As venues began opening up again, I nervously started to attend open-mics, not just to brush up on my stage presence but also to connect with fellow musicians in the local scene. I found real comfort and support in places like Girl Guitar, where I fine-tuned my guitar skills and jammed out in band classes, and Warren Records, a community that embraced me and provided safe spaces to share my music while boosting my confidence.
Today, I am pursuing music full-time and loving every moment of it. You can find me performing at local bars, breweries, and hotels, where I sing familiar covers. With an entrepreneurial spirit, I am enjoying every aspect of making music my career, including the marketing and business side. Amidst all the hats that I’m wearing to make this possible, I try to stay centered on the creative and community aspects of music and keep it fun.
I’m especially excited to be working on an album in the studio right now and excited to soon start booking shows featuring my original music. I let my emotions and vulnerability guide my songwriting, but I also love a good sing-along, so I aim to create catchy, memorable songs that can best be described as Folk-Pop/Americana. I believe we are all constantly evolving, growing, and learning about ourselves and others. All I can do is embrace the endless possibilities of my musical journey, make genuine connections, and keep enjoying the journey. I look forward to seeing you at one of my shows soon, and I hope you’ll keep an eye out for my upcoming original music releases!
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
I’m still at the beginnings of my journey, so I am learning so much still and always will be. I think the 3 things I would say are most important to someone wanting to make music their career are:
1. Stay open to creativity and enjoy the process! For me, the focus is never on the end result—it’s about embracing the journey. It’s tempting to become consumed by metrics like numbers, streams, follows, and sales, but it’s crucial to remember that music is about enjoyment, connection, and self-expression.
2. Build a strong foundation in your craft to effectively convey and express yourself through music. For a long time, I relied on my ear and self-teaching, but once I began seeking external guidance and practicing with intention, my skills improved significantly. While I continue to progress, I’m constantly striving for improvement.
3. Understanding the business side of the music industry is vital for success so learn about it or find someone who can help and/or do it for you. This involves grasping concepts such as contracts, royalties, licensing, and effective marketing strategies (I’m still learning about all this too!) However, it doesn’t have to feel daunting—it can be an enjoyable process. Go to shows, meet fellow musicians, observe how your favorite artists market themselves, and approach it as a creative endeavor in its own right—that’s my approach.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I’m constantly seeking collaborations with other musicians! I’m particularly keen on co-writing with fellow songwriters who share an interest in creating Folk-Pop/Americana/Alt Country-style music—reach out if that sounds like you!
Additionally, I’ve been assisting musicians in promoting their shows and events through designing flyers and promotional materials. If you or someone you know needs help boosting their promotional efforts, feel free to reach out to me!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sidneycopus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/siddysings/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/siddysings/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@siddysings
Image Credits
Spark of Wander Photography
so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.
