Meet Sydney Ladnier

We were lucky to catch up with Sydney Ladnier recently and have shared our conversation below.

Sydney, so many exciting things to discuss, we can’t wait. Thanks for joining us and we appreciate you sharing your wisdom with our readers. So, maybe we can start by discussing optimism and where your optimism comes from?

My optimism comes from playing the drums. I love music and there is a lot of optimism with the progress I make. Even when a challenging fill throws me off, I know I can find the groove again. In music, it’s like embracing the imperfections in a performance, knowing they contribute to the unique energy of the moment. I use this optimistic outlook to push creative boundaries, experimenting with new patterns and sounds without fear of failure. Whether it’s practice or a performance, it becomes an opportunity for growth, a chance to build a stronger foundation, and a reminder that even the most complex rhythms can be mastered with persistence and a positive mindset. Even when I mess up on stage I will bounce back. I remember why the blunder happened a learn from it. I feel music is effective for relaxation and stress management. When I listen to upbeat music it can make me feel more optimistic and positive about life. Slower tempo music makes me feel relaxed and calm and sometimes feels like a hug when I am sad. Music is a huge part of my life.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I have been playing the drums since I was five years old. I love all types of music and love learning new songs. It’s a way to release frustrations, feel energized, feel happy and some times calms me down. I love when I hear a song and it reminds me of a certain place, a certain smell or feeling. I was in an all girls rock band for five years and now play the drums for a very talented singer/songwriter named AYVA. We play gigs all over So Cal. I play percussion in my high school band and last year we were in the Rose Parade which was fun. I have other interests as well. I am on my high school lacrosse team. I am an equestrian. I jump horses and I raise chickens too.

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?

Practice, practice, practice! Taking just a few minutes every day to work on a certain fill or beat and understanding the feel of the song. Taking chances and trying different styles to play. Not be hard on myself when I just can’t get it right. Take advice from other drummers. There is no one way to play a song. Having amazing teachers that love music as much as I do.

Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?

I think it’s not making drumming a chore. If they made me practice all the time or do it when I didn’t want to then I wouldn’t be playing right now. They encourage me to practice and let me know when something needs work but never like a chore I hate to do. They also let me explore other hobbies like riding horses and taking care of my chickens. I have also picked up the bass guitar.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: Sydthedrumkid

Image Credits

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