Sixteen-year-old Sydney <3 is poised to make a major impact on the pop music scene with her debut single, “Picture Perfect,” an infectious, feel-good anthem that blends Western pop with the vibrant energy of K-pop.
Hailing from Toronto, Ontario, Sydney <3 is already being recognized for her unique sound, which skillfully merges the soaring synths of chart-topping pop hits with the colorful and dynamic influence of K-pop. Drawing comparisons to artists like Taylor Swift and MAMAMOO, Sydney <3 is carving out a space for herself as a rising star with a distinctive style.
“Picture Perfect,” her first single, is a collaboration with 5x Grammy Award-winning producer Orlando Calzada, who has worked with global superstars like Lady Gaga, One Direction, and Destiny’s Child.
The track was produced by Adam Hurstfield, a well-known figure in both the pop and K-pop industries. To reach a broader audience, “Picture Perfect” was recorded in both English and Korean, with the Korean translation handled by seasoned K-pop professionals Seung-Hyun Kim (MC the Max, Lee Eun Mee) and Kang Minseo (BASTIONS, JTBC Girls on Fire).
This cross-cultural approach underscores Sydney <3’s commitment to connecting with listeners around the world, bridging the gap between different musical traditions.
At its heart, “Picture Perfect” is more than just a catchy pop song. It carries a deeply relevant message, particularly for today’s youth, about the pressures of social media and the unrealistic standards it often promotes.
Sydney <3 describes the song as a reflection on the mental fallout that comes from constantly comparing oneself to the seemingly perfect lives portrayed online. “It’s about the struggles of seeing things on social media and setting unrealistic goals for yourself, then realizing it doesn’t really matter,” she explains.
“I want people who listen to this song to feel like they’re not alone. No one’s life is actually that perfect — you’re fine the way you are. You don’t have to change or make it seem like everything is amazing all the time.”
The song’s message of self-acceptance is woven through its hard-hitting lyrics, providing comfort and reassurance to listeners navigating similar feelings.
Though “Picture Perfect” marks Sydney <3’s official entry into the music world, her journey has been years in the making. From a young age, she showed a passion for the arts, starting with classical dance training in ballet, jazz, hip-hop, and tap.
By the time she was a teenager, she had expanded her artistic skills to include piano, guitar, and even DJing, inspired by the popular Pitch Perfect film series. Her vocal talents were honed with guidance from Cara Chisholm, known for her work on Les Misérables and Phantom of the Opera, as well as Canadian rockstar Don Wolf.
Sydney <3’s dedication and talent caught the attention of renowned producer Adam Hurstfield, who has worked with major artists like Ne-Yo, Ray J, and K-pop idols such as Super Junior and BoA.
Together, they developed three singles, with “Picture Perfect” being the first to drop. The song’s addictive bubblegum pop hook and polished production are sure to resonate with a wide audience, setting Sydney <3 up for a promising future.
With “Picture Perfect,” Sydney <3 introduces herself as a rising pop sensation, blending cultures, styles, and heartfelt themes. This is only the beginning for the talented young artist, who is ready to take the global stage by storm. Keep an eye out for the release of her alternate versions and future singles, available on all major streaming platforms.