Today we’d like to introduce you to Sidney Copus.
Hi Sidney; we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today.
Singing has always been who I am, not something I do. One of my earliest memories is with my Papaw, EJ Hopkins, a Texas Fiddler. When I was about five years old, he bought a tape recorder and some essential recording equipment and let me record “Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star,” and I loved it, I felt like a star and wanted to keep singing and listening back. I grew up on a working cattle ranch in a super small town in East Texas where I was always singing. I’d sing covers or make up my tunes; it didn’t matter as long as my pipes were making noise. As you can imagine, this annoyed my two older brothers quite a bit, so I took it outside and started singing to the cows. To this day, the herds of cows on my father’s ranch have been one of the most attentive audiences I’ve had. I didn’t know then that I would eventually be captivating more than just cows with my music.
I picked up the guitar when I was thirteen. My Papaw let me borrow his Gibson Dove and told my mom, “If she can learn how to play on that old thing and sticks with it, then buy her her own.” I stuck with it and spent hours and hours practicing. I taught myself all the cowboy chords needed to accompany my voice, my parents bought me my very own guitar, and I started to sing and play around my small town at various events and fundraisers. During my college years at Baylor University in Waco, Texas, my love for music and guitar remained a constant companion. I wasted no time joining a band and I was granted the incredible opportunity to perform at a Baylor Chapel Service for an audience of nearly 4,000 students. Simultaneously, my passion for human rights and wellbeing, especially gender equality, was taking root and growing stronger. After graduating with a degree in Social Work, I moved to Austin in 2014, drawn by its rich music scene. It was here that my passion for gender equality took the forefront, landing a job at Girls Empowerment Network which seeks to empower women and girls to believe in their ability to be unstoppable. I worked for nearly a decade in the non-profit sector, and while it was rewarding to feed one my passions, my passion for music sadly took a backseat.
2020 was a turning point where the pandemic forced us to reflect on what truly matters. My passion for music was reignited and I developed a renewed commitment to it. I began posting covers on social media just for fun as @siddysings. In 2022 I started taking guitar lessons, diligently honing my skills, writing my own songs, and actively refreshing my stage presence through regular participation in open mics. I also decided to join Girl Guitar’s Blues Band, which allowed me to be part of a supportive and encouraging community. This played a significant role in building my confidence to pursue music as a profession. When I eventually left my job due to burn out in the Fall of 2022, I wasn’t sure what was next for me, but I had every intention of taking a few months off before seeking out another social work job. When I visited my parents around the holidays, I played guitar and sang for them, a sound that hadn’t been heard by my family in years. My dad tole me, “You should really figure out how to start making money doing this, you’re really good.” I laughed at the thought of it, thinking, “Haha, I would if I could!” In May of 2023, I decided to go for it!
Prioritizing my music and pursuing it professionally feels like finding my way back to myself. Music has always been intrinsic to me, and it is a privilege to embrace it fully now. As I’ve built my musical network locally, I’ve been welcomed by musicians who offer support and encouragement. I’ve experienced a warm and loving community in the Austin music scene. I’m still finding my pace within it, assuring myself that I belong, and building musical connections as I continue to refine my craft. One thing I know is that I feel more aligned with my purpose than ever before. The road ahead may be uncertain, but I am determined to focus on what excites me and brings me joy: my music.
Would it have been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
As for challenges, I would say I’ve had a relatively smooth road, and I’m extremely grateful to have supportive people and systems in my life encouraging me to pursue music professionally. Of course, the road isn’t without its bumps and setbacks. From a young age, I grappled with feelings of inadequacy as society imposed unfair standards that seemed unattainable, particularly true for women and underrepresented populations. As I entered adulthood and my career, imposter syndrome plagued me, despite my undeniable accomplishments and contributions. The pressure to conform in appearance, behavior, and almost every aspect of life was immense. Looking back, many of the goals, expectations, and decisions I made were influenced by societal pressures and stereotypical images of success.
Even as I pursue my passion for music, I still struggle with questioning my abilities and whether I’m good enough. As a songwriter, I sometimes struggle with vulnerability too. It can be terrifying to share true experiences and emotions, but my music is a reflection of my passions, values, and self. The more authentic it is, the more others will resonate with it. Many of my originals stem from feelings of insecurity and inadequacy, overlaid with optimism that creates themes of doing one’s best, not giving up, and seeking a sense of belonging.
Despite these challenges and the many more that lie ahead, I will persist with self-awareness, self-compassion, and resilience. I know will always be learning how to let go of expectations and people-pleasing tendencies, but it feels like I’m headed in the right direction, pursuing what truly brings me joy and what I want and need.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I used to be an East Texas cowgirl captivating the cows with my music. Now, I captivate listeners as a singer-songwriter and cover-artist. My dedication and practice have allowed me to effortlessly navigate various genres while staying true to my authentic voice and style, which combines elements of blues, folk, and country. While it’s helpful to label my sound to describe it, I also like the idea of remaining open to various genres, leaving room for creativity in whatever form it takes. Listeners have compared my voice to the soulful depths of LeAnn Womack, the emotive classic country timbre of Margo Price, and the nuanced artistry of Nanci Griffith. I once even received a comparison to Phoebe Bridgers after a set of all originals. Whether delivering an energetic acoustic rendition of a popular song, sharing an intimate folk tune accompanied by foot tambourine percussion or harmonica, or offering a soulful interpretation of beloved classics, I strive to provide a memorable and joyful experience whenever I take the stage (or a corner of a Texas bar or coffee shop).
Speaking of joy, and as you may have noticed, I’m intentional about embracing it. I believe that the best music comes from a place of joy. While painful experiences and sadness can create great music, I wouldn’t create music in the first place if I didn’t love the process! Music has never felt like a chore to me; it’s always been an emotion that’s meant to be experienced. I often find myself deeply immersed in this musical experience. While I take my practice seriously, I also enjoy the process. My goal is to internalize the music to such an extent that it becomes second nature. This allows me, as a performer, to be fully present, aware, and to let the music flow naturally.
One of the reasons my sound stands out is because it’s a genuine reflection of me. I don’t “put on” a voice; I simply sing as myself. This authenticity exudes a unique blend of sweetness and soulfulness which is often described as deeply sincere and honest.
Lastly, my aspiration is to leave a positive impact in all that I do and wherever I go. As I journey forward, I’m committed to breaking down barriers, enabling others to pursue their passions, challenging stereotypes, and celebrating vulnerability. I’m dedicated to uplifting the talents of all musicians and fostering a more inclusive and empowering community. I’ve been thrilled to discover various local non-profits dedicated to supporting women and other underrepresented groups in music, as well as initiatives that provide mental health and healthcare resources for local musicians. I’m eager to become more actively involved in these efforts!
How do you define success?
Defining success as a musician can be quite challenging. The common assumption is that you’re only deemed successful once you’ve “made it” or gained widespread recognition. However, my goal in pursuing music as a profession is much simpler: to reintroduce much-needed joy into my life. And I’m already experiencing that! I’m certain that my goals will evolve alongside me and my journey, but to me, success will mean continuing to live authentically, writing and creating music, connecting with others, and thoroughly enjoying the process and experience. Furthermore, I’m putting in dedicated effort to secure a lineup of gigs, and I’m thrilled to be headed to the studio soon!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sidneycopus.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/siddysings
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/siddysings
Image Credits
Joshua Marshall
