Today we’d like to introduce you to Sid Grimes.
Hi Sid, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’m a singer-songwriter living in North Austin. I moved here three years ago from Illinois to follow my dream of being a performer. I always imagined myself doing something with music when I was young. I have a very musical family, so music has always been an important part of my life. My primary musical role model in my family is my grandmother, who was the wind ensemble director at what was then Elmhurst College, now Elmhurst University. I used to stay with her in the early fall during the start of the college school year and attend her classes and wind ensemble rehearsals when I was a child. I learned a lot about the fundamentals of music at an early age and could never really get into anything else with the same intensity. I participated in choir and did school musicals in middle school and high school. In college I started writing songs, playing the guitar, and formed my first band. I learned a lot about music in general, but more specifically leadership from my grandmother, so having a band, writing songs, and recording them independently was a very natural process.
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
The process has been slow and incremental, but overall very positive. Sometimes, I struggle with doubt. I used to question my abilities as a performer when I first started, and occasionally still do. I’ve overcome second-guessing myself with help from colleagues and other musicians who have made me see the value I can offer. I also have a close personal support system of friends and family who always make me feel like I’m doing something worthwhile and special. I also tend to struggle with patience. I’m a perfectionist and always want the performance, recording, or song to be perfect as soon as I play, record, or write it. I’ve learned over time that it’s best to let things happen as they will naturally, not try to control everything so much, and have fun.
Thanks for sharing that. So, you could tell us a bit more about your work.
I’m an alternative country singer-songwriter and performer. My clever yet relatable and conversation-style lyrics and voice set me apart from others in this field. People appreciate my unique vocal stylings because they are different from what they are expecting to hear and what they’ve heard from others who do what I do. Some people have said my voice reminds them of country singers like Natalie Maines or Neko Case, and others say I have a completely original voice like none they’ve ever heard. I don’t try to imitate anyone’s vocal stylings, although I have artists who have influenced me. I try to sound like me. I’ve worked hard to be a voice you’ll remember hearing once you’ve listened to it. When I perform, I want to move people. I’d say I’m the proudest of the songs coming up on my new album, Honky Tonk Dreamland. They sound like me and fit the Austin/ Hill Country scene well. I’m excited for everyone to hear it and hope they like it.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
My grandmother, Judy Grimes, deserves a lot of credit. She’s the one who introduced me to music and female leadership and taught me the fundamentals of my craft. I owe a lot to her. My first bandmates, Matt Kellen, Bill Kidera, and Conor Roe, deserve credit as well, for if they hadn’t been behind me and believed in what I was doing while I was trying to form the band, I might’ve stopped trying. My former duo partner, Paul Hala, also deserves some credit. He taught me a lot about being a gigging musician and was very patient with me during my rookie performance years. My father, Anthony Head, deserves credit, too. He’s a big supporter of my music and career and is probably my number-one fan. He has been behind me every step of the way since I started and has always encouraged me to be the best writer and performer I can be. I’m also very thankful for my current duo partner, John Daugherty. He’s been an important creative asset to my upcoming album, and has been a very encouraging, stabilizing force during the whole process.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sidgrimes.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sid_grimes/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/sidgrimesmusic
Image Credits
Jose Flores for images 1, 2, 3, 5, and Kirk Weddle for image 4
