We’re looking forward to introducing you to Sid Grimes. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Sid, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What is something outside of work that is bringing you joy lately?
Physical exercise. I’m very into long walks lately. I typically spend an hour to an hour and a half outside everyday walking. It’s simple and low impact exercise, but extremely effective for regulating my mood, sleep schedule and getting the blood flowing. It’s great for coming up with ideas, too.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Sid Grimes and I’m a country singer-songwriter, I perform live solo, with a duo and a full band and also release original music on streaming platforms. I’ve released three songs this year that I’m really proud of called “In the Neon Glow”, “Johnny Cash” and “Happy Hour”. The music I write tends to be catchy with deceptively simple and clever conversational lyrics. I like my lyrics to feel like I’m speaking directly to someone and just so happen to be rhyming during the discussion, almost unintentionally. I tend to follow typical “pop” formulaic song structure while writing the music. I’m working on releasing a full-length album in 2026.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My grandmother, Judy. She took an interest in me at a very young age and began planting the music seeds in me. She taught music for many years at various levels and was a wind ensemble director, so and started teaching me music fundamentals when I was very young. I think she could sense that I had potential to be a good musician and invested a lot of time shaping me and teaching me about music, including teaching me to match pitch before the age of one year old. She introduced me to a lot of different genres and instruments. She taught me a lot about musicality and had a hand in developing my musical ear. Hard work and dedication to music was something I learned from her. I used to love watching her work. Some of her work ethic and professionalism I think has definitely rubbed off on me. She definitely saw me clearly from the very beginning, long before I saw myself clearly.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
“Chill out, you’re doing fine!” I say this to myself as an adult all the time now. I tend to be a perfectionist and take things very seriously when it comes to performing and writing. It’s unintentional and gives me a lot of anxiety. I think it sometimes robs some of the joy out of the experience if I’m being honest, so I like reminding myself to relax these days if something doesn’t go 100% the way I imagine it should in my head. I think I probably would’ve saved myself a lot of anxiety and stress if I had embodied a little more patience with myself at a younger age, although my younger self was hardheaded so I doubt she would’ve listened to anyone, even her future self.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? Is the public version of you the real you?
I think we all have different versions of ourselves. We wear different hats in different situations and with different people. The public version of me, the girl in the pink dress who sings about sanctuary, refuge and vulnerability and follows her dreams? She’s definitely authentic and pretty close to the person I am when I’m not performing. I’ve gone through different phases and different presentations with my music. My current public persona is a little sweeter than before. She has her rose-colored glasses on, faith in her heart, her heart on her sleeve, and smiles but still can be a little bit sassy. That’s a pretty close match to the person I am at home or with the people in my life whom I’m closest to. I used to have a little edgier stage presentation and persona. Ironically, though I felt that edgier gal was more of an authentic match to the person I am, it turns out that this softer, more tender person is nearer to the real me.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: When do you feel most at peace?
I’m a pretty anxious person, so I typically feel the most at peace in the company of truly peaceful people. I am pretty good at reading people’s energy and can usually tell if I’m in the company of someone who’s angry, on edge or uncomfortable even if they don’t show it on their face. When I am around people who are comfortable and peaceful in their own lives, I typically find myself at peace. I’m also at peace when I feel I’ve created something special, done something worthwhile or made the right decision even if it was the hard thing to do. These days I’m very comfortable and at peace knowing I’ve “done the right thing” according to my own moral compass.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.sidgrimesmusic4.wixsite.com
- Instagram: @sid_grimes
- Facebook: @sidgrimesmusic
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@sidgrimes2495
Image Credits
Photos by Kirk Weddle, Raul Ochoa and Anthony Head. Album artwork by Patrick Crowl
