By Colin 
Sydney Jo Jackson isn’t here to blend in. The Birmingham-born, London-based artist is making serious waves with her debut single, ‘You Should Be Here’. The track is dripping in soul, blues, and funk with a sharp modern edge. Inspired by legends like Millie Jackson, Tina Turner and Prince, Sydney’s sound is bold, raw and packed with attitude.
A song that hits deep
‘You Should Be Here’ isn’t just another soulful slow jam. It’s a brass-soaked, hypnotic groove that pulls you in from the first beat. Sydney wrote it in one take while vibing to a beat by Jonas Bauer in Bali, letting pure emotion take over. Lyrically, it’s about facing yourself, owning up to your flaws, breaking toxic cycles and taking responsibility.
For Sydney, music isn’t just about making catchy tracks. It’s survival. “I can’t afford therapy,” she says. “So I write songs. My music is where I say everything I think out loud. No filter, no sugarcoating.” And she’s been through it. Domestic abuse, a messy public breakup, a painful divorce. Every lyric comes straight from lived experience, making her songs impossible to ignore.
A voice that demands attention
Sydney is already making an impact. With over a million streams to her name, she has worked with rising industry names like James Essien, Kobalt’s newest signing. She also hit number one on Australia’s ARIA Dance Chart with Husky’s ‘Get Down’ and has featured on ‘Gonna Be Mine’ with Guz and ‘Automatic’ with Redondo.
But it’s not just her studio work that stands out. Sydney has performed on some legendary stages, including an unforgettable moment at Abbey Road with Jools Holland. Now, with her debut EP on the way, she’s ready to take things even further.
What’s next?
Sydney’s upcoming EP brings in some serious talent. It features production from Syience, who has worked with Beyoncé and Jay-Z, and Mastreo the Baker, a Grammy-winning producer known for his work with Tyla, Balmain and Disney. With a team like this behind her, she is ready to level up.
‘You Should Be Here’ is just the beginning. With her fearless honesty and undeniable talent, Sydney Jo Jackson is an artist to keep on your radar. The track is out now on all major streaming platforms.
You can follow Sydney Jo Jackson over on Instagram here.