Sure, you can learn a lot about
Sy Smith by reading this bio, but her own lyrics tell a much more
colorful and complete story. Her debut CD The Syberspace Social speaks volumes; about her
musical background, dreams, determination, sense of humor, not to mention her mastery of musical
composition! She picks up synth-laced soul music where Stevie Wonder and Herbie Hancock left off;
experimenting with unique sounds, skillfully uniting
hip-hop,
R&B,
jazz,
funk and with elements of
dance over ethereal harmonies to make what she calls
futuristic soul. Smith takes the listener to a
cosmic café where freedom is encouraged and progressive thinking is demanded. Sy’s celestial
voice is leads the way, without being self-righteous. Often compared to Diana Ross, Sy has an under-
stated talent that summons power when needed but usually serves up a delightful and
soulful
whimsy rarely heard in today’s urban genres. With titles like “Honeychild”, “Love and Such”, “Bruise”,
“dreamtrip” and “Turnstyles” combined with production from James Poyser, Nicolay, and Ali Shaheed
Muhammad, Sy Smith exposes much of who she is and (invites the listener to reveal himself too) on
The Syberspace Social.
This concept CD further explores chord progressions, sonic combinations, and witty metaphors;
challenging music connoisseurs without going over the laymen’s head. Track 1, “Welcome 2
Syberspace,” does an excellent service introducing this CD, immediately opening the ear to expect
the unexpected. “It’s about liberation from rules and anonymity…kinda how we all feel in
Syberspace,” says Smith. With her ever-upbeat sense of fusion, her music continues to ignore the
stylistic restrictions that can leave soul music stale. The first single “Fa Sho” (produced by Smith and
Ali Shaheed Muhammad), takes the straight-ahead
jazz of Coltrane and turns it flips it into a head-
banging show opener.
Sy Smith has an impressive career. As a much in-demand vocalist, Sy has gained as much respect
behind the scenes as she has on stage. Her musicianship has attracted the attention of fellow artists
such as Whitney Houston, Macy Gray, Usher, Jamie Foxx, Me’shell N’degeocello, Eric Benét,
Ginuwine and Brandy who recruited her to sing background vocals on various television shows and
tours. She has appeared many television commercials (e.g. Gap, Chevrolet, Coca-Cola) and
regularly sang with Vonda Shepard on the popular FOX television series “Ally McBeal.” In addition,
Smith shares the vocal spotlight with legendary singer Al Green performing the title song to the
Showtime series "Soul Food." Sy pushed her own boundaries by serving as musical director for BET's
spoken word series, “Lyric Café.” Currently, Sy can be seen and heard in latest seasons of FOX’s
wildly popular series American Idol.
Born in New York and raised in Washington, DC. And drawing on a wealth of influences from Bach
to Sarah Vaughan to Earth, Wind & Fire, Sy was exposed to a diverse musical palette at an early age.
She studied classical piano for most of her childhood and early teens, and later found a musical
outlet in the school choir. Smith went on to attend Howard University earning a B.S. in Psychology with a minor in Music
Therapy. Soon after graduation, Smith’s musical aspirations began to swirl – she joined a local all-
female band. With encouragement from fellow musician-friends, she packed up and moved to LA,
hoping to get a toehold in the business. Studio sessions and local clubs allowed her to have her
voice heard, and luckily, producer/songwriter Sauce (Somethin' For The People, Will Smith) was
listening. Sauce summoned her for vocal and writing sessions, pushing her to develop her own skills
as a producer; Sy was a quick study!
