In studio with Young Sid...
As the camera moves in closer, just inches from his face, Young Sid leaves his hands casually in his pockets, as he gazes expertly down the lens and spits his lyrics into mic.
I’ve been in the Red Bull Studio with the 24-year-old and his backing band Halo for less than 10 minutes and it’s already pretty clear to me why Sid is one of New Zealand’s most prominent M.C.s. He’s smooth and professional, with the quiet self-confidence and assuredness that belongs only to people at the top of their game. Right away it’s obvious that the young South Auckland M.C. has got talent in spades. He is fully relaxed as his lyrics tumble from his memory to the mic. He doesn’t seem to miss a beat and he nails each of the three songs in two takes.
Back in the control room, Sid is leaning forward in his seat with his New Era cap pulled down low, trying to explain to me what a mix tape is (not a cassette apparently). He spent the end of last year in New York, recording his latest, and has been back in NZ since January working on new material for his upcoming EP and the tour of Australia which he and his backing band will head out on in June.
Sid, whose stage show previously only included a DJ, has been playing with his backing band Halo since May last year and he says it adds a whole new element to his show.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” he says.
Sebastian Lloyd, the guitarist for Halo, says that they enjoy working with Sid.
“He’s nice to work with, he’s appreciative. He likes us, and we like him.”
Sid’s popularity, his success and the respect that he has earned in NZ is testament to his professionalism, natural talent and his work ethic. Since the release of his debut The Truth in 2007, Sid has been hard at work with an unrelenting determination and it doesn’t look like he will be slowing down anytime soon.
Keep an eye out for his shows around NZ this music month.
Written by Brescia Mascheretti
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