GRAMMY-winning singer, songwriter and producer Syd has released her third solo album, Beard, via Free Lunch and Warner Records. Co-produced by Syd herself, the project features an impressive cast of collaborators including Raphael Saadiq, Big Sean, Rodney Jerkins, James Fauntleroy, Van Hunt, Blu June and Jordan Ward, while documenting a period of personal and creative growth for one of contemporary R&B’s most influential voices. Alongside the album, Syd has also shared the music video for “Any Time,” featuring longtime collaborator James Fauntleroy.
Named after the peach fuzz on her upper lip, Beard sees Syd reclaiming a long-held insecurity as a symbol of confidence and individuality. The album explores themes of self-acceptance, identity and emotional maturity, with Syd describing it as a “coming of age” record that reflects where she is in life today.
The release builds on a career that has continually reshaped the boundaries of modern R&B. Since emerging with Odd Future and later as the frontperson of The Internet, Syd has become one of the genre’s defining creative forces, collaborating with artists including Beyoncé, Kehlani, Disclosure, Zayn and Kelly Rowland. Read our review of her previous single “Callin” here.
