Syd Warwick (formerly Abraham) is an alt-folk artist, based in Vancouver, B.C. Known for her moving performances, the vulnerability of her presence on stage has been said to be both comforting, and disarming.
She blends a low-fi nuance with uniquely crafted folk songs, full of pop sensibility and powerfully emotive lyrics. Her songs bear a dark brooding complexity, often exploring the beauty of honesty, and of our deepest sensitivities.
Warwick embraces and combines a wide range of sounds, from Canadiana to 70’s soaked soft rock, from alt-pop to tender artistic ballads.
There’s an emotional fearlessness that is instantly detectable in her writing. That in many ways, her voice feels inextricably tied to. “It’s hard to separate the two in my mind, I sometimes think that they only exist together, as a whole. That maybe my talent lies in a heightened ability or desire to express creatively. I’ve always identified as more of a writer than anything else.” And for good reason. After many years of touring, playing locally and honing her craft, Warwick has been praised by peers and critics alike as a songwriter.
Under her previous pseudonym, ‘Abraham’, she toured her first EP, This Old Heart throughout Canada. The collection garnered much industry recognition upon its release, it’s first single, ‘Burn Bright’ has generated over 125k+ streams to date. The collection garnered much interest upon it’s release, most notably from The Juno Awards and CBC Radio.
In 2019, Warwick branched off to play her first round of U.S. shows. Before COVID forced musicians to cancel all current dates, she was set to embark on a two month long, Coastal U.S. Tour.
Along with 4 large scale Canadian tours, she has played many of Canada’s most coveted music festivals, some such as, CMW, Rifflandia, Sunfest Country Music Festival and Westward Fest. Under her new project name, Syd’s first single ‘Moon Kin’ was released in the Summer of 2020.
Testimonials
“As a musician, Syd has a unique richness to her voice, channelling the likes of Phoebe Bridgers and Feist, but with a soothing West Coast glow that is prominent to the Vancouver music scene. Her ability to write heartfelt hooks that bring out her vocal strengths are what will help Syd Warwick find success under her new name.”
-Kane Wilkinson; Dusty Organ
“Syd doesn’t perform, she lives. Seeing her on stage is akin to watching her find her way through this world. In fact, seeing her walking down the road is its own proof, as she proudly sings while she makes her way through the busy Victoria core. She holds a fret board like it’s an extension of her wrist and her fingers move over keys with familiar, easy grace.
Her music is an emotionally driven melody, written as she responds to the world around her; it’s woven from her subtle analysis of human behavior as she expresses a soft curiosity for life”
“Sydney Batters’ sweet, soulful voice echoes brilliant imagery over subtle acoustic guitars, jazzy undertones and folky twangs. She blends sounds from various genres and feelings pulled from the deep crevices of her life to make the music breathe with beauty. And “beautiful” might be the most accurate description of this journey through love and the human connection.”
“The entire effect seems so effortless, but nothing short of stunning. Very few acts can grab ahold of your heart in the same way Abraham does. Some compare her live show to Angel Olsen and Fiest, but This Old Heart EP can only parallel with specific moods: the wintry tear-jerker that is Sigur Ros’s or the loneliness emanating from Daughter’s If You Leave.”
“Abraham is described as a “project [that] is centered around the evolution of life, love and death. It is a journey through human connection and relationships.” And the EP delivers this in a genuine and refreshing way. What is most striking to me, however, is that Abraham’s voice is not at all fixed in any one kind of singing style. It moves freely, ascending into the sweet and airy and back down again into sultry and soulful song. This is especially apparent in her final track (and my favourite so far), “Burn Bright”, which was featured on CBC Radio 1 last week.”
“Syd (aka Abraham) is one of those ‘velvet hammer’ singers — her voice comes across with softness and vulnerability but behind it there is a steely strength. On her debut single, the indie folker “Burn Bright”, she sings with crystal clarity above an arrangement of subtle beauty (gotta love that touch of brass). The lyrics are inspired by a startling true event in her life — a woman attempted to abduct Batters on the day she was born.”
“Her voice is lovely, pristine and flawless. Abraham’s musical/vocal performance is similar to assists such as Fiest or Ingrid Michaelson.”