Solo: Finding a Place in the Music

Words by Sam Lauron Photos by Eric Morales

During life’s trying times, joyous occasions, or the mundane moments in between, music—lyrics and beats—write a story and often aid in navigating the journey. This is something these local musicians understand far too well. For these four soul, hip-hop and pop artists, drawing from honest stories and rich emotion to share powerful messages on the stage and in the studio has proven that the most captivating music comes from the heart. 

Reggie Devore

2019 was a whirlwind of a year, career-wise, for Reggie DeVore of BlackLight Hip Hop. Last November, Reggie was invited to perform as a special guest at OnePlus Music Festival in Mumbai, where he opened for Dua Lipa and Katy Perry. Just weeks later, he released his first solo album, King Vibez Only, with the leading track appropriately called “Greatest.” While these recent milestones are enough to fuel anyone’s ego, Reggie is refreshingly grounded and authentic. His lyrics are more of a mantra than they are a reflection of his laid-back demeanor. “The album is very cocky, but I’m not normally a cocky person,” he says with a smile.

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Sydney Wright

Growing up in a musical family in the West Texas panhandle, Sydney Wright was basically destined to become a professional musician. She and her three sisters all learned how to play piano at a young age, and when she was 15, Sydney took up guitar. She became fully enthralled with the singer-songwriter lifestyle in high school when she got a taste of writing breakup songs for her friends. “I felt like I was being useful [to them],” she describes. “Singing and writing was therapeutic.”

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Brian Scartocci

While most of the world struggles to muster up any energy on a Monday, it’s the night when Skylark Lounge comes alive, thanks to one musician. Gracing the stage at the beginning of every week with his vibrant energy and retro soul tunes is Brian Scartocci, or Mr. Monday Night as he’s known at the lounge. “Mondays are my favorite night of the week,” he smiles.

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Sheridan Reed

From a young age, Sheridan involved himself with music through jazz choir and playing classical instruments like the clarinet and standup bass. Starting in his high school years, he began to lean toward the alternative rock and folk genres and, at different points, joined a rock band and even a pop punk band. Moving to the Capital City four years ago to fully focus on his music is what ultimately became the turning point for his style.  

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