Artists To Watch Out For: The Next Sad Girl – Sydney Rose

By Kaitie Harper

Rising artist, Sydney Rose, started gaining recognition on social media posting song covers from her bedroom.  Rose made her official debut in 2021 with the release of her two singles, “Idk What I Did” and “Skydive”.  Rose released a total of four singles before releasing her debut EP, You Never Met Me at only eighteen years-old.  This release got her signed to her first record label, Elektra Records, after signing to a label and releasing original music, Rose started to gain recognition for not only her covers, but her original music too.  Rose continued to release singles and EPs before releasing her debut album, One Sided in 2023.  Between the release of her debut album and next big release, Rose released the single, “Briston” which grew popular amongst her pre-existing fanbase and circled around on social media.

In February 2025, Rose released her biggest single yet, “We Hug Now” which really grew her name and following.  Following the release, the single made it to top three on the Spotify US chart, the UK Singles Chart, Canada Singles Top 100, and number seven on Billboard Bubbling Under 100, and as of early 2026, the single has reached over 200 million streams total.

After the release and success Rose received, she switched labels signing to Mercury Records before releasing her fourth EP, I Know What I Want. After her breakthrough, Rose was able to start her first ever headline tour, I Know What I Want Tour which started in June 2025.  The tour gave Rose a chance to interact with her fanbase in a new setting, opposed to opening for other artists, she got to play to her own crowd for the first time.  Rose’s shows are just as intimate as her music.  She is best known for her indie-folk/pop music, and her soft, delicate voice.  Her writing is vulnerable and comes from a personal place.  She addresses heartbreak, growing up, homesickness, and honesty in her music.  Listening to her music is like opening a journal, and delving into your feelings, especially those you haven’t yet addressed.  Rose has already had a great start to her career, and her progress has already given her the opportunity to work with larger artists.  She is really building a career for herself, a loyal fanbase, and is doing great things for the industry.