From “Cool Kids” to Main Street: Sydney Quiseng Finds Her Truest Voice in New Americana Single
By Christian Lamitschka for Country Music News International Magazine
The transition from a teenage indie-pop sensation to a seasoned, genre-bending solo artist is a path many attempt, but few navigate with as much grace as Sydney (Sierota) Quiseng. Best known as the frontwoman of the multi-platinum band Echosmith, Quiseng (pronounced Key-Sang) is no longer just the voice behind the ubiquitous hit “Cool Kids.” She has officially entered a new era—one defined by the Nashville skyline, the raw honesty of Americana, and the transformative journey of motherhood.
With the release of her latest single, “That’s My Baby! (On Main Street),” Quiseng offers a radiant glimpse into her upcoming solo EP, That’s My Baby!, slated for release on February 20.
The Evolution of an Indie-Pop Icon
Sydney Quiseng’s story is one of skyrocketing success followed by deep, intentional refinement. After achieving global stardom alongside her siblings with the quadruple-platinum “Cool Kids,” Sydney became a staple in music and fashion. However, her move to Nashville and a global publishing deal with BMG signaled a pivot toward a more grounded, acoustic-leaning sound.
By blending her signature emotive vocals with the storytelling traditions of Country and Americana, she has earned spots on prestigious playlists like Spotify’s All New Country and Apple Music’s New in Americana. This isn’t just a change in genre; it’s a homecoming to a more “brutally honest” style of songwriting.
Single Review: “That’s My Baby! (On Main Street)”
If her previous single, “When a Good Thing Ends,” was a masterclass in navigating heartache, “That’s My Baby! (On Main Street)” is the sun breaking through the clouds. It is an unapologetic celebration of devotion.
Recorded while Quiseng was eight months pregnant, the track carries a unique, palpable warmth. It finds her “wearing her heart on her sleeve,” balancing the romantic love she shares with her husband with the burgeoning maternal love for her daughter.
“This song is about shamelessly loving someone out loud,” Quiseng shares. “I got married at 21 and now I’m expecting my first baby… I hope this song makes you want to have date night this Friday, on Main Street.”
Key Highlights of the Track:
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Vocal Delivery: Quiseng’s voice has matured, trading the airy pop sheen of her youth for a richer, more grounded resonance that fits the Americana landscape perfectly.
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Thematically Layered: The “Baby” in the title serves a dual purpose, honoring her marriage and her pregnancy simultaneously.
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Authenticity: There is no artifice here. The production allows the storytelling to take center stage, inviting the listener into a private, joyful moment on a fictional (yet universal) Main Street.
The Upcoming EP: That’s My Baby!
The forthcoming EP acts as a sonic diary of Quiseng’s recent years. It chronicles her “unfiltered experiences with love, loss, and personal growth,” serving as a bridge between the teenage star she was and the mother she is becoming. The project features a range of emotional colors, from the upbeat “Coffee Shop in Kyoto” to the more reflective, fan-favorite tracks.
Track List:
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That’s My Baby! (On Main Street)
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Coffee Shop in Kyoto
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When a Good Thing Ends
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Additional tracks to be announced
Final Verdict
Sydney Quiseng is doing what many artists fear: growing up in public and changing her mind—and her sound—along the way. “That’s My Baby! (On Main Street)” is a testament to resilience and the beauty of stepping into a new chapter. It’s a safe space for listeners to feel seen, wrapped in a melody that feels like a warm Friday evening.