Introducing rapper Sidney Phillips at the dawn of an all-new phase with ‘Levitate’ out now via Tabloid Recordings (1010Benja, Kaikobad, lil ket). LISTEN HERE, WATCH HERE.

Today marks a pivotal moment for the cult-followed vocalist, “redefining Australian rap for a terminally online generation” (3RRR). ‘Levitate’ boasts all the bells and whistles of a Sidney track – hard and soft, heavy on the tune and riding a melodic beat. It’s a buoyant rumination, warning against vices and seeking inner peace in simplicity. Speaking to the loner deep within us all, Sidney highlights just how deeply cognisant she is of centering her sincerity as she is of the power and impact of her pen.

Watch: Sidney Phillips – ‘Levitate’ (Official Video)

In her own words, Sidney says “I had this spot near my house next to a lake behind a soccer field, a gorgeous lookout spot, and I’d tell my parents I’m going out to my spot to see the sunset. When I had a special somebody I’d take them to my thinking spot: ‘I’ll show you a place that I go to all alone, a place nobody knows’. My hiding spot. Out up far north Brisbane. Most of the lyrics are about some more traumatic shit from my life. The bridge and hook seal the shit from the heart with ‘enough about that, we should be focusing on love and God,’ which is a nice change. Letting someone into an intimate space, focusing on closeness and intimacy. Totally feels nostalgic, euphoric, sunny coast vibe… cruising.”

Heralded for her “distinctively Aussie, hyperpop cross lad rap style” (Unearthed), Sidney’s staunch style set the underground ablaze on her debut in 2022. Tracing inspiration from Zyzz to Effy Stonem and Minecraft, Phillips was quickly touted as a welcome shapeshifter and innovator in the scene. Her melancholic gutter rap and distinct turn of phrase – “I’m a trans adlay” – has won over fans in Mallrat to Ninajirachi, with the firm backing of grassroots tastemakers and triple j alike, landing Feature Artist and Bars Of Steel. In tandem with her membership in the Stealthyn00b collective she remains loyal to the community she wears on her polo, feeding them with a persistent stream of rapidfire mixtapes. Her influence is already referential – Sidney Phillips is a new star of the Australian rap underground.

Raised in the sticks north of Brisbane in Morayfield, now based between Gubbi Gubbi and Wurundjeri Land in Melbourne, she is a true child of the internet. Grinding her own twist on pluggnb with cloud rap and digicore – “trying to put a label on it is futile” (Junkee) – her sold out shows are fiercely packed out with young fans reaching spiritual epiphanies and shouting lyrics back with big grins. Hot off a boot-raising Golden Plains Festival debut, she has previously performed across RISING, Vivid Sydney, Soft Centre, co-headline toured with Shady Nasty and supported Allday. Equally vulnerable and commanding, she continues to tease her most cohesive body of work yet with today’s ‘Levitate’ and ‘Fire Walk With Me’.