“Never apologise for being a confetti cannon of greatness.”
Fuzz pop artist Sydney Banta, AKA L.A Girlfriend tells stories through her music of love, loss and redemption. Recalling acts including New Order and My Bloody Valentine, Sydney is currently working on her third LP. Here we discuss self doubt, a few childhood memories and her plant based diet.
What are you listening to, reading and watching at the moment?
At the moment, old hollywood musicals are on rotation in between a few hip hop picks and my usual electronic go-to’s. Reading wise, I’m trying to get through “The Tipping Point” and keep up on new episodes of RuPaul’s Drag Race.
What has been your biggest life challenge so far and what did you do to overcome it?
My biggest life challenge has been changing my own self doubt and negative self talk. I have big dreams for myself, and I always demand my best without worrying about the consequences it has on my overall health. This creates a pattern where I’m constantly working, which turns into burnout and very deep holes of depression, but day by day, I’ve been taking small steps in easing up on how I talk to myself. I haven’t overcome it yet, but I’m learning something new every day. It’s hard to stop when my spirit is so driven.
What would constitute a ‘perfect’ day for you?
A day where I feel satisfied physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
I feel most grateful for my mind and the creativity and resourcefulness that I have. My ideas are a huge part of what makes me unique and I’m thankful to have accomplished so much because of my thought processes.
Complete this sentence: “Ace mental health for me means…”
Overcoming the fear of setting boundaries, standing up for my own well being, and not apologizing for any of it.
What do you eat to stay healthy?
I like a plant-based diet to keep my body in check, which means lots of salads, vegetables, and desserts made from frozen fruits and dates to satisfy my sweet tooth. I used to think Kombucha was not so great, but now I drink it as much as I can!
Do you have a daily routine of exercise or do you make it up as you go along?
I make it up. It’s hard to set a daily routine, but generally, I’ll set a goal at the beginning of the week and filter in activities like yoga, boxing, and aerobics, while trying to walk during the day as much as possible. I tend to park my car further away or opt to walk to the market if I know I’m going to be in one place for the day. For my schedule, it’s important to take the “small things add up” mentality.
Here at The Mind Map we remember playing football and ‘tag’ – running around the playground everyday and loving it – can you share a similar memory?
As a kid, every summer I would visit my grandparents and have a couple months of going to the beach, eating the best meals, and playing board games. They’re memories of me enjoying the moment without having to worry about the responsibilities of being an adult.
What three songs lift your spirits?
“Everybody Wants To Rule The World” by Tears For Fears
“Wonderland” by Big Country
“Whisper To A Scream” by The Icicle Works
What is your favourite self-help book, or motivational quote?
“You Are A Badass” by Jen Sincero helped me through a rough time. My forever favourite quote is from Teddy Roosevelt’s “The Man In The Arena” speech: The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again, because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat.”
What advice do you offer to friends when they are feeling overwhelmed?
Remember your strength, remember your worth, and never apologise for being a confetti cannon of greatness.