Spotlight Feature: Medium Build and Sydney Rose Reimagine Charli XCX’s “Sympathy Is a Knife” for All Things Go: 10 Years Charity Compilation
As All Things Go celebrates a decade of groundbreaking curation and inclusive community-building, the beloved music festival and platform has unveiled a powerful new release from rising alt-voices Medium Build and Sydney Rose—a raw, emotionally-charged cover of Charli XCX’s “Sympathy Is a Knife”.
The track is the latest single from the forthcoming All Things Go: 10 Years charity compilation, out November 7, 2025. All proceeds from the album benefit The Ally Coalition, a nonprofit dedicated to supporting LGBTQ+ youth through artist-led initiatives and direct programming.
Medium Build and Sydney Rose’s rendition of “Sympathy Is a Knife” stays true to the song’s core emotional weight while translating it into their own language—one that’s stripped-down, tender, and haunting. Trading hyperpop polish for acoustic intimacy, the cover reimagines Charli’s brash vulnerability as quiet resilience, allowing the lyricism to cut even deeper.
“This song is the most beautiful snapshot of human insecurity,” shares Medium Build. “I remember the first time I heard it thinking, ‘Omg, did she just say she wants to shoot herself?! You can’t say that!’ Even though I thought about doing that all the time. I love how honest Charli is about her internal conflict.”
Sydney Rose and Medium Build, both Georgia natives, found common ground in that honesty. “We related on being insecure little weirdos from neighboring towns,” he adds. “I couldn’t even be Sydney Rose if I tried. But I do want to see her backstage at my boyfriend’s show.”
Their version of the song adds a poignant moment to a deeply intentional compilation. The All Things Go: 10 Years album brings together current and past festival alumni for a collection that spans genres and generations, with contributions from Kesha + Orville Peck, Maren Morris, Rachel Chinouriri, Bartees Strange, Maude Latour, Joy Oladokun, and many others. Produced in partnership with The Ally Coalition, the project centers LGBTQ+ youth while showcasing music that’s personal, genre-fluid, and forward-looking.
This year’s All Things Go festivals—held in Maryland, New York, and most recently Toronto—have continued the platform’s commitment to elevating women, non-binary, and queer artists. The 2025 editions featured Kesha, MARINA, Clairo, Doja Cat, Lucy Dacus, Remi Wolf, Reneé Rapp, Lola Young, and many more. With a fanbase affectionately known as “The Besties,” the festival has become a cultural movement defined by inclusion, vulnerability, and emotional depth.
About the Artists:
Medium Build is known for genre-defying songs that pair confessional lyricism with indie Americana roots, quickly building a reputation as a voice for outsiders and late-night thinkers.
Sydney Rose, who’s carved a unique lane with vulnerable bedroom pop and unfiltered songwriting, lends a gentle emotional clarity to this collaboration, creating a version of the song that feels more like a personal memory than a cover.
About The Ally Coalition:
Founded by Jack Antonoff and Rachel Antonoff, TAC partners with artists to raise awareness and support for LGBTQ+ youth through creative programming and direct aid. Their work includes on-tour activations, partnerships with shelters, and community-centered campaigns that connect artists with grassroots impact.
About All Things Go:
Since its founding in 2011, All Things Go has been a champion of emerging talent and underrepresented voices, earning national recognition for its community-driven programming. With past performers including Lorde, boygenius, Billie Eilish, HAIM, and Mitski, the festival continues to expand its footprint across North America while staying rooted in advocacy, artistry, and emotional connection.
Listen:
Medium Build + Sydney Rose – “Sympathy Is a Knife” (Charli XCX Cover)
Preorder the compilation:
All Things Go: 10 Years – Out November 7
Follow the Artists:
Medium Build Instagram
Sydney Rose Instagram
