Sydney’s Guard: Carving a Unique Sound in the Music Industry

Sydney’s Guard, also known as Stephen Lubega Balyejjusa, is a rising star in the world of hard rock. Hailing from Kampala, Uganda, this talented musician draws inspiration from some of the biggest names in rock and roll, including U2, Bon Jovi, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, Poison, Guns N’ Roses, Skid Row, Tracy Chapman, Lenny Kravitz, the Foo Fighters, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, and many more. His deep admiration for these iconic artists is reflected in his powerful sound and heartfelt lyricism.

Guard’s musical style is heavily influenced by hard rock, but he brings a unique and personal touch to the genre. His creative process begins with inspiration—an idea that he quickly jots down before working on the melody. By experimenting with guitar notes and corresponding chords, he pieces together the perfect blend of sound and emotion, making every track a compelling experience for listeners.

Beyond rock, Guard has also delved into the electronic music scene, collaborating on EDM and house music projects. While he takes a co-pilot role in these collaborations, his distinctive lyrical storytelling and vocal performance remain a defining factor. One of his most recent projects is his 11-track EDM/house album, “Prophet of Trouble.” This album, inspired by his spiritual awareness and life experiences, explores social themes and deep personal reflections. By November 2023, Guard signed an exclusive synchronization deal with Soar Music Group-Netherlands, securing representation for “Prophet of Trouble” and broadening his reach on the global stage.

For Guard, inspiration comes from everyday interactions. He believes that every person he meets has a unique perspective, and he values the wisdom that can be drawn from even the most casual conversations. His creative process is also influenced by dreams, where he often finds lyrical ideas and melodies waiting to be brought to life.

His breakthrough moment came after completing his Diploma in Pop Music Performance (Vocals) at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London. Despite resistance from his family, who had hoped he would pursue art and design, Guard chose to follow his passion for music—a decision that has led him to where he is today.

Currently, Guard has reinvigorated himself as the frontman, songwriter, and rhythm guitarist for Elevate My Elation (EME), his rock band. Their debut pop/rock single, “Rejuvenated,” is a testament to his evolution as an artist and his commitment to making an impact in the music industry.

With his distinctive voice, dedication to his craft, and a fearless approach to creativity, Guard is a name to watch in the world of hard rock. As he continues to push boundaries and explore new sounds, fans can expect an exciting musical journey ahead.

We at Exposed Vocals had the opportunity to sit down with Sydney’s Guard to discuss his journey, influences, and future in the industry.

Exclusive Interview with Sydney’s Guard

Exposed Vocals: What inspired the stage name Sydney’s Guard, and what does it represent to you?

Sydney’s Guard:

That name was inspired by the daughter of a friend who supported me when I was going to study music in London. Her name is Sydney. After school, I decided to try out different names for my artist branding. I thought about how I could repay my friend but had no money at the time. Instead, I came up with this idea of a tribute name, where I would be a protégé or “guard” to the young one. That’s how I baptized myself “Sydney’s Guard.”

To me, it represents giving back to someone—not necessarily in monetary terms but as a form of appreciation and promise. Of course, the financial aspect is still in my intentions once I am financially successful.

Exposed Vocals: Your music blends hard rock, pop, and electronic elements—how would you describe your sound in your own words?

Sydney’s Guard:

My sound can vary depending on the production, but when I’m writing on my guitar, I always apply the hard rock formula to develop chord progressions that support my storytelling. So, at its core, my sound is hard rock—which is my favorite genre.

If someone else were to cover one of my songs, they could make minor adjustments to fit their own style, which could result in a different sound. My electronic sound comes from the DJs and producers I collaborate with, where I lend my vocals and lyrical style. This makes my work operate in two distinct lanes of production rather than a complete fusion of genres.

Exposed Vocals: Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your style as an artist?

Sydney’s Guard:

I grew up listening to Bryan Adams, Rod Stewart, Tracy Chapman, Elton John, Bon Jovi, Guns N’ Roses, Oasis, Aerosmith, The Rolling Stones, Nirvana, and many more. However, for reasons beyond my own understanding, I ultimately settled on Foo Fighters as my biggest influence.

They have shaped my artistic style in many ways. I strive to write memorable lyrics, create compelling melodies and riffs, and design eye-catching logos and merchandise—just like they do. These elements impress the fans and build a deeper connection between the artist and their audience. You’ll find many of these elements in my music and branding, all drawn from my favorite bands and artists.

Exposed Vocals: You’ve spoken about getting lyrical inspiration from conversations and even dreams—can you share an example of a song that came from an unexpected source?

Sydney’s Guard:

Ah, this takes me into spirituality. I have some songs inspired by dreams, but they are not recorded yet. However, I can share an experience that left a lasting impact on me.

One night, I had a revelation in my sleep, and I heard the song “Boulevard of Broken Dreams” by Green Day playing very clearly. When I woke up, I was puzzled about why that song came to me so vividly. So, I looked up the meaning of the lyrics on Google.

The next day, one of my relatives called me, lamenting about a rough situation they were going through. As they spoke, I realized their situation perfectly aligned with what I had read about the song’s meaning the previous night. It was an eerie yet profound moment.

I’ve had many similar incidents, and at this point, I just take them as part of my life.

Exposed Vocals: Your latest single, Rejuvenated, is making waves. What was the inspiration behind the song?

Sydney’s Guard:

“Rejuvenated” was born from a dark period in my life when I faced financial struggles that forced me to sell all my music gear. For years, I lost my connection to music. I didn’t write anything, didn’t want to listen to any music, and withdrew into silence and isolation.

One night, something shifted. I woke up feeling different—as if something inside me had reignited. I remembered an old track I had created years earlier with my friend and producer Balimuttajjo Ismail. I pulled it out and started humming random words. Suddenly, a melody and lyrics started flowing in a way I couldn’t explain.

The song reflects struggle, resilience, and breaking free from misery to reclaim a meaningful life. Interestingly, as I analyzed my lyrics later, I realized I had subconsciously included mystical elements like crystals, eyes, the sun, the moon, angels, and other symbols. It made me believe that I wasn’t alone when writing it.

When I was working on the animated video for my EDM track Sense of Direction with Hills Morgan at Hi-City Film Studios, I played Rejuvenated for him. He immediately asked to produce it. We later recorded it, and he even brought in a female vocalist for the high-pitched chorus, as I couldn’t reach that vocal range. The rest, as they say, is history.

Exposed Vocals: Your 11-track EDM/House album Prophet of Trouble had deep, abstract themes. What was the creative vision behind this project?

Sydney’s Guard:

This album wasn’t planned. It started when Jeff Thompson from Unconventionhub.org introduced my project to Luke Melville, an EDM producer from Manchester, England.

Initially, we collaborated on “Run-Extended Final” and “Sense of Direction,” which were originally hard rock and grunge tracks. However, since I couldn’t physically travel to England to work with rock producers, Jeff redirected the project to EDM, leading to these two electronic versions.

Later, I connected with Paul Rogers from Wales, who liked the tracks and asked if we could work together. I agreed, and he sent me the beat for “Prophet of Trouble.” Upon listening, I immediately came up with vocals and lyrics, recording two versions—one with straight singing and another with a clown-like growling vocal, inspired by Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

Paul loved the clown-like version, and Prophet of Trouble as an EDM track was born. The album title came from how people labeled me whenever my dreams and warnings about the future came true—especially the negative ones. Instead of taking offense, I decided to embrace it with humor.

Since then, the album license with OneSun Neon (Germany) expired, so I took back my masters and decided to re-release it independently under my own terms.

Exposed Vocals: You recently signed a synchronization deal with Soar Music Group-Netherlands—how did that opportunity come about, and what does it mean for your career?

Sydney’s Guard:

This wasn’t just luck—I hunted for it.

I was deep into Genz hustling, searching for music supervisors online when I stumbled upon Jelmer from Soar Music Group. I reached out and asked if they would be interested in representing my album Prophet of Trouble for synchronization licensing.

After reviewing my work, Jelmer agreed, and we took it from there. This deal represents progress in my career and a chance to learn more about the business side of music. For any artist, securing sync licensing opens doors to opportunities in film, television, commercials, and video games.

If something great comes out of it, fantastic! If not, I’ll keep pushing forward—because that’s just how life works.

Exposed Vocals: What’s next for Sydney’s Guard? Are there any upcoming projects, albums, or live performances we should look out for?

Sydney’s Guard:

In the meantime what I am looking forward to is the mentorship at screenplay writing and
collaboration with veteran American screenwriter, Geno Scala, of The Script Mentor to rewrite my war
memoir, “Luwero Triangle-The Hot Bullet Zone”, for the print version plus publishing and marketing it in
the USA and Europe. Then its adaptation, into a screenplay which he will market to film makers and
producers to get a film made. I also have a dance track am working on which is a collaboration with
Gabrielle Riegel, an American DJ/Producer from Florida. Again we are in talks with Radu Ovidiu Giurgiu,
from Romania, the founder of Black & White Parties and Events, for a collaboration with his artist of
choice on his label. Hoping to complete my audiobook project as well for “Luwero Triangle-The Hot
Bullet Zone”. But as I always say nothing is set in stone. Anything can always come up in between and it
takes centre stage. The results from the above projects will again lead to other directions which I can’t
tell right now.

Exposed Vocals: What’s the ultimate message you hope listeners take away from your music?

Sydney’s Guard:

I hope listeners take away from my music is to be positive and happy in
life. To love and wish others well as you get what you give. Lastly, to be open minded and social-talk to
whoever wants to talk to you as you never know what powers drew them to you. You can’t tell what can
come out of that interaction until you engage with them fully upto the end.

Sydney’s Guard is a force to be reckoned with—an artist whose resilience, creativity, and relentless passion have shaped a unique sound that blends hard rock, pop, and electronic music. His journey from Uganda to London, overcoming obstacles and carving his own path in the industry, is a testament to his dedication. With Rejuvenated making waves, his Prophet of Trouble album gaining recognition, and exciting collaborations on the horizon, the future looks bright for this rising star. Whether through electrifying rock anthems or thought-provoking lyrics, Sydney’s Guard continues to push boundaries and inspire listeners worldwide. Keep an eye on his upcoming projects—this is only the beginning of an incredible musical journey.