SYD ANNOUNCES FIRST NEW ALBUM IN FOUR YEARS: BEARD SET FOR RELEASE ON JULY 17, 2026

GRAMMY award-winning singer, songwriter, producer, engineer, and co-founder of beloved collective THE INTERNET – Syd – announces her third solo album Beard out July 17, 2026 via Free Lunch/Warner Records. Pre-save HERE.

The LP, co-produced by Syd, and featuring friends and collaborators by the likes of Raphael Saadiq, Big Sean, Rodney Jerkins, James Fauntleroy, Van Hunt, Blu June, and Jordan Ward, is a true coming-of-age album that documents the R&B innovator’s evolution as an artist and as a human. It is both a reminder of Syd’s massive contributions to the genre, while also pushing it forward – a dynamic she has always navigated with unmatched genius and finesse. After lending her skills to an impressive catalog of collaborations, including Beyoncé’s “Plastic Off the Sofa” from Renaissance, for which she won a GRAMMY for co-writing, Syd continues her massive ascent with each release better than the next. Beard is Syd’s most impressive, evolved album yet.

Beard is an album that is as layered as its name. Says Syd about the record – “Beard is a coming of age album for me. It’s a snapshot of what my life looks like right now. The title was inspired by the peach fuzz on my upper lip that society has always taught me to hate. I fell in love with my peach fuzz and it made me rethink everything that was supposed to make me feel insecure. It allowed me to take my confidence into my own hands, and own everything that I am and everything I love about myself, regardless of what anyone else thinks. The title also represents the way I see myself in relation to my peers, especially in music. ‘The bearded lady.’ Not so much a spectacle in my case, but an anomaly and an outlier. Hard to compare. I’m

owning that too. Taking things that were once insecurities and flipping them on their head has been extremely empowering.”

The record’s lead single – a brilliant next step in Syd’s sonic evolution called “Callin” (feat. Blu June) – is available to stream now. From the second you press play, “Callin” has instant momentum; crisp hi-hats marry with hook-driven lyrics and singular vocals that only Syd can provide, each chorus anchored by blooms of harmonies. At one moment, Syd’s voice is daring you to engage; at another, it’s putting you in your place; “Callin” is the ultimate crush. Listen HERE.

In celebration of Beard, Syd also announces a handful of headline dates that take her to cities including London, Paris, Amsterdam and more.

Related Articles

Rhiza Babuyile and Johan Cruyff Foundation unveil Cruyff Courts in South Africa, promoting inclusivity, empowerment and social change

The launch of the Cruyff Courts in South Africa coincides with International Day for People with Disabilities on December...

’THROWBACK CINEMA’ MOVIES ARE PERFECT FOR MERRY MONTH OF MARCH

Enjoy these classic movies for just R50 at select Ster-Kinekor cinemas Ster-Kinekor’s Throwback Cinema promotion continues in the merry month of...

Shisha Sundays Returns With An All-Black Edition And A Line-up That Celebrates Township Talent

The streets are calling, and the vibe is blacked out. The highly anticipated lifestyle experience, Shisha Sundays, is back with...

Lizzo’s Drops Unexpected Mixtape My Face Hurts From Smiling

Fresh off the success of her viral freestyle “Yitty on Yo Tittys” multi-platinum, Grammy and Emmy Award–winning artist Lizzo drops...

Yumbs Announces 5th Edition of Last Sunday Yumborghini Club Sessions,  A Curated Cultural Experience Returns with a New Location 

Renowned Amapiano producer and DJ Yumbs returns with the fifth edition of his highly anticipated Last Sunday Yumborghini Club...

Most Popular

DEAR SIS DOLLY Giving You Something You Can Feel

WHO IS SIS DOLLY? Didintle Khunou Leads South Africa’s Most Heartfelt New Conversation About Love, Family and Second Chances She has kept the nation’s secrets for...