Gerry Casey Interviews Austin & The Syd Experience

February 1, 2026

HOME PAGE

Making a Scene Presents Gerry Casey’s Interview with Austin and the Syd Experience

Austin & The Syd Experience is a Columbus, Ohio–based funk rock ensemble delivering a fearless, high-voltage blend of hard rock, psychedelic soul, and raw, merciless funk. Known as “ASYD Funk,” their sound is loud, sensual, and deeply groove-driven, built to hit the body as much as the ears.

At the core of the band’s sound is a powerful fusion of guitar-driven space rock, thunderous slap bass lines, tight in-the-pocket drumming, and gritty, commanding vocals. Every element locks together to create extended, soul-stirring jams that feel equal parts spiritual experience and dance-floor explosion. It’s music designed to move people—physically, emotionally, and collectively.

The band features Austin Johnson on guitar, Syd on vocals, John Zuck on bass, and Brandon Pettiford on drums. Together, they channel the spirit of funk’s pioneers while pushing the genre forward with modern intensity and fearless improvisation. Their influences run deep, drawing inspiration from Funkadelic, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Sly Stone, and Betty Davis, but their sound is unmistakably their own. Rather than imitate the past, Austin & The Syd Experience twist those influences into a fresh, explosive fusion that feels alive in the moment.

Live, the band thrives on connection and release. Their performances blur the line between concert and communal ritual, pulling audiences into a shared groove that builds, stretches, and erupts. Whether it’s a packed club or a festival stage, ASYD Funk turns every room into a moving, sweating, dancing mass of energy.

Currently, Austin & The Syd Experience are writing new material while continuing to sell out venues in their hometown of Columbus and surrounding cities. With new music on the way and momentum building fast, the band is ready to bring their electrifying live show to stages everywhere.

If they’re coming to a town near you, don’t sit this one out—this is funk that demands to be felt.