Our very first digital cover for Popternative Magazine features actor, producer, director, and entrepreneur Sydney Scotia who recently had a guest star role in Episode 10 Season 2 of the hit series Tracker on CBS.
Scotia played musician Angie and was able to show her musical abilities with the role with her own singing/songwriting background. Scotia also recently wrapped the Bigfoot thriller film Sawtooth Mountain which she produces and stars in. She also recently lived a dream role playing Joanna in the Hallmark Channel Christmas film, Our Holiday Story starring Nikki Deloach and Warren Christie.
In our exclusive chat with our cover star, Sydney discusses working with Justin Hartley on Tracker, incorporating her music background with the role, wrapping Sawtooth Mountain and exploring the worlds of thriller and horror as a multi-faceted creative.
Photos for Popternative Magazine by Jonathan Puente
What was it like working with Justin Hartley on Tracker?
Sydney Scotia (SS): Justin is not only incredibly talented, but he’s also one of the kindest, most grounded people I’ve worked with. He really sets the tone for the entire production—focused, collaborative, and generous. When your number one on the call sheet shows up like that, everyone follows suit. He doesn’t just show up as Colter Shaw, he helps mold the episode with the director and crew, all while working long hours on set.
What was it like getting to incorporate music into your role?
SS: I was genuinely thrilled to book this role—not only because I’m a huge fan of Tracker, but because I love when a character allows me to blend my love of acting with music. The turnaround from booking to shooting was pretty quick, but I jumped right into preparing Oklahoma Smokeshow by Zach Bryan, which was such a gift to perform. Getting to play guitar and sing on set felt like the best of both worlds.
You star in and produce the upcoming thriller, Sawtooth Mountain. What was it like balancing acting and producing?
SS: It was definitely a challenge—but a really rewarding one. I wrapped another project just before we began shooting Sawtooth, so switching gears into producing mode was a fast transition. But I love the collaborative nature of filmmaking. It made the experience that much more immersive and personal.
What has been your favorite part of working in the horror/thriller genre so far?
SS: I absolutely love the horror/thriller genre—it’s one of the most creative and visually exciting spaces to play in. There’s a real team spirit that happens when you’re building tension or choreographing a scare. Every department—makeup, lighting, sound, camera—comes together to create something visceral and unforgettable. It’s such a dynamic environment to work in, and I’d love to do more, so much so, I have just finished writing my first horror script.
Did portraying a musician on Tracker rekindle your interest in writing and recording music?
SS: It really did. I’ve always joked that “in another life, I was a country artist,” but after Tracker, I started thinking—why not this life? I’ve started writing a country EP and I’m two songs in so far. It feels like a natural extension of my storytelling, just through a microphone instead of a lens.
What would you say is your favorite thing about being a storyteller?
SS: For me, storytelling has always been about connection. I started performing as a competitive dancer when I was seven, and I quickly realized how much I loved evoking emotion—whether it was laughter, joy, or even pain. There’s something really powerful about making people feel something, and I think that’s the heart of great storytelling. I’m constantly working on improving this skill.
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