CYN

How did you get started in music?
I started writing and singing when I was a toddler. Singing songs to myself and writing poems in my journal. My parents divorced when I was five years old, which affected me a great deal. Music helped me cope with that original heartbreak and served as a tool to further understand my place in the world. When I was 12 years old, I started taking classical piano lessons and using new newfound skills to pair piano and voice. Around 14, I started experimenting with recording myself through some kind of Sony software I found online.

At 16, my neighbor & best friend got a MacBook and would let me borrow her computer some nights to play around in garage band. It was the constant experimentation with songwriting I would partake in as a child that led me to professional studios as an adult.

Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in the love and affection (or the opposite) I feel toward people in my life. I’m also inspired by nature, colors, and culture. Traveling always encourages me to be more creative.

In addition to Katy Perry, who else would you say has been a huge mentor to you in your musical journey?
Besides Katy, I would consider a lot of the people I collaborate with to be my musical mentors: Hayley Gene Penner, who is an incredible artist and songwriter and Matias Mora who is a producer who also has a keen skill for melody and subject matter.

What is pop music to you?
Pop music seems to often be the story of obsession, deceit, mindless fun – all stemming from a romantic sensation.

Tell us about “Believer.”
I wrote “Believer” after a breakup. The song is actually a lot more melancholy than the track might initially lead the listener to believe. I think hearing someone sing, “there must be something in the air that I’m not breathing… I am just a jaded girl… I feel unloveable” because of a love gone wrong is actually quite heartbreaking. The song ultimately represents the struggle of believing in a love that could last after experiencing one with a surprise ending. From “Believer,” I would love for a fan to take away the comfort in knowing that falling out of love can be a normal experience and that questioning our ability to love and accept love is something everyone goes through. I hope they remain optimistic though and have faith that the right love is out there for them if they don’t have it already.

How would you define the progression from “Together” to your latest release?
I think it’s obvious that I’m growing in sound and expression. My newer stuff embodies a more adult perspective and mentions topics that have a more serious tone.

So you’ve already worked with pop icon, Katy Perry; are there any other artists you’d like to collaborate with in the future?
I would loveeeeee to work with Pharrell one day.

How would you describe your personal style? Does it differ on and off-duty?
My personal style is feminine, natural, and realistic. I only really wear heels on the red carpet or to a black-tie event– never to the studio or shopping or while traveling. I often like to call upon my French roots and base my style choices off something a French girl would choose. There’s also a weird moment where I fully embody the Fairfax Fuckboi and go full-on sweatsuit with Adidas when I’m going to spend my whole day in the studio.

Who is one of your style influences?
I let culture influence my style and right now, I am really influenced by French women! Their class and sophistication is something I strive to have!

What’s something you’d like to see changed about the music industry?
I wish that women felt more welcome and safer in this industry. This is a wish I see coming true as more women continue to speak up against mistreatment. I think we are setting the tone for our future daughters and we are ultimately molding this industry into an experience better suited not only for women but for all people.

What up-and-coming artists have you been into?
I really love and believe in Hayley Gene Penner, Sigrid, and Boyboy.

See also

INTERVIEWS

Bryson Tiller

If you had to live off one food, what would it be?
Cheese!

If you could go back in time, what would you do differently or change?
I don’t believe in this. It’s all meant to be.

What’s your all-time favorite movie?
The Little Mermaid!

What was your last Google search?
I googled “define envelop” – wanted to make sure I understood the word I was trying to use.

Finally, what’s next, new and exciting?
I’m very excited to release my music video for “Believer.” My friend Kenny Laubbacher directed it and did an incredible job. It’s my favorite video I’ve done so far, I feel like I’m closer to the artist I strive to be after making it.