- Words Notion Staff
- Photographer Shantell Cruz
We chat with singer-songwriter Cyn about her debut album, Valley Girl, leaving downtown LA and how poetry defines her lyricism.
Acclaimed singer-songwriter Cyn has released Valley Girl – Extended, a digital-only edition of her debut album, now available via UnSub Records/Capitol Records. This extended version consolidates all 12 tracks from the original sides, along with three brand-new songs: ‘Sweet’, ‘Sink Your Teeth in Your Tongue’, and the newly released single, ‘The Smiths’.
Cyn’s album has been widely celebrated for its witty lyrics and catchy pop melodies, with hits like ‘Drinks’ and ‘House With A View’ gaining widespread acclaim. Fans are in for a treat as Cyn continues to engage with her growing audience, with critically acclaimed performances at Los Angeles’ Troubadour on January 8 and New York City’s Mercury Lounge happening this past month.
While on her American tour, we chatted with singer-songwriter Cyn about her debut album, leaving downtown LA, and how poetry defines her lyricism.
Congratulations on the release of your debut album, Valley Girl! Can you tell us about the journey of creating this record and what inspired its autobiographical themes?
‘The Smiths’ is such a striking single—what’s the story behind the track? How did it come to represent this era of your music?
I loved the idea of the phrase, “every time I hear The Smiths, I think of you,” which is just so romantic. I think it would be a cool Valentine’s Day card. It could be a great punchline in a rom-com. I ended up using the phrase to write a song where I pretended I missed my love.
Sonically, Valley Girl plays with nostalgia from classic teen films. How did you capture that vibe, and were there specific movies or soundtracks that influenced you?
I did my best to try and imagine these kinds of scenes, and I (without anyone asking) took my place as the main character. I would imagine scenes like boarding a plane to go on an adventure, running through a field wild with belief in love, or carrying a baseball bat to take revenge on someone’s car (and I know exactly where it is parked). Perspective is a wonderful tool in songwriting!
What’s the significance of The Valley as a setting and metaphor in your album?
The Valley was significant simply because in 2020, I left downtown LA and landed in The Valley. It’s ironic and awesome that valleys symbolise so much because so much of my time spent in The Valley aligns with their more symbolic definition. The Valley is where I experience fertility, obstacles, safety etc.
You’re kicking off 2025 with shows at the Troubadour and Mercury Lounge—what can fans expect from these performances?
Oh man, just a lot of personality. I manage to have something silly to say after almost every song.
You’re a lover of the written word—how does journaling and poetry influence your songwriting process?
I think that my particular taste in poetry certainly affects the way that I write lyrics and probably sets me apart from the crowd.
Can you share more about your upcoming Valley Girl zine? What can fans look forward to seeing in it?
I created the zine because I wanted to experience something I could hold with my hands; I literally hand-crafted it! I designed everything, which is something I’d never done before. I cut it out, piece by magazine piece, stuck it onto paper, and then scanned each page. I was grateful to work with a couple of designers who helped me place each design accurately on each page. I cannot wait for people to hold this zine and take another step further through planet Valley Girl.
What excites you most about sharing Valley Girl with the world, and what’s next on your creative horizon?
I’m excited to watch her fly away finally. It was tough to set her free, but she’s finally out! It feels good to let her go. I am not sure what is next, but I’m ready for it!
Can you name some other artists we should be looking out for in 2025?
I am a really huge fan of Annika Rose.
What are you manifesting for the year ahead?
Less time on my phone, more time for arts and crafts! More time with my children.
