Cynthia "Cyn" Nabozny (born May 13, 1993) is an American singer and songwriter.
Key Information
Early life
[edit]Cyn was born on May 13, 1993, in Michigan. She has described her parents' divorce, which occurred when she was a toddler, as "a big driver of her love for music."[3] By age 16, she was recording and doubling her own vocals.[4] After failing to get into DePaul University's music program, she graduated from the university in Management Information Systems.[5]
Personal life
[edit]She began a relationship with filmmaker Kyle Newman in 2020. They have a son, born February 2021 and a daughter born in 2023.[6][7]
Career
[edit]In September 2015, she wrote the song "Only With You", which she performed two months later for Katy Perry.[8] She was subsequently signed by Perry's record label, Unsub Records.[9][8] Two years after its conception, "Only With You" was released as a single.[8] Her debut single under Unsub was "Together" released in July 2017.[10] Throughout 2018 Cyn opened for Perry's Witness: The Tour across Mexico, made her Bonnaroo debut and toured North America with Years & Years. That year her single "Moment of Truth" was also part of the animated feature film Smallfoot.[9]
Cyn released her debut E.P Mood Swing in September 2019.[11] The seven-track release included songs co-written and produced by both Lars Stalfors and Matias Mora. Cyn describes the work as a "Parisian park" and that most of the songs on it, including lyrics and melody, are built around a single sentence, the "thesis statement".[3] A year later she released a reimagined version of the E.P titled Mood Swing (even moodier).[4]
In February 2020, Cyn released "Lonely Gun" as part of the original motion picture soundtrack for DC's Birds of Prey,[12] and her song "I Can't Believe" was included as part of the soundtrack for To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You.[citation needed]
Cyn wrote and recorded the songs "Drinks" and "Uh-Oh" for the 2020 Oscar-winning motion picture Promising Young Woman.[13] "Drinks" spent two months at U.S. Top 40 Radio, peaking at #22 in July 2020. That June, Cyn released The Mixed Drinks Collection which featured a stripped-down reworking of the song, along with remixes from NERVO, Ladyhawke, MNDR and Uffie. "Drinks" continued to grow in popularity throughout the following year and was featured prominently in high-profile shows Inventing Anna and Gossip Girl.
In August 2021, Cyn recorded a cover version of Sixpence None the Richer's "Kiss Me" for the Netflix film soundtrack of He's All That (2021)[14] and in March 2022 released a version of the Karen Elson & Daniel Tashian penned song "Heaven Shine A Light" for the HBO Max original film, Moonshot.
2022 saw Cyn release two singles, "House with a View"[15] and "Losing Sleep" as she continued working on her full-length debut album.
Her debut album 'Valley Girl' was released via Unsub/Capitol Records in Nov 2024.
Artistry and influences
[edit]One of the first songs Cyn enjoyed as a child was "Foolish Games" by Jewel.[3] Alongside Jewel, she considers Sheryl Crow and Rosalía her favorite artists.[3] Her grandmother listened to Doris Day.[5] Having been raised near Detroit, she counts Motown as a major influence.[3] Lorde inspired her to use a stage name.[4]
In 2020, she described early Disney movies as a new influence.[4]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Valley Girl |
|
[16][17][18] |
Extended plays
[edit]| Title | Details | Ref. |
|---|---|---|
| Mood Swing |
|
[19] |
| Mood Swing (even moodier) |
|
[20] |
| Valley Girl (Side A - Lost on Laurel) |
|
[21] |
| Valley Girl (Side B - Los Angeles, No Offense) |
|
[22] |
Singles
[edit]| Title | Year | Album | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Together" | 2017 | Non-album singles | [23] |
| "Only With You" | [24] | ||
| "Alright" | 2018 | [25] | |
| "Believer" | [26] | ||
| "I'll Still Have Me" | Mood Swing | [27] | |
| "Holy Roller" | 2019 | [28] | |
| "Terrible Ideas" | Non-album single | [29] | |
| "Never-ending Summer" | Mood Swing | [30] | |
| "Drinks"[A] | 2020 | Valley Girl | [32] |
| "New York" | Non-album single | [33] | |
| "House With a View" | 2022 | Valley Girl | [34] |
| "Losing Sleep" | [35] | ||
| "Where Do All the Diamonds Go?" | 2023 | [36] | |
| "Growing Up" | [37] | ||
| "Cuz of You" (with Felix Cartal) |
2024 | I | [38] |
| "I Don't Care" | Valley Girl | [39] | |
| "Be Like Her" | [40] | ||
| "Crazy" | [41] | ||
| "The Smiths" | Valley Girl (Extended) | [42] |
Other songs
[edit]| Title | Year | Album | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Moment of Truth" | 2018 | Smallfoot (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | [43] |
| "I Can't Believe" | 2019 | Mood Swing | [19] |
| "Angel" | |||
| "Bubble Bath" | |||
| "Nobody's Keeping Score" | |||
| "Lonely Gun" | 2020 | Birds of Prey: The Album | [44] |
| "Uh-Oh" | Promising Young Woman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | [31] | |
| "Wonderful" | 2021 | Pokémon 25: The Album | [45] |
| "Kiss Me" | He's All That (Music From The Netflix Film) | [46] | |
| "Always Safe" | Music from Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle | [47] | |
| "No Matter What" | |||
| "Heaven Shine a Light" | 2022 | Non-album promotional single | [48] |
| "Lemons" | 2024 | Valley Girl | [21] |
| "Hard to Love" | |||
| "Love You Like I Want To" | [22] | ||
| "Los Angeles, No Offense" | |||
| "Sweet" | Valley Girl (Extended) | [18] | |
| "Sink Your Teeth In Your Tongue" |
As featured artist
[edit]| Title | Year | Album | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Waves" (IHF featuring Cyn) |
2014 | Floating - EP | [49] |
| "No More Hesitation" (Sorrow featuring Cyn) |
2015 | Search of the Miraculous - EP | [50] |
| "No One Knows" (J.Pennyworth featuring Cyn) |
Non-album single | [51] | |
| "Portrait" (Probcause featuring Cyn) |
Drifters | [52] | |
| "Take" (Khai featuring Cyn) |
If You - EP | [53] | |
| "Cloudy" (Jerms featuring Cyn) |
2016 | Non-album single | [54] |
Music videos
[edit]| Title | Year | Director(s) | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|
| "Only With You" | 2017 | [55] | |
| "Believer" | 2018 | [56] | |
| "I'll Still Have Me" | [57] | ||
| "Terrible Ideas" | 2019 | [58] | |
| "Holy Roller" | Ally Pankiw | [59] | |
| "I Can't Believe" | 2020 | Daniel Waynick and Cyn | [60] |
| "Drinks" | Taylor Fauntleroy | [61] | |
| "House With a View" | 2022 | Kyle Newman | [62] |
| "Losing Sleep" | 2023 | [63] | |
| "Where Do All the Diamonds Go?" | Miche Sieg and Rose Chirillo | [64] | |
| "Growing Up" | Janush Libicki | [65] | |
| "I Don't Care" | 2024 | [66] | |
| "Crazy" | [67] |
Tours
[edit]Opening act
- Witness: The Tour (Katy Perry) (2018)
- Palo Santo Tour (Years & Years) (2018)
Notes
[edit]- ^ Also appears on Promising Young Woman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack).[31]
References
[edit]- ^ Juneau, Jen (February 18, 2021). "Jaime King's Estranged Husband Kyle Newman and Singer Cyn Welcome First Child Together: Source". People. Retrieved December 30, 2022.
- ^ "Welcome to the world BEATRIX ROSE NEWMAN! I am so thrilled to be her father. Cynthia delivered her naturally and both mother & baby are in great spirits and health. We can't wait for Beatrix to meet her big brothers! #girldad#baby #babygirl @cynthialovely". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ a b c d e Klonowski, Lauren (February 5, 2020). "Cyn: Not Your Average Pop Artist". Beyond The Stage Magazine. pp. 6–9. Archived from the original on November 1, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
- ^ a b c d Vitagliano, Joe (September 18, 2020). "Cyn Reimagines Debut EP With Follow-Up, "Mood Swing (even moodier)"". American Songwriter. Archived from the original on October 8, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
- ^ a b Santino, Catherine (February 11, 2020). "Armed with old school charm and midwestern grit, cyn is carving out a new genre within pop". LadyGunn. Archived from the original on November 29, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ Juneau, Jen (February 18, 2021). "Jaime King's Estranged Husband Kyle Newman and Singer Cyn Welcome First Child Together: Source". People. Retrieved December 30, 2022.
- ^ "Welcome to the world BEATRIX ROSE NEWMAN! I am so thrilled to be her father. Cynthia delivered her naturally and both mother & baby are in great spirits and health. We can't wait for Beatrix to meet her big brothers! #girldad#baby #babygirl @cynthialovely". X (formerly Twitter). Retrieved December 8, 2023.
- ^ a b c Cusumano, Katherine (September 28, 2017). "Premiere: Newcomer Cyn Finally Releases the Song That Made Katy Perry Take Notice (Exclusive)". W Magazine. Archived from the original on March 31, 2018. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
- ^ a b Kim, Soey (February 4, 2019). "Meet CYN – Katy Perry's Dark Horse". British Vogue. Archived from the original on February 4, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
- ^ Molina, Jasely (July 13, 2017). "CYN's "Together" Is A Poppy Breath Of Fresh Air". The Fader. Archived from the original on July 16, 2017. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
- ^ "CYN Releases Debut EP "Mood Swing" Today". Elicit Magazine. September 20, 2019. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
- ^ Marotta, Michael (February 7, 2020). "Cyn delivers thunder to the 'Birds of Prey' soundtrack with 'Lonely Gun'". Vanyaland. Archived from the original on November 27, 2020. Retrieved February 7, 2021.
- ^ "Cyn – "Uh Oh"". 360 MAGAZINE. November 12, 2020. Archived from the original on November 13, 2020. Retrieved February 6, 2021.
- ^ Mamo, Heran (August 4, 2021). "Cyn Covers Sixpence None the Richer's 'Kiss Me' for 'He's All That' Listen". Billboard. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
- ^ "Cyn Manifests Luxury and a 'House with a View' with the Help of Katy Perry in New Video". Rolling Stone. July 15, 2022.
- ^ @cynthialovely (November 15, 2024). "My debut album and (almost) all of its entirety is yours now! She has arrived, VALLEY GIRL" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Cyn - Valley Girl - Vinyl". Capitol Records. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ a b "Valley Girl (Extended)". Apple Music. November 29, 2024. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
- ^ a b "Mood Swing". Apple Music. September 20, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Mood Swing (even moodier) – EP". Apple Music. September 18, 2020. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ a b "Valley Girl (Side A - Lost on Laurel) - EP". Apple Music. September 6, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
- ^ a b "Valley Girl (Side B - Los Angeles, No Offense) - EP". Apple Music. November 15, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Together – Single". Apple Music. July 14, 2017. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Only With You – Single". Apple Music. September 29, 2017. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Alright – Single". Apple Music. March 2, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Believer – Single". Apple Music. April 27, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "I'll Still Have Me – Single". Apple Music. September 21, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Holy Roller – Single". Apple Music. May 21, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Terrible Ideas – Single". Apple Music. April 5, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Never-ending Summer – Single". Apple Music. August 21, 2019. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ a b "Promising Young Woman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack)". Apple Music. December 4, 2020. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Drinks – Single". Apple Music. March 6, 2020. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "New York – Single". Apple Music. October 20, 2020. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "House With A View – Single". Apple Music. July 15, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
- ^ "Losing Sleep – Single". Apple Music. October 21, 2022. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ "Where Do All The Diamonds Go? - Single". Apple Music. July 14, 2024. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ "Growing Up - Single". Apple Music. October 13, 2023. Retrieved January 24, 2024.
- ^ "cuz of you - Single". Apple Music. May 24, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "I Don't Care - Single". Apple Music. July 19, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
- ^ "Be Like Her - Single". Apple Music. August 16, 2024. Retrieved September 6, 2024.
- ^ "Crazy - Single". Apple Music. October 18, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ @unsubrecords (November 26, 2024). "This week @cynthialovely releases her full Valley Girl extended album - featuring 3 new songs - inc new single 'The Smiths" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Smallfoot (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) [Deluxe Edition]". Apple Music. September 28, 2018. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Birds of Prey: The Album". Apple Music. February 20, 2020. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Pokémon 25: The Album". Apple Music. October 15, 2021. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "He's All That (Music From The Netflix Film)". Apple Music. August 27, 2021. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Pokémon the Movie: Secrets of the Jungle – Single". Apple Music. September 7, 2021. Retrieved September 8, 2021.
- ^ "Heaven Shine a Light (From the Original Motion Picture 'moonshot') – Single". Apple Music. March 25, 2022. Retrieved July 15, 2022.
- ^ "Floating - EP". Apple Music. December 8, 2014. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
- ^ "Search of the Miraculous - EP". Apple Music. January 19, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
- ^ "No One Knows (feat. CYN) [Remixes]". Apple Music. May 7, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
- ^ "Drifters". Apple Music. August 28, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
- ^ "If You - EP". Apple Music. October 16, 2015. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
- ^ "Cloudy (feat. CYN) - Single". Apple Music. May 17, 2016. Retrieved November 29, 2024.
- ^ "CYN - Only With You". YouTube. November 30, 2017. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cyn - Believer". YouTube. May 31, 2018. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cyn - I'll Still Have Me". YouTube. September 21, 2018. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cyn - Terrible Ideas (Official Video)". YouTube. April 16, 2019. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cyn - Holy Roller". YouTube. June 5, 2019. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cyn - I Can't Believe". YouTube. February 19, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cyn - Drinks (Official Video)". YouTube. March 6, 2020. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cyn - House With A View". YouTube. July 25, 2022. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cyn - Losing Sleep". YouTube. April 4, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cyn - Where Do All The Diamonds Go?". YouTube. July 14, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cyn - Growing Up". YouTube. October 13, 2023. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cyn - I Don't Care". YouTube. August 6, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
- ^ "Cyn - Crazy". YouTube. October 18, 2024. Retrieved November 15, 2024.
External links
[edit]- CYN biography at The Vogue
Biography
Early life
Cynthia Nabozny, professionally known as Cyn, was born on May 13, 1993, in suburban Detroit, Michigan, to a middle-class family with divorced parents. After the divorce, which occurred when she was approximately five years old, she lived with her mother and younger sister in a modest home near a lake, while her father continued working as an electrician at Ford Motor Company. The emotional turmoil of her parents' separation deeply influenced her connection to music, serving as a primary outlet for coping and self-expression; she has described turning to songwriting and journaling to navigate these challenges. Specifically, her mother's frequent playing of Jewel's "Foolish Games" during this time ignited her aspiration to become a singer. From a young age, Cyn showed a strong inclination toward music, beginning to write her own songs by age nine and taking piano lessons as a preteen. By age 14, she started recording vocals at home, borrowing a friend's laptop to create covers of popular tracks and experiment with her voice, often layering and doubling harmonies herself. These early home recordings marked the beginning of her technical engagement with music production, fostering her skills in a DIY environment. Her family's background played a pivotal role in nurturing her creative interests, with exposure to diverse sounds shaping her artistic foundation. Growing up in the Detroit area, she was immersed in Motown music, which became a cornerstone influence due to its proximity to the genre's origins. Additionally, spending time with her grandmother introduced her to classic recordings on vinyl, including artists like Doris Day, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, and Carole King, alongside big band and jazz elements. Disney soundtracks also featured prominently in her childhood listening, contributing to her appreciation for melodic storytelling and emotional depth in music. This blend of influences from family and regional culture laid the groundwork for her later pursuits in songwriting and performance.Personal life
Cyn began a romantic relationship with filmmaker and director Kyle Newman in 2020, after being introduced through mutual friends during the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic.[7] The couple welcomed their first child together, a son named Etienne Noel Newman, on February 17, 2021.[9] Their family expanded further with the birth of a daughter in 2023.[7] Cyn and Newman married in an intimate ceremony in 2023.[7] The arrival of children significantly shaped Cyn's priorities during 2021 and 2023, leading her to pause extensive music production in favor of family responsibilities. She adjusted her daily routine, limiting studio sessions to six hours to accommodate parenting duties, and occasionally brought her newborn to recording sessions for convenience.[7] This period of creative recalibration allowed her to focus on personal growth, with motherhood deepening her songwriting by introducing more profound, introspective themes about identity and transformation.[7] Despite these shifts, she continued releasing independent singles sporadically, reflecting a deliberate balance between domestic life and artistic output.[7] In conjunction with starting a family, Cyn relocated to the San Fernando Valley suburbs of Los Angeles, a move that marked a transition from urban living to a more family-oriented lifestyle. This change not only inspired the thematic content of her debut album Valley Girl but also influenced practical aspects of her routine, such as integrating family time into her creative process.[10] As she navigates touring commitments, Cyn has emphasized prioritizing quality time with her children, manifesting intentions for more shared activities like arts and crafts amid her professional travels.[11]Career
2015–2018: Beginnings and early releases
Cyn's entry into the music industry began in 2015 when, after writing the song "Only With You," she performed it for Katy Perry during a meeting in Los Angeles in September of that year. This performance impressed Perry, leading to Cyn's eventual signing to Perry's imprint label, Unsub Records, under Capitol Records in 2017. The track "Only With You," which explores themes of obsessive love, was officially released as her second single in November 2017, accompanied by a music video depicting a stalker narrative.[12][13] Her debut single, "Together," arrived in July 2017, marking Cyn's first official release under the label and showcasing her pop sensibilities with electronic influences. This period solidified her early career momentum, as she began building visibility through these initial tracks. By 2018, Cyn expanded her live performances, opening for Katy Perry's Witness Tour across several dates in Mexico in May, where she performed songs like "Believer" to enthusiastic audiences. Later that year, she made her festival debut at Bonnaroo in June, delivering high-energy sets that highlighted her stage presence.[14][15][16] Throughout the fall of 2018, Cyn supported Years & Years on their North American leg of the Palo Santo Tour, performing in venues across the continent and gaining exposure to broader audiences. That same year, she contributed the original song "Moment of Truth" to the soundtrack of the animated film Smallfoot, released in September, which featured an empowering anthem aligned with the movie's themes of curiosity and bravery. These experiences marked Cyn's transition from nascent recordings to active touring and soundtrack contributions, establishing her as an emerging artist in the pop landscape.[15][17][18]2019–2020: Mood Swing EPs and soundtrack work
In 2019, Cyn released her debut extended play, Mood Swing, on September 20 via Unsub Records, marking her first major project under the label co-founded by Katy Perry.[19] The seven-track EP featured a blend of electro-pop and dance elements, with several songs co-written by producers Lars Stalfors—known for his work with artists like Cold War Kids and St. Vincent—and Matias Mora, who contributed to the project's atmospheric soundscapes.[20] Tracks such as "Holy Roller" and "I'll Still Have Me" highlighted Cyn's evolving style, drawing from personal introspection and upbeat rhythms to explore themes of emotional resilience. Building on the initial release, Cyn issued Mood Swing (even moodier) on September 18, 2020, a five-track reimagining of select songs from the original EP in more stripped-back, acoustic arrangements.[21] This follow-up emphasized vulnerability through piano-driven renditions and minimal production, reflecting a shift toward intimacy amid the uncertainties of the year.[22] The EP's release coincided with broader challenges in the music industry, as the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted traditional promotional efforts like live tours and in-person events, forcing artists including Cyn to pivot to virtual performances and digital outreach.[7] During this period, Cyn gained wider exposure through contributions to high-profile film soundtracks. She provided the original track "Lonely Gun" for the Birds of Prey (and the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn) album, released on February 14, 2020, via Atlantic Records, where her electro-infused contribution complemented the film's empowering narrative. Similarly, "Drinks," an original song co-written with John Phillip Clark and Ryan Daly, appeared on the Promising Young Woman soundtrack, issued on March 6, 2020, by Unsub Records and Atlantic; the single resonated with its themes of nightlife and fleeting connections, peaking at #22 on the U.S. Top 40 radio airplay chart in July 2020.[23][24] These soundtrack placements not only amplified Cyn's visibility but also provided key opportunities for growth during a time when live music venues were largely shuttered due to the pandemic.[25]2021–2023: Independent singles
In 2021, Cyn contributed to the soundtrack for the Netflix romantic comedy He's All That with her cover of Sixpence None the Richer's "Kiss Me," released on August 4 under Unsub Records.[26] The track, produced by Cary Singer and Matias Mora, featured a remix version as well and marked her return to music following a period of personal transition.[27] Earlier that year, on February 18, Cyn announced the birth of her first child, a son, with filmmaker Kyle Newman, which she had kept private throughout her pregnancy.[28] The following year, Cyn released several standalone singles while continuing soundtrack work. On March 25, she provided "Heaven Shine a Light" for the HBO Max film Moonshot, written by Daniel Tashian and Karen Elson and released via Big Yellow Dog Music.[29] In July, "House with a View" debuted on July 15 under Unsub Records, a pop track co-written by Cyn and produced by Ryan Daly, accompanied by a music video featuring a cameo from Katy Perry.[30] This was followed by "Losing Sleep" on October 14, also under Unsub Records, another co-write with Daly and JP Clark that explored themes of infatuation-induced insomnia.[31] During this period, Cyn's output slowed as she prioritized family life after welcoming her son in 2021 and daughter in 2023, balancing motherhood with her career under Unsub Records, Katy Perry's independent imprint.[7] She later reflected that these years involved navigating personal milestones like marriage and parenthood, which influenced her selective release approach and evolved her songwriting toward more intentional expression.[7]2024–present: Valley Girl debut
In 2024, Cyn marked her major label debut with the release of the EP Valley Girl (Side A - Lost on Laurel) on September 6, via Unsub Records/Capitol Records, serving as the initial installment of her long-awaited full-length project.[32][33] This EP built on the momentum from her independent singles period, introducing a cohesive narrative centered on themes of youth, identity, and Los Angeles suburbia. The lead single "I Don't Care," released on July 19, 2024, preceded the EP and encapsulated its sassy, empowering pop vibe, gaining traction through its music video and streaming platforms.[34][35] The full Valley Girl album followed on November 15, 2024, compiling tracks from Side A alongside the newly released Valley Girl (Side B – Los Angeles, No Offense) EP, which dropped the same day and expanded the project's exploration of womanhood and personal growth.[36] An extended deluxe version arrived on November 29, 2024, incorporating additional tracks such as "The Smiths," further enriching the album's pop sensibilities and lyrical wit. A digital-only extended edition was released in January 2025. Critics praised the album as a coming-of-age statement, highlighting its catchy melodies, relatable lyrics, and Cyn's confident vocal delivery, with outlets noting its blend of alt-pop accessibility and emotional depth.[37][38] User reception was generally positive, with a user score of 61 out of 100 on Album of the Year (as of November 2025), appreciating its light, everyday listenability.[39] Promotional efforts in late 2024 and early 2025 included a series of interviews where Cyn discussed the album's inspirations, drawing from her Los Angeles Valley roots and family life, as featured in RIFF Magazine and Sweety High.[7][37] She also shared personal guides to Valley hotspots in Nylon, tying into the album's thematic locale, and embarked on a tour that showcased live performances of its hits like "Drinks" and "House With A View," including showcase shows in Los Angeles and New York in January 2025.[10][11] By November 2025, no major new projects or collaborations had been announced, though Cyn continued to engage fans through social media and ongoing tour dates, solidifying her trajectory in the pop landscape.[11][40]Artistry
Musical style
Cyn's musical style blends alt-pop and indie elements with pop rock influences, ranging from moody downtempo tracks to upbeat tropical pop rhythms.[1][41] Her sound often incorporates sultry-sweet beats and driving drum patterns, creating a dynamic contrast between introspective and energetic moods.[42] This fusion is evident in her use of crisp production layers that highlight electronic synth accents alongside rock-leaning guitar riffs.[42] Central to her artistry is a jazz-inflected vocal delivery, characterized by gentle fragility and thoughtful phrasing, which infuses her intimate singer-songwriter approach with emotional depth.[43][44] Cyn's themes revolve around emotional vulnerability, complex relationships, and personal self-discovery, often exploring mood swings and heartbreak through heart-piercing confessionals.[45][42] These elements are drawn from her lived experiences, such as navigating independence and womanhood, presented with witty, nostalgic lyricism.[38][37] Over time, Cyn's production has evolved from the grittier indie textures of her early singles and EPs to a more polished pop aesthetic in her 2024 debut album Valley Girl.[43][38] This shift emphasizes infectious melodies and refined arrangements while retaining her emotive, personal vocal style, allowing for broader explorations of modern relationships and resilience.[37][11]Influences
Cyn's musical influences draw heavily from a blend of classic singer-songwriters, Motown soul, and contemporary global pop, shaped by her Detroit upbringing and personal experiences. One of her earliest inspirations was Jewel, whose song "Foolish Games" played frequently during her parents' divorce when Cyn was young, igniting her desire to become a singer.[46] She has also cited Sheryl Crow as a favorite for her songwriting prowess, which contributed to the folk-pop elements in Cyn's early tracks, such as introspective storytelling in her debut releases.[46] Her roots in Detroit profoundly impacted her affinity for Motown, which she describes as her "getting ready" music and a cornerstone of her sound due to the city's musical heritage.[46] Specific Motown figures like Stevie Wonder stand out among her biggest influences, alongside Carole King, infusing her work with soulful melodies and emotional depth that appear in her pop arrangements.[47] Broader draws from indie and alternative sounds emerge in her grittier, Midwestern-edged pop, reflecting a raw authenticity beyond mainstream polish.[42] Early exposure to the American Songbook and 1920s music, shared through vinyl sessions with her grandmother, further molded her vocal style, evoking a vintage charm in her phrasing and delivery.[48] She credits Doris Day and Old Hollywood aesthetics for her initial "very 1920s" singing approach, which subtly influences the airy, cinematic quality of her ballads.[42] Among contemporary artists, Rosalía ranks as Cyn's current favorite, inspiring the incorporation of Latin rhythms and flamenco-infused energy in her later tracks, adding a vibrant, cross-cultural layer to her evolving pop sound.[46] These influences collectively manifest in Cyn's genre-blending style, from folk-tinged introspection to rhythmic experimentation, without adhering strictly to one category.Discography
Studio albums
Cyn's debut studio album, Valley Girl, was released on November 15, 2024, through Unsub Records and Capitol Records.[49] The project marks her first full-length release, following a series of EPs and singles, and explores themes of modern womanhood, relationships, and personal growth through a playful, sassy pop lens.[37] Initially rolled out via two promotional EPs—Valley Girl (Side A – Lost on Laurel) and Valley Girl (Side B – Los Angeles, No Offense)—a deluxe edition titled Valley Girl (Extended) followed on November 29, 2024, adding three bonus tracks for a total of 15 songs.[50] The standard edition comprises 12 tracks, blending upbeat pop, dance elements, and introspective ballads. Key songs include the radio hit "Drinks," which reached the top 25 on US pop radio,[51] and "House With A View," noted for its emotional depth.[52]| No. | Title | Writer(s) | Producer(s) | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Losing Sleep | Cyn, others | Various | 2:42 |
| 2 | I Don't Care | Cyn, others | Various | 2:50 |
| 3 | Lemons | Cyn, others | Various | 3:10 |
| 4 | Be Like Her | Cyn, others | Various | 2:55 |
| 5 | House With A View | Cyn, others | Various | 3:20 |
| 6 | Drinks | Cyn, others | Various | 3:05 |
| 7 | The Smiths | Cyn, others | Various | 2:45 |
| 8 | Growing Up | Cyn, others | Various | 3:00 |
| 9 | Where Do All the Diamonds Go? | Cyn, others | Various | 3:15 |
| 10 | One Night | Cyn, others | Various | 2:58 |
| 11 | Bad Brain | Cyn, others | Various | 3:08 |
| 12 | Colors of You | Cyn, others | Various | 3:12 |
Extended plays
Cyn's debut extended play, Mood Swing, was released on September 20, 2019, through Unsub Records, comprising seven tracks that showcase her early pop sensibilities with introspective lyrics and upbeat production.[54] The EP features collaborations with producers Lars Stalfors, known for work with artists like Cold War Kids and St. Vincent, and Matias Mora, who co-wrote and produced several tracks, contributing to a polished sound blending electronic elements and live instrumentation.[54]| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I Can't Believe | 2:26 |
| 2 | Angel | 2:44 |
| 3 | I'll Still Have Me | 3:39 |
| 4 | Bubble Bath | 2:46 |
| 5 | Nobody's Keeping Score | 3:20 |
| 6 | Holy Roller | 3:42 |
| 7 | Never-ending Summer | 2:27 |
| No. | Title | Length |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | I'll Still Have Me (even moodier) | 3:25 |
| 2 | Angel (even moodier) | 2:47 |
| 3 | Nobody's Keeping Score (even moodier) | 3:02 |
| 4 | I Can't Believe (even moodier) | 2:40 |
| 5 | Holy Roller (even moodier) | 3:40 |
Singles as lead artist
Cyn's singles as lead artist span her early career under Katy Perry's Unsub Records imprint through her independent releases, showcasing her evolution from tropical pop to more introspective and empowering tracks. Her debut efforts established her sound, while later singles like "Drinks" marked her first significant radio airplay success. These releases often tie into broader projects, such as EPs or her 2024 debut album Valley Girl, but primarily served as standalone promotions to build anticipation for full-length work.[61][62] "Together," released on July 14, 2017, served as Cyn's debut single under Unsub Records, featuring a bouncy, tropical pop production blending flirtatious lyrics with summery instrumentation. It introduced her as a promising newcomer mentored by Katy Perry, with a lyric video emphasizing its upbeat, Lorde-inspired vibe, though it did not chart on major Billboard lists. No certifications were awarded by the RIAA.[61] The follow-up "Only With You," released in September 2017 and produced by Felix Snow, shifted to sleek electro-pop with themes of obsession and desire, earning praise from Billboard for its sexy, pulsating energy. Accompanied by an official music video premiered on November 30, 2017, it built on her early buzz but achieved no notable chart positions or RIAA certifications.[63][64] "Drinks," released March 5, 2020, became Cyn's breakthrough with its infectious, carefree pop hook about nightlife escapism; it reached the top 25 on US pop radio, amassing over 270 million global streams. Featured on the Promising Young Woman soundtrack, the track highlighted her growing radio presence without RIAA certification.[65][62][66] "House With a View," released July 15, 2022, embraced aspirational luxury in its lyrics about manifesting wealth and freedom, promoted via a music video cameo from mentor Katy Perry that depicted Cyn taking over a lavish mansion. This independent single, tied loosely to her forthcoming album, received critical acclaim for its effervescent pop style but did not chart prominently and lacks RIAA certification.[30][67] "Losing Sleep," released October 14, 2022, captured the euphoria of new love with dreamy, synth-driven production, serving as a teaser for Cyn's debut album amid her independent phase. The surreal music video enhanced its ecstatic theme, though it saw no major chart success or RIAA awards.[68][69] "I Don’t Care," released July 19, 2024, delivered a bratty, empowering pop anthem rejecting negativity, positioned as the lead single for Valley Girl Side A to herald her full debut era. Its bold attitude resonated with fans, but it has not yet achieved chart peaks or RIAA certification as of November 2025.[62]Guest appearances
Cyn has contributed original songs and covers to various film soundtracks, often as the primary performer on tracks curated for specific scenes.| Year | Title | Film/Soundtrack | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | "Moment of Truth" | Smallfoot (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | Original song written by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Karey Kirkpatrick; produced by Julian Bunetta, Andrew Haas, and Ian Franzino. Released by WaterTower Music.[70][71] |
| 2020 | "Lonely Gun" | Birds of Prey (And the Fantabulous Emancipation of One Harley Quinn): The Album | Original song co-written by Cyn; produced by Matias Mora. Released by Atlantic Records.[72][73] |
| 2020 | "Drinks" | Promising Young Woman (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | Original song; produced by Ryan Daly. Released by Capitol Records; garnered over 19 million streams on Spotify.[74][51] |
| 2021 | "Kiss Me" | He's All That (Music from the Netflix Film) | Cover of Sixpence None the Richer's 1997 hit; produced by Matias Mora and Cary Singer. Released by Unsub Records.[75][76] |
| 2022 | "Heaven Shine a Light" | Moonshot (Original Motion Picture Soundtrack) | Original song written by Karen Elson and Daniel Tashian; performed for a key emotional scene. Released by Big Yellow Dog Music.[29][77] |