INTERVIEW to NYRE

Hi NYRE, welcome to AFX.

How did you first start producing the style of music that you are releasing today?

I started producing the style of music I release today by merging my diverse musical influences and my personal experiences. Growing up, I was drawn to the emotional depth of artists like Halsey and Billie Eilish and the dynamic energy of K-pop - though I believe a good song is a good song, so I've always enjoyed a wide array of music across various genres. In 2019, I began experimenting with blending these inspirations with my own stories of heartbreak and self-discovery. The result was my unique mix of ethereal melodies, moody trap beats, and introspective lyrics that define my sound today.

Describe your creative process when you write new music.

My creative process usually begins with a moment of inspiration, often sparked by personal experiences or emotions that I get lost in while driving around, leading me to ask Siri to text myself a lyric idea to return to once I'm back at my home studio. I tend to write at dusk, as the city lights begin to flicker, providing a magical backdrop. I start with a melody or a lyrical phrase that captures the essence of what I want to express and then from there I aim to layer synth melodies that embody the cool winds of Toronto and beats that capture the city's nightlife. My lyrics are bold, cut-throat, and introspective, often drawn from deeply buried experiences I uncover for myself through storytelling. I'm an intense perfectionist so I refine my ideas through multiple revisions until the song feels both emotionally honest and sonically mesmerizing. However, I'm working on balancing this sentiment by striving to be more prolific with my songwriting.

Do you write with a specific audience in mind?

While I write from a deeply personal place, I always hope to connect with listeners who resonate with themes of love, loss, and self-discovery. I think of my audience as those who seek music that speaks to their inner struggles and triumphs. My goal is to create a sense of understanding and solidarity, offering a soundtrack for both the highs and lows of life. I want my music to be a source of empowerment and comfort, helping others feel seen and understood as I know all too well the opposite feelings. I hope to be a beacon of perseverance, as the artists I look up to have been for me.

What are some of the challenges you face as an artist?

One of the biggest challenges I face as an artist is balancing the creative process with the business side of music. Though I love both sides as they're each their own form of art, it's a constant juggling act to maintain artistic freedom while navigating the demands of the industry. Additionally, dealing with self-doubt and the fear of vulnerability can be tough. Sharing deeply personal stories from my life through music feels terrifyingly exposing, but it's also what makes the connection with my audience so meaningfully authentic and forces me to grow in ways I wouldn't otherwise. Lastly, the rapid pace of social media and content creation can be overwhelming, but it's essential for building the community I wish I would've had access to when I was younger, along with staying connected with my fans and sharing my art.

If you could collaborate with any artist in the world, who would you choose?

If I could collaborate with any artist in the world, it would be BTS but I would die for the opportunity just to thank them for sharing their voices. Their ability to blend genres and languages, innovate musically, and convey deep emotional truths is incredibly inspiring. They have a unique way of connecting with their audience on a global scale, and their artistry is something I deeply admire. I've always had a deep connection to music, however my first "this artist saved my life" moment was with BTS' lyrics and music. A collaboration with BTS would be an otherworldly, full circle moment I would write and sing my absolute ass off for - in between the hysterical questioning if this is real life. Oh man, I gotta make it happen.

If you had one message to give to your fans, what would it be?

Live life day by day, always persevere and keeping moving forward even if it needs to be at a crawl. Nothing is impossible if you genuinely want it bad enough, and I think trying hard at the things you're passionate for is the coolest thing you can do in life. Just start - you don't have to be good to start, but you have to start in order to be good. It's time for you to believe in you.

Where do you see your career in five years as a singer-songwriter?

In five years, I see my career as a singer-songwriter continuing to evolve and grow. I envision headlining major tours and performing at music festivals around the world. I hope to have released several critically acclaimed albums that push the boundaries of dark pop music and resonate deeply with a global audience. Additionally, I aim to collaborate with a diverse range of artists and expand my creative horizons. Ultimately, I want to continue telling compelling stories through my music, connecting with listeners on an intricate level, and making a lasting impact in the music industry.

Catch NYRE's latest single "You Didn't Mean It" on Spotify: