Cyn
Cyn (born Cynthia Mary Nabozny; May 13, 1993) is an American singer and songwriter known for her alternative pop music, blending electropop, alt-pop, and pop rock influences. Raised in suburban Michigan outside Detroit, she gained prominence after a chance encounter led to her signing with Katy Perry's Unsub Records imprint in 2017, launching a career marked by introspective songwriting, film soundtrack contributions, and a debut full-length album in 2024.[1][2][3] Nabozny was born in Michigan to a middle-class family, with her father working as an electrician at Ford Motor Company. Following her parents' divorce, she relocated with her mother and younger sister to a modest home near a lake, remaining close to her father in the Detroit area. Her early musical exposure came from her grandmother, who introduced her to the American Songbook, including artists like Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day, and Carole King. As a teenager, Nabozny participated in talent shows and uploaded cover songs to YouTube, honing her skills despite an early rejection from a Chicago music school. She subsequently pursued a degree in Management Information Systems at DePaul University in Chicago before fully committing to music.[4][5] Her professional breakthrough occurred in 2017 when she met Katy Perry at a Los Angeles party, leading to a record deal with Unsub Records and a publishing agreement. Nabozny adopted the stage name Cyn and released her debut single "Together" in July 2017, followed by "Only With You" later that year, and the seven-track EP Mood Swing in 2019, which showcased her vulnerable, dreamy pop style. She toured with Perry and Børns, and contributed original songs to soundtracks for films such as Promising Young Woman (2020) and Birds of Prey (2020), including the track "Lonely Gun." Cyn received the 2020 Songwriters Hall of Fame / ASCAP Abe Olman Scholarship for her compositional talent. By 2022, she released singles like "House with a View" and "Losing Sleep" while developing her debut album.[6][3][1] In 2024, Cyn released her long-awaited debut album Valley Girl in two parts—Side A in September and Side B in November—followed by a deluxe extended edition on November 29, reflecting her life in the San Fernando Valley and personal growth. The album features tracks inspired by her family, such as "The Smiths," a nod to her husband's affinity for Morrissey. She performed showcase shows in Los Angeles and New York in January 2025 to promote the project, alongside creating a companion zine. Cyn's music often explores themes of relationships, self-discovery, and emotional resilience, drawing from her experiences as a touring artist and mother.[7][8] On a personal note, Cyn married filmmaker Kyle Newman in 2023 and resides in Los Angeles with their two children, born in 2021 and 2023. Her family life has increasingly influenced her songwriting, as she balances domestic responsibilities with her creative pursuits in the music industry. Now based in the San Fernando Valley, she continues to write and perform, emphasizing authenticity in her evolving artistry.[7][5]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.<grok:render type="render_inline_citation">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] |