At the beginning of the year, songwriter Amanda Cygnaeus began her DIY artist project Cy, and we have never been more grateful for her decision. The Stockholm-based artist has a knack for crafting timeless and eclectic indie pop tunes and recently released her five-track debut EP ‘Ugh!’ to the world. Tackling heartbreak, loneliness, and existential questions, Cy’s tunes infuse a lush mix of soulful melodies and alt-rock soundscapes.
A tune that caught our eye is the guitar-driven track “Hate to Hate You,” a 90s-inspired symbiosis of pop and R&B that flexes captivating melodies and sad lyrics. It looms in a dark space that narrates the effect negative thoughts can have over ourselves to the extent that all we can do is hate. The chorus spills some beautiful sentiments as you can’t help but fall into Cy’s soft voice as she lulls, “I’m so tired of feeling, and I’m so fucking drained.” Her lyrics are so honest and moody as if she’s pulling straight from her diary. Well, these are feelings she wrote in her iPhone diary first. Looking at the EP as a whole, Cy shares:
“Being 20-something can be so draining, and especially when you’re heartbroken and unsure about everything. This EP is a package of feelings that grew from this time when I had thousands of questions about where I am, who I am and where I’m going, but no answers. Even though a lot of people probably feel the same you can feel extremely lonely. I hope that my music can give someone a hand to hold for a little while.”
As a songwriter, Cy has already been recognized across the industry for her characteristic vocals and ability to move freely between genres. Her dazzling, moody writing style can be heard on songs by artists such as LÉON, Iggy Azalea, Paloma Faith and Soleima. Signed to Universal Music Publishing, 26-year-old Amanda Cygnaeus has worked as a songwriter for several years and moved between London, Los Angeles and Stockholm, collaborating with producers such as Brian Lee (Post Malone, Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez), Oliver Frid (Ariana Grande, Dua Lipa) and Magnus Lidehäll (Seinabo Sey, Avicii). In 2018, she was nominated for ‘Songwriter Of The Year’ by Swedish Music Publishers Association.
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