“My favourite songs have always been the ones that touch on an emotion or experience that I haven’t necessarily had the words for but when you hear that song it makes you feel so seen,” Alexis Lynn says. “That’s the goal I have with my music” to make people feel seen and heard, especially in complex struggles.”

An array of magnetic releases since 2019 debut “Not This Time” from the pop extraordinaire of tomorrow have evidenced such a drive, offering solace both to Lynn and in tangible proportions for her ever-evolving fan base. Touching deftly on everything from her identity as a bisexual woman, feminist, and mental health advocate, it’s no surprise that Alexis Lynn is emerging as a blossoming force in a 2020s pop landscape.

We caught up with her on all things “Something To Prove”, documenting mental health struggles in music, and her ultimate goal for the future…

Hi Alexis, how are you doing? Where are you right now?
I’m doing well! I’m currently at home in Langley, BC, and at this exact moment, I’m sitting on the couch with my cat Draco on my lap.

Congrats on the release of your new single “Something to Prove”! Can you tell me about this song? Given the name, are you trying to “prove” something yourself?
Thank you so much! I wrote “Something To Prove” from a personal perspective of being bisexual but struggling with a male validation complex. The story is about finding this woman who is so right for you and so connected emotionally, but still having this gnawing feeling of obligation to either be with a man or be desired by a man (who in the story of the song doesn’t even compare). There are so many things ingrained in women from a young age, especially from a patriarchal and heteronormative perspective, and a lot of those things tie your worth as a woman, and person, to being desired by men. In the context of the song, the internal thought is absolutely trying to prove something to yourself. Feeling like you need a man to desire you to prove your worth as a person is the entire theme of the song, but it’s something I’ve been working on unlearning.

How would you describe the genre of your music?
My music is definitely under the pop umbrella. I’d say sweet, but empowering pop with undertones of R&B and indie.

What are your sources of inspiration?
In terms of writing, I write from actual life experience mostly. Either mine or that of my friends. In a more general sense of inspiration, there’s so much that inspires me! Great movies and books, people watching, the weather and the city, and truly any kind of art.

How do your life experiences inform the nuances of your music today?
It’s really important to me to be authentic in my music so my life experiences heavily influence the content of the songs I write.

You use music as a vehicle to introspectively and authentically explore key conversations surrounding feminism, inclusivity and mental health and further. Tell me about this. What are the nuances of your music?
It’s always been important to me as an artist to write music that’s authentic to me and can sometimes touch on subjects and stories that are difficult to talk about. I love writing fun songs, but I’ve also always wanted to put an emphasis on songs with substance and themes that I feel aren’t talked about enough, especially in the pop world.

Mental health, coping mechanisms and healing were the focus of your recently released album ‘Real Talk’. What are your coping mechanisms? And, how, if at all, did music help you in your experiences of the turmoils of mental health difficulties?
I mean, I had initially adopted unhealthy coping mechanisms, avoidance, isolation, and an eating disorder. But while working through that, I’ve learned some new, healthier ways of coping like writing (both music and journaling), creating art, spending time outside, breathing practices, and also regular therapy. Music was and has always been one of my favourite and healthiest coping mechanisms. It’s so therapeutic to me to put what I’m feeling or going through into songs and personally, it’s easier to write or to sing about it than to just outwardly speak about it, because you’re a bit shielded by the veil of music.

Your skill set traverses the arts, from songwriting to art direction and music video editing. How did this come to play?
Honestly, it just came about from being an independent artist. There are an infinite number of things that are a part of being an artist outside of just the music and when you’re independent you take on a lot of those roles yourself! I wanted to start making lyric videos, so I learned how. I wanted to have a video for “Ghosts”, but it was being released peak pandemic, so my friend and I just tried it out. And I’ve always been passionate about art, so I’ve always had ideas and wanted to be involved in the process whether it’s the cover art, web design, lyrics videos, music video concepts, merch, or anything really.

When did you first start writing music, and, growing up, was it always music for you?
I first started writing at 16, right after I started playing the piano. It actually wasn’t always music for me! I also played really competitive soccer in high school and had originally planned to play soccer in university, until music took over interest-wise.

If your listeners could go away having listened to your music with one take-home message, what would that be?
I hope it’d be that you’re not alone. And it’s okay to talk about struggling, life’s hard!

What’s the big plan? Are any projects underway that we should keep our eyes peeled for?
I’ve definitely been working on a lot of new stuff that I’m excited to share, but I’m also currently still super excited to celebrate and share my album, “Real Talk”!