Hey listeners, fans of music, welcome back to another episode of getting to know your favorite artists and today we are going to be featuring NYRE, Toronto’s dark pop royalty. She is just starting to get attention and she combines dark backgrounds with the emotional and honest lyrics that will make you feel goosebumps.
NYRE discovered who she is, musically, by incorporating dark and moody tones from her UK alt-pop queen, Billie Eilish, into her powerful narrative of strength and change. Her debut single ‘Glitter With A Vengeance’ in 2023 packed the visceral, brash punch of young, unfiltered frustration but was backed by an unyielding positivity in the same vein as disco-era anthems.
And she’s not stopping for anybody, or anything. NYRE just unleashed her new summer jam “You Didn’t Mean It” – an electropop single that aches with glossy synths and aggressive beats to call out the fickle nature of ex-lovers. But do not be fooled, this one is all about regaining control or assertiveness for a woman after it has been stripped from her.
I’m so excited to really get to know NYRE through her responses to some of her biggest questions and what drives her as an artist and creative in the dark pop genre. The girl’s got stories to tell, and we are buckling up our seat belts for the ride. Break out the popcorn: It’s time to be entertained.
Listen to ‘You Didn’t Mean it’ below
https://open.spotify.com/track/1ZqgES8qeJI24OFuoBOPRJ?si=299868dc22454f8e
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What is your stage name?
My stage name is NYRE.
Is there a story behind your stage name?
Yes, NYRE is inspired by the idea of transformation and rebirth. It reflects the journey of turning pain into power and the process of self-discovery. It’s my name Eryn in reverse, representing the mirrored version of myself in the most confident and unapologetic form who I aim to become more of with each day.
Where do you find inspiration?
I find inspiration in my personal experiences, emotions, and the world around me. The city of Toronto at night is very mesmerizing and electrifying which provides a constant backdrop for my creativity. Additionally, I draw from literature, movies, and the stories of people I meet.
What was the role of music in the early years of your life?
Music has always been a significant part of my life. Growing up, I remember my mom always playing piano throughout my childhood which led me to learn piano and the basics of music theory. Music documentaries were always playing on the television, sparking my fascination with becoming a performer as far back as I can recall. I have been writing songs for over 16 years now since I was 8 years old, however I began releasing music in 2019.
Are you from a musical or artistic family?
Yes, my family has a strong musical background. My mom is an immensely talented piano player and is also an artist as well. She got me set up on GarageBand when I initially began playing around with music production in high school and helped me transition into Logic once I began taking it more seriously with a goal to release my creations.
Who inspired you to be a part of the music industry?
Watching Hannah Montana on TV made me dream of performing on stage and making people smile all throughout my elementary years. As I grew older, alternative pop artists like Halsey and Billie Eilish inspired me to pursue music professionally and express my emotions through songwriting. I can relate heavily to their songs and was able to see a place for myself in the music industry from listening to them.
How did you learn to sing/write/play?
I learned to play the piano through lessons after school as a child and a lot of self-teaching for singing. I was very self-conscious of my singing voice when I was younger, so I mainly practiced my favourite songs alone in front of my bedroom mirror throughout high school. However, songwriting came naturally as I’ve always loved stories, poetry and theatre – especially Shakespeare.
What was the first concert that you ever went to and who did you see perform?
The first concert I ever attended was a Jonas Brothers concert in 2009!
How could you describe your music?
My music is a blend of dark pop, R&B, EDM, and alternative genres. It features moody trap beats, ethereal melodies, and introspective lyrics that explore themes of love, loss, and personal growth. I aim to capture the cool winds of Toronto in my synths and highlight the intimidating presence of the nightlife in my beats.
Describe your creative process.
My creative process often begins with a moment of inspiration, usually in the evening when the city lights come alive. I start with a melody or lyrical phrase and build from there, layering synths and beats to create a mood that complements the lyrics. It’s a blend of spontaneous creativity and regular refinement.
What is your main inspiration?
My main inspiration comes from personal experiences and emotions. I find that the most impactful songs are those that come from a place of genuine feeling and reflection that make you sit back thinking: “damn, that was real.”
What musician do you admire most and why?
I admire BTS for their ability to blend genres, innovate musically, and convey deep emotional narratives. Their connection with their audience on a global scale and their artistry inspire me to push my own creative boundaries.
Did your style evolve since the beginning of your career?
Absolutely, my style has evolved significantly. Initially, I was really all over the place experimenting with different genres and sounds to find the voice that would be authentic to me. Over time and still continuously, I am refining my style and tones to speak myself through enchanting dark pop.
Who do you see as your main competitor?
I don’t focus much on competition; instead, I see other artists as sources of inspiration and potential collaborators. Each artist has something unique to their story and how they choose to share it, so I believe there’s an audience for everyone. Like all kinds of art, peoples’ tastes are so vast and fluid that I focus on developing a community for my own niche that embraces artist and fan overlap.
What are your interests outside of music?
Outside of music, I enjoy exploring new places around me, playing tennis, and hanging out with friends (my cats included). I love spending time outside, which helps me recharge and find new inspiration. I also have a keen interest in fashion, I’m working on adapting my merchandise line to become limited collections.
If it wasn’t a music career, what would you be doing?
If I weren’t pursuing a music career, I would likely be involved in a creative field such as acting or writing. Both allow for storytelling and personal expression, which are at the heart of my passions, and I have a background in acting which I did for years prior to transitioning to music.
What is the biggest problem you have encountered in the journey of music?
One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the creative side of music with the business aspects. Navigating the industry’s demands and constant need for social media content creation can be overwhelming particularly if I’m really inspired in the studio and want to stay locked in to work on music. However, it also is a blessing since it allows me to expand my storytelling abilities through many different mediums.
If you could change one thing in the music industry, what would it be?
I would like to see more support and reliable resources for emerging artists. The industry can be difficult to navigate without proper guidance, and having access to genuine mentorship and platforms that promote new talent would make a significant difference.
Why did you choose this as the title of this project?
“You Didn’t Mean It” perfectly encapsulates the theme of the song—dealing with the aftermath of betrayal and finding strength in self-love. It speaks to the core message of transforming pain into empowerment. For me, it represents acceptance of the past though this doesn’t mean I always feel inner peace about the experience of the past.
What are your plans for the coming months?
In the coming months, I plan to release more music, continue engaging with my fans through social media, and perform live shows. I also have an animated lyric video for “You Didn’t Mean It” coming out on June 7th and more exciting content planned for the summer.
Do you have any artistic collaboration plans?
Yes, I am currently collaborating with Toronto-based producer Jonathan Karkar on some of my favourite works yet!
What message would you like to give to your fans?
To my fans, I want to say thank you for your unwavering support. Your messages, presaves, reposts and encouragement mean the world to me. Always remember to live day by day, fall in love with your journey, and believe in the impossible. Your support helps me continue creating music that resonates and empowers.
