By: Staff
Something extraordinary is unfolding in the music world with the incredibly talented artist NYRE aka Eryn Young. With a sound that’s as raw as it is transformative and storytelling that leaves listeners in awe, their latest creation, a deeply emotional EP titled “Avoidant” is already making waves. This stunning release resonates deeply with anyone who has faced the trials of love, heartbreak, and self-discovery.
Through hauntingly beautiful melodies and lyrics that cut straight to the soul, NYRE has crafted a world where vulnerability and strength coexist, leaving an indelible mark on everyone who listens. Their EP Avoidant is a breathtaking dive into the depths of emotion, transformation, and resilience.
But who is this enigmatic creator? And what inspired such a visceral exploration of the human experience?
We had the incredible opportunity to dive into NYRE’s creative process, uncover the layers behind their compelling artistry, and learn about the stories that shaped this remarkable release. From the cryptic yet vibrant persona they’ve embraced to the vivid inspirations behind their music, NYRE opens up like never before.
Discover the magic, the heartbreak, and the brilliance behind the music in our full interview.
Begin Interview:
Hello NYRE, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more excited to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. What inspired the name NYRE for your artist persona? How does it capture the connection you want to build with your fans?
A. NYRE is an inversion of my real name, Eryn. It felt fitting because it represents seeing myself in a new light—embracing both the cryptic and vibrant sides of who I am, along with who I’d like to be when looking at myself. As an artist, I want to connect with fans by being truly authentic and heart-grabbing with my music, showing them that it’s okay to embrace complexity and contradictions. NYRE embodies transformation and self-discovery, which are at the heart of my music.
Q. Avoidant delves deeply into themes of heartbreak and avoidance. What inspired you to explore this emotional space, and how did your personal experiences shape the EP’s narrative?
A. Avoidant was born out of navigating the aftermath of the love of my life heartbreak and the psychological aftermath of mania, dissociation and detachment as survival mechanisms. Personal experiences, like dealing with tragic young love, disillusionment, and the pressure to redefine my identity and my perception of my future, deeply influenced the narrative. The songs explore the emotional highs and lows of escaping pain, but also the ways avoidance can keep us lingering in the in-between. Writing this EP felt like a way to confront and process those feelings, along with honouring the version of myself who fought to survive these experiences that exist only as memories and mannerisms within me now.
Q. “Avoidant” captures such a raw feeling of emotion. With its high levels of anguish and emotion, how do you feel after performing this EP, especially "Joke's On Me," whether in the studio or live? Is it cathartic or draining, and how do you prepare for this emotional result?
A. Performing these songs is a mix of catharsis and vulnerability. With "Joke’s On Me," in particular, I often feel exposed because it captures such a devastating moment of realization. At the same time, sharing it gives me strength because it connects me with listeners who’ve felt the same. It was really tough emotionally during the songwriting and recording process because I dove back into the details of the worst memories I’ve lived in order to do the song, and my past, justice. However, since completing and releasing the song – though it still is an immensely somber and bittersweet feeling – I have come to find a very peaceful acceptance and fulfilling sense of pride singing it now as even if the Joke’s On Me, I know I’ll be okay.
Q. With Avoidant, you navigate the fine line between healing and denial. What role does music play in your own process of healing?
A. Music has always been a lifeline for me; it allows me to externalize feelings I can’t always articulate in the moment. Writing and performing songs like those on Avoidant helps me find clarity in the chaos. It’s a safe space to express emotions I might otherwise suppress, so I can move closer to healing as I’m able to take the time to understand myself better when writing music.
Q. Your photos for this EP! WOW! They are incredible! So alluring and unique. How did you meet Taha Shanouha and what was the creative meeting like that birthed these incredible pics?
A. Thank you! Taha is an absolute visionary and such a kind, creative talent. We first connected through a mutual friend who worked at a café I used to visit daily, and our first shoot together happened in early 2023. For the Avoidant EP, I wanted the photos to convey a sense of numb mania, detachment from reality, and the search for a future shaped by memories of the past—all set against the neon maximalism of Toronto’s urban landscape.
Taha and I met at a café a few days before the shoot (he was about to travel for a few weeks) to discuss the vision in depth. We wanted to capture a haunting yet vibrant essence—like a high-gloss dreamscape with emotional cracks breaking through. I shared a Pinterest inspiration board with Taha, including a particular cover image I had envisioned. As it turned out, he had seen the video the reference image came from and had been wanting to shoot something in a similar style for a while. That synchronicity was a game-changer, and his ability to translate my ideas into reality was nothing short of magic. The end result was exactly what I had hoped for and more.
Q. The production boasts world-class clarity, perfectly balanced musical arrangements, and does an incredible job of showcasing your impeccable vocal performance. Can you share more about the engineering team behind this EP?
A. I’m incredibly fortunate to have worked with Jonathan Karkar, who produced track 1, “It Should Be You” and track 2, “Joke’s On Me”: half the EP. His attention to detail and ability to balance raw emotion with polished production elevated every track. Luke Fair mixed and mastered "It Should Be You" and "Joke’s On Me," bringing a warmth and depth that made these songs shine. Track 3, “You Didn’t Mean It” was produced by Matthew Dougherty, Amir Fabiani and myself. Track 4, “Main Character” was produced by Amir Fabiani and myself. It’s a team effort, and their expertise brought Avoidant to life.
Q. Your track "It Should Be You" has been widely celebrated, even winning Single of the Year. What do you think resonated most with listeners about this song?
A. I think "It Should Be You" resonates because it’s unapologetically honest about heartbreak and bitterness. It captures the messy emotions we all feel but don’t always express—the sense that karma should be working in your favor when it isn’t. The vulnerability paired with its catchy, dark pop energy creates a space where listeners can both cry and sing along. “It should be you getting sick over sushi” is just such an insane, out of pocket line that’s just so real to the triggers we unintentionally carry on from past loves – I think people can see themselves in ridiculousness yet genuine depths of our own silly quirks.
Q. Avoidant captures such raw vulnerability. Did you face any challenges in balancing openness with self-protection while writing these songs?
A. Absolutely. Writing these songs was like standing on the edge of a cliff, deciding whether to jump or hold back. I didn’t want to play it safe—I wanted listeners to feel every jagged edge of heartbreak, avoidance, and the rawness of survival. That meant leaning into my own discomfort, even when it felt unbearable, because that’s where the truth lives. I’ve learned that vulnerability isn’t a weakness—it’s power. The more I allowed myself to sit in that discomfort, the more I could create something that wasn’t just relatable but unforgettable. The hardest part wasn’t exposing the pain; it was trusting myself to hold space for it without losing who I am. But I’d do it all over again if it means helping others feel seen.
Q. You have made some great strides and now are becoming more established as an artist. Do you have any professional advice that you would give your younger self that might have even further fueled the current course your career is now on?
A. I’d tell my younger self to stop waiting for perfection and start creating. If I’d jumped into content creation right away—singing to the camera, sharing raw moments, and building stories around my music—I could’ve merged my love for acting and storytelling with my music much sooner. That’s what I thrive on: captivating people and pulling them into a world I create.
I’d also say, “Learn how to run your own digital ads.” It’s one of the most direct ways to get your music in front of the right audience. Don’t rely on others to market your vision when you can learn the tools and do it yourself.
And lastly, prioritize in-person collaboration. Growth—both personal and professional—happens when you’re in the room, working with others, sharing ideas, and opening yourself up to chance encounters that can completely change your trajectory. You’ve got to be in it to win it, and that means showing up, putting yourself out there, and trusting the magic of real-life connections.
Q. Your upcoming performance at Rivoli in Toronto is highly anticipated. What can fans expect from your live show, and how do you bring the emotion of Avoidant to the stage?
A. Fans can expect an immersive experience—a mix of emotional intimacy and high-energy moments. I want the audience to feel like they’re stepping into the world of Avoidant with me. From the stage design to my amazing crew in purple, every detail is designed to bring the EP’s story to life.
Q. Spotify’s "Fresh Finds Canada" playlist has given Avoidant a significant spotlight. How do you feel about this recognition, and what does it mean for your career moving forward?
A. Being featured on "Fresh Finds Canada" was such an honor. It’s amazing to know that my music is resonating with listeners and being recognized by platforms like Spotify. It’s a huge motivator to keep pushing creatively and reaching new audiences. I’ve used #freshfinds for a while so I wonder if that had anything to do with it hehe!
Q. Avoidant is rich with imagery and emotion. Beyond the music, do you draw inspiration from other forms of art, such as film, literature, or visual art, to tell your stories?
A. Absolutely. I am completely enchanted by the world around me and the magic you can choose to find in everything. Storytelling is at my core—it has always been my everything. The larger character arc, the transformation, the change of state in a story—that’s what I live for and what fuels me. My music is deeply tied to those ideas. All of my songs are like a soundtrack to my life, built to be as visual as they are emotional.
I’m inspired by visual art that holds raw emotion, and I think a lot about how my music should not only tell a story but also make people feel something physical, like a rush of energy or a weight in their chest. Poetry plays a big role too—it’s all about condensing so much feeling into so few words, which mirrors the way I write lyrics. Everything I create is rooted in how a story can evolve and transform, and I want my music to feel like stepping into a living, breathing world.
Q. Your music often feels like a safe haven for listeners who are processing their own pain. What’s the most memorable feedback you’ve received from fans about the impact of your music?
A. Recently someone commented that my music speaks to their soul and makes them feel understood for the first time. Hearing that my music gave someone the sense of being seen for who they are is incredibly moving and reminded me why I love doing this.
Q. Do you have a favorite song from your early years of listening to music that you would like to cover in the studio that makes you feel connected to who you are as an artist today?
A. Halsey’s “Hurricane” had such a hold over my teenage years while feeling so misunderstood and isolated by my peers. It was also the first song I posted a mini cover of to my Snapchat story in high school. It was one of many songs on Halsey’s Badlands album that inspired me to explore storytelling through music, and I’d love to reimagine it in my own style one day.
Q. Looking ahead, how do you see your sound and storytelling evolving after Avoidant, and what themes or concepts are you excited to explore in the future?
A. After Avoidant, I’m excited to dive deeper into exploring themes like identity, power, and the idea of finding what is ‘enough’—whether that’s a place, a person, or a feeling. I want to keep experimenting sonically, blending dark pop with unexpected elements to keep my sound fresh and evolving.
NYRE, thank you so much, we appreciate you taking the time to talk to us!
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared NYRE’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
Now, click the links below to experience their incredible work firsthand!
Check out this latest release and listen to more on Spotify & YouTube
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