Lynds: Turning Lived Experience Into Song

Leith-based solo artist Lynds is putting vulnerability front and centre. After years of making music through various projects, Lynds is stepping into a new chapter with their most personal songs yet.

Their debut single, ‘State of Stability’, draws directly from their lived experience with Bipolar Disorder II, using songwriting as a space for reflection, release and connection. The track has already picked up local radio support from EHFM and Indy Live Radio, while its launch at Seb’s Urban Jungle raised £200 for Bipolar Scotland.

With a debut EP on the way and the next single, ‘Meanstreak’, arriving on 18 September, Lynds is opening the door to a deeply personal catalogue shaped by folk, grunge and a love of powerful, emotionally charged songwriting.

We caught up with Lynds to talk songwriting, finding their solo voice, musical influences, mental health and the importance of community.

‘State of Stability’ draws directly from your lived experience with mental health. How has songwriting helped you process and reflect on those experiences?

“Songwriting has always been a way for me to express what’s going on in my mind, making it a cathartic experience putting pen to paper. I’m a serial over-sharer, using it as a form of journaling and story telling, taking inspiration from my teens and 20s.”

You’ve been making music through various projects since your teens, but Lynds feels like a new chapter. What made now feel like the right time to step forward as a solo artist?

“I’ve been releasing music since I was 16, solo and with bands. I’ve really found my writing style since then, I guess that’s growing up. I still have my current band Baobhan Sith, though I have such an extensive back catalogue of songs that not all songs suit each project. My solo work under Lynds features the most personal songs I’ve ever written, which I’m now ready and excited to share with the world!”

Your music sits somewhere between folk and grunge, with a strong focus on lyricism. What artists, records or writers have shaped the way you approach songwriting?

“I take inspiration from lyrical legends like CMAT, Florence + The Machine and PJ Harvey, with the sweetness and soulfulness of Carole King’s Tapestry (I was raised on this record). I can’t forget to mention my love for Janis Joplin and her raw emotion in her songs and the ethereal energy of Stevie Nicks’ writing. (My cats are called Janis & Stevie!)”

Your next single, ‘Meanstreak’, was actually written around ten years ago. What made you want to revisit the song now, and does it feel different performing it with the perspective you have today?

“I wrote this song long before I knew I had Bipolar Disorder. The lyrics make more sense to me now than when I wrote it. Having gotten to know my disorder, I believe it’s important to share experiences, ending stigma around MH disorders. I think it’s important to talk about (and sing about) these topics, raising awareness. The power of music/expressing myself has brought me a lot of joy and reassurance, and I hope my songwriting can offer some sort of comfort and relatability to those who need it.”

You launched ‘State of Stability’ at Seb’s Urban Jungle and raised £200 for Bipolar Scotland. How important is it for you to connect your music with your local community and causes that matter to you?

“I’ve been lucky to have such a great sense of community around me in Leith. (Shoutout to my regulars at the coffee shop for streaming my debut single!) I think when you’re sharing something so personal like my songwriting, it’s important to align my music with what matters most to me. I’m proudly part of the Neurodivergent and LGBTQIA+ community and have always believed it’s important to give back & raise awareness. I feel so thankful for the support my community has shown me thus far!”

Your music and community work seem closely connected. How important has the support of the Leith community been as you begin this new chapter?

“Thanks so much again and have a lovely rest of your day.”