Indie R&B artist Calyn is ready to captivate her listeners with her new EP, Better Left Unsaid. A deeply personal and emotionally charged project, this EP marks a turning point in Calyn’s music career, showcasing her growth as both a songwriter and an artist. It’s been a journey of self-reflection, collaboration, and pushing creative boundaries, with every track reflecting her evolving artistic vision.
From the start, the Better Left Unsaid EP was a labor of love and dedication. “I’ve been trying to release a project longer than a single for maybe two years now,” Calyn explains. The EP captures the essence of those experiences, with each track revealing different layers of her emotions and thoughts. “The order of the songs almost represent the five stages of grief,” she shares, noting the progression from denial to acceptance in both lyrical and thematic elements.
The opening track, “Eleven 03,” immediately sets the tone with its raw honesty. Calyn draws from personal experiences of being in a one-sided relationship, capturing the frustration of dealing with someone who is more physically invested than emotionally. The song uses the metaphor of “running late” to symbolize the feeling of not being ready to engage in a situation that feels off-kilter. With its catchy melody and sharp lyrical execution, “Eleven 03” stands out as a creative turning point for Calyn, showcasing her ability to blend relatability with vulnerability. This song captures the feeling of emotional distance and the discomfort of pretending everything is fine while it’s not.
“What If?” is a powerful track that explores the torment of constantly second-guessing one’s emotions. Written in November 2024, this song reflects Calyn’s struggle with self-doubt and the complexities of relationships. Lyrically, it dives into the inner turmoil of imagining alternate realities—what could have been versus what actually is. The track captures the feeling of being caught in a cycle of self-inflicted confusion, where rational thoughts clash with delusional fantasies. With its stripped-down production and Calyn’s emotive delivery, “What If?” invites listeners into her headspace, navigating the messiness of wanting clarity while being stuck in uncertainty.
“Sliding Thru The City” is the track that Calyn has held onto for almost three years, and it’s clear why it has remained one of her favorites. This song was born out of a collaboration with her sister Dyli and their producer Ruwanga, and it carries a personal significance for Calyn, marking her first major milestone in the creation of her debut EP. The track touches on the complications of a turbulent relationship—one where love and frustration coexist. With its smooth, almost cinematic production, “Sliding Thru The City” captures the thrill of the highs and the chaos of the lows in a relationship. It’s a song about trying to make sense of where things are headed, even when the road feels uncertain.
For the first time in her career, Calyn opens up in a raw and vulnerable way with “Only Me Interlude.” This deeply introspective track serves as a window into her mental state during a difficult period of her life. Unlike her usual songs that address external circumstances, “Only Me Interlude” is a reflection of Calyn’s internal struggles. The vocals on this track are untouched, capturing the emotion and urgency of the moment she first recorded it. There’s a sense of authenticity and imperfection that makes it resonate on a deeper level. Calyn’s willingness to step out of her comfort zone and share this intimate side of herself makes “Only Me Interlude” a standout on the EP.
The EP closes with “make u miss me,” a track that blends both resignation and empowerment. It’s the final stage of the journey through the five stages of grief, bringing the theme of acceptance full circle. Calyn describes this song as a reflection of moving on, knowing that sometimes leaving is the only way to regain control. The song’s sleek production and catchy hook make it a perfect conclusion to the EP, leaving listeners with a sense of closure, even if it’s bittersweet. It’s a celebration of self-worth and growth, underscoring the EP’s overarching message of personal strength and emotional resilience.
Better Left Unsaid is a bold and unapologetic declaration of Calyn’s journey through love, self-discovery, and emotional healing. With every song, she invites listeners into her world, making them feel seen and understood while offering a soundtrack to their own personal struggles and triumphs. Each track stands on its own, yet together they create a cohesive and powerful narrative. Don’t miss out on experiencing the honesty, creativity, and passion that make Calyn’s Better Left Unsaid EP an unforgettable project.
