W: Carol King I:Carla Marcia Girvan
Edinburgh-based songwriter Lynds is weaving a distinct sonic narrative, one where grunge-laced indie meets folk vulnerability, and personal journal entries turn into anthemic catharsis. Co-owning a local coffee and plant shop when they are not in the studio, Lynds grounds their music in lived experiences, navigating the messy intersections of mental health, fluctuating relationships, and self-discovery. Describe their sound to a first-time listener, and they sum it up in three vivid words: "Journal Entry Daydreams"
“I write from lived experiences, using songwriting as a form of journaling.”
Unlike the calculated persona-building common in today’s landscape, their approach to show night remains fiercely grounded. Before stepping under the lights, you'll find them accompanied by their best friend or partner, sipping a fruity Red Bull, and flipping through their songbook for a quick practice of new material. For Lynds, the current focus isn't about rushing the process, but rather building a genuine community of creatives and laying solid foundations in the Scottish music scene. Their latest single, 'Meanstreak' arrives with a fascinating backstory, one that proves songs often age better than the moments that birthed them.
“Honestly, I don’t think I could have any diva demands (yet), it’s all fairly chill backstage. I wrote this song around 10 years ago and it makes more sense to me now than when I wrote it. It’s about navigating relationships while going through a lot of ups and downs in life, or maybe not feeling good enough or feeling like too much.”
Drop the needle on 'Meanstreak' and you are met with dynamic melodies and unapologetic storytelling designed to stick in your head long after the track ends. If it were scoring a film, they envision a classic film noir, complete with shadowy, black-and-white visual dynamics, a dangerous femme fatale, and iconic pioneer Ida Lupino at the director's helm.
“CMAT! Dream collab. Her witty lyricism inspires me so much, I’d love to write and play alongside her and her very sexy band.” Lynds' musical DNA pulls from an eclectic range of powerhouse vocalists and classic subcultures. Their go-to divas include CMAT, PJ Harvey, Janis Joplin, Carole King, and the lyrical genius of Florence + the Machine. Rooted in a background as a self-described "massive indie kid," their taste quickly expanded into a deep love for mod culture, 60s/70s records, and an ever-growing vinyl collection. Their strength lies firmly in lyricism and storytelling, creating a safe space where listeners find comfort in shared vulnerability. But navigating the DIY path brings its own trial by fire.
“The lack of finances and contacts has been a struggle, but I’m slowly finding my footing. Navigating an ever-changing music industry as a DIY musician is always going to be tricky, but I like a challenge!” “It’s a tear-jerker, a mic-dropper, and a big middle finger to a few past relationships.” The horizon is stacked with momentum. Lynds' debut EP is set to arrive in late 2026, accompanied by a release party, merchandise giveaways, and a fresh music video. Live dates across 2027 are already taking shape, alongside a planned return to the studio. When it comes to the stage, the track they're most eager to unleash in a packed room is 'Keeping Secrets' (featured on the upcoming EP). Their creative focus remains fueled by real connection, much like their 'State Of Stability' single launch, which raised £200 for Bipolar Scotland and brought listeners together through shared experience. As for breaking their own creative boundaries in the coming months, they're taking on their hardest challenge yet: writing a good, straightforward love song.