18 Questions With introduces 1883 readers to the brightest young artists, actors, creatives and beyond. From childhood memories and guilty pleasures to their latest ventures and upcoming projects, our goal is to bring you closer to the people who inspire and entertain us.
Rapidly rising singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist Lyn Lapid started her journey after sharing a series of viral ukulele covers in 2020 on TikTok. Since that moment, the Filipino-American artist has proved to be a musician with staying power after releasing her acclaimed to love in the 21st century EP in 2023 and sold out two US headline tours. It’s all thanks to her distinctive blend of lush vocals, R&B grooves, jazz phrasing and pop moments. Now, she’s released her debut studio album BUZZKILL. It’s a project inspired by the isolating experiences surrounding her move from her small suburban hometown in Maryland to the bustling city of Los Angeles, and all of the mixed emotions that came along with them.
Lyn Lapid sits down with 1883 to chat about her debut record BUZZKILL, the last book she read, her go-to karaoke song, and more.
What’s one exciting thing that happened to you this week?
I got hot honey rub wings and cajun fried corn from Wingstop.
What was the last thing you read?
A Court of Thorns and Roses.
Favourite memory growing up?
I liked building snow palaces out of the huge piles of snow that the snow plows would pile up at the end of my street.
Where was the last place you travelled to?
I travelled to St. Louis to speak at a panel.
What was the last thing that made you laugh?
My ticket sales.
What’s your nighttime ritual?
I like playing the piano or reading until my eyes get tired and I fall asleep.
Who would be on your dream dinner party guest list?
The chef, Joshua Weisman, from YouTube so he can see how terribly I cooked the food and takeover, then I would have a really good meal. And then probably one of my extroverted friends, so they can talk for me. I keep the list minimal because I don’t really like talking much.
Favourite quote from a film or TV show?
“I love zucchini!” – Disney Channel’s Pass The Plate.
What’s your go-to karaoke song?
“The Climb” by Miley Cyrus.
Favourite item in your closet?
This Hot Topic zip up that has my name painted on the back.
What is the major throughline between all the songs on BUZZKILL?
Every song on the album illustrates a chronological story depicting the journey to self acceptance in the midst of trying to fit in everywhere to avoid being or feeling alone.
It’s about letting go of the need to be liked or wanted by people who you’re not supposed to be with and allowing yourself to find the people who don’t make you feel like an outsider or a buzzkill.
What were your favourite moments from the recording process for the LP?
It was recording the outro of “i’ll be happy when” with Em Beihold, Jason Suwito, and Nick Lopez. We shouted into the microphone for ten minutes as part of the background vocals, and it was a lot of fun and lowkey therapeutic.
How are you preparing for your world tour?
I should be building my stamina by doing a bunch of core and cardio workouts. I will definitely start tomorrow.
With BUZZKILL released in April, how did you celebrate on the day?
I think I ordered some Jollibee. A little party with my friends and the album’s collaborators because I’ve never done that before.
Now it’s been five years since your ukulele covers went viral on Tiktok, how has your relationship with social media / the internet changed?
I’m still trying to find a way to have a healthy and balanced relationship with social media to be honest. It’s still too easy to get swept up in the numbers and statistics. What’s best worked for my mental health is the mindset of “out of sight, out of mind.”
What other prep goes into getting ready for a world tour?
I practice a lot in my room, like the movements I would want to do on stage. I try to stay active at least with cardio, and I’ve been playing a lot of tennis. I really want to learn some core exercises to strengthen my core.
Are you hoping to do any exploring when in the UK?
I really hope I have time, I’ve never been to the UK, so I want to do all the touristy things people do.
Finally, what is one thing you would like to manifest for yourself and why?
I really would love to build my live audience. I feel like tour and live shows are what make making music truly fulfilling for me, and it’s my favorite part of what I do. I am just ready for more of the world to find my music, and I am ready to sing and perform all of it.
Lyn Lapid’s debut album BUZZKILL is out now.
Photography Caity Krone
