A Story of Healing and Honesty – Local Artist, Yen

Written and published by X

Yen is a rising pop artist whose work is rooted in emotional honesty and self-expression. Her journey began in the wake of heartbreak and uncertainty, transforming raw, unfiltered emotion into music that’s both cathartic and relatable. With only a year of recording under her belt, Yen has already begun to carve out her space in pop, merging lyrical vulnerability with upbeat, dance-driven production. Her sound is intimate and melodic, defined by the same balance of light and dark that runs through her personal story. We had the opportunity to talk with Yen about the early stages of her music career, the connection between pain and creativity, and what her fans can expect as she continues to grow.

How and when did your journey in music begin?

Yen’s connection to music started with writing, long before she ever set foot in a studio. But it wasn’t until a difficult breakup that she felt pushed to try something new. “I’ve always loved writing, but never tried recording music because I let fear and doubt get in the way,” she explains. During that time, she began listening to beats constantly, and soon after, she started turning her written thoughts into songs. Recording her first track wasn’t easy, and she admits feeling discouraged early on. Still, something kept her going. “Thank God I didn’t quit,” she says. “It was honestly healing to be able to express all those feelings I had buried inside.” That emotional release became the foundation for her artistry, and a way to connect with others who felt the same.

What inspired you to start producing music?

Heartbreak may have been the spark, but it quickly became more than that. Yen describes it as a “blessing in disguise,” explaining that the pain she experienced gave her the drive to pursue something she had always been drawn to but never acted on. What started as an emotional outlet quickly turned into a calling.

How has your music evolved over the years?

Though Yen only began recording in the past year, she’s already seen noticeable growth in her vocal performance. Writing has always come naturally to her, but finding her voice — both literally and creatively — has been a learning process. “I can tell my singing has improved from when I first started,” she says, and that improvement has given her the confidence to keep pushing forward.

What is your first memory of being really passionate about music?

Yen’s passion solidified when she completed her first official song. For someone who had doubted her abilities for so long, finishing that track felt like a breakthrough. “I felt so happy because I always doubted myself,” she says.

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

Yen describes her music as “sad girl pop,” a phrase that captures both the emotional weight of her lyrics and the movement in her sound. “It’s like, yeah I’m sad… but I want to dance!” Her music lives in that duality, offering space for reflection without losing its rhythm.

What sets your music apart from others in the same genre?

For Yen, the emotional honesty in her writing is what makes her sound unique. “My music is basically my diary,” she explains. She leans into vulnerability, addressing themes like heartbreak, loneliness, and healing with a voice that feels both direct and deeply personal. “I try to say the things people feel but don’t always know how to express.” 

Photo taken by Brandon Nguyen

“Life is an experience, so live it to the fullest. Try that thing that’s calling your name. If you fail, try again. This is everyone’s first time here, so give yourself grace and go for it.” -Yen

What were some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced in your music career? How did you overcome them?

Balancing a full-time job with a growing music career has been one of Yen’s biggest hurdles. She often finds herself drained trying to maintain both — but she’s learning to rest without guilt. “Breaks are necessary,” she says. “Sometimes you need to let your mind, body, and spirit rest.”

How do you know when a track is finished?

Yen approaches finishing a song with both structure and instinct. She’ll record the vocals, revisit certain lines, and then experiment with different versions until something clicks. “I’d have a couple versions of the song and find the one that stood out to me the most.” 

What can your fans expect from you in the near future?

Though she doesn’t have a release date locked in, Yen says new music is definitely on the way. “The songs I write are my babies and I just want to be really proud of what I drop,” she says. She’s not rushing anything — but sad girl pop fans should stay tuned. 

How do you stay innovative within your genre?

Yen finds energy in fast-paced beats. When a certain sound clicks, it’s like it unlocks something in her creatively. “If you write music, you know that feeling you get when you hear a specific beat. It calls to you.” 

What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?

Releasing her debut single and music video marked a turning point. “I was super nervous at first because I was being vulnerable to a bunch of people I didn’t know,” she says — but the experience ended up being one she’s proud to have gone through. 

What do you think is the biggest challenge when it comes to standing out in the industry today?

Resources, she says, are the biggest obstacle. Creating music, visuals, and content takes time and money — and when you’re doing it alone, it’s hard to keep up. Still, she stays focused on what she can control: the quality of the work. 

What first sparked your love for music, and how did that shape the artist you are today?

Yen started writing poetry in high school as a way to process what she was going through. Over time, that writing turned into songwriting — a medium that allowed her to say what she hadn’t been able to voice before. 

How do you see your music continuing to evolve in the next 5 years?

Looking ahead, Yen hopes to grow more confident in her voice and explore different genres. She sees herself continuing to write from experience, but with more experimentation and freedom.

How do you stay inspired when things get tough?

Her mindset is simple: life is short. “I don’t want to be on my death bed thinking about the shoulda, coulda, wouldas,” she says. Even when things don’t work out, she sees failure as part of the learning process.

Have you ever experienced a creative block? How do you push through those moments?

For Yen, creative blocks usually come from burnout. Her solution? Step away. “Once you come back to it, you’ll have all these ideas flowing through you,” she says. 

Is there a specific track of yours that has a meaningful backstory?

Many of Yen’s songs are rooted in heartbreak, drawn from past experiences that continue to inspire her music. “I try to channel past emotions in a way that feels honest and powerful,” she says.

What is your personal philosophy or motto when it comes to creating music?

Yen’s approach is rooted in authenticity. “Not judging myself and to always be bold when creating,” she says. Even if not everyone connects with it, she believes the right people will. 

What’s something you want people to know about your music?

“That it comes from my heart,” she says. “It’s pieces of my story.”

Stay connected with Yen and stream her latest releases below:

 Instagram

 Spotify

 TikTok