‘W’ co-writer David Lyn makes huge strides - Drops debut single, signs with SMG

Singer and songwriter David Lyn, who is described as a “Jamaican American Miami native”, has quietly been making huge strides in the music business. And, if he has his way, things are about to get rather loud.

Although his name may not necessarily ring a bell, he is no rookie, and his résumé does have some clout. Actually, Lyn is an accredited songwriter, so much so that Spirit Music Group (SMG) recently signed a publishing deal with the young creative. In making the announcement, Rak Sanghvi, SMG president, noted, “David is a hugely exciting talent and a fantastic addition to our global roster. We are delighted that he has chosen to work with us, and … we look forward to adding value and to achieving great success going forward.”

Plus, he has a not-so-secret weapon. Lyn is willing to tell anyone who will listen that he is the younger brother of Grammy award-winning producer IzyBeats. But the amazing thing about it is that he is not trying to hitch a ride on his brother’s expensive coattail or attempting in any way to stand in his reflected glory. It’s simply about genuine brotherly love. “I am extremely proud of him. I love my big bro. He motivated me. When he took off in music, I was at a point where I was discouraged, and he gave me the talk and reminded me what we were working for. And that inspired and motivated me,” he told The Sunday Gleaner earnestly.

The Izy connection explains, in part, why Lyn was able to end up co-writing Koffee’s smash hit W, featuring Gunna. Of course, the other part is his own talent. “We went to Jamaica, and my brother, IzyBeats, produced Toast. I was blessed to be a part of that. And then this (co-writing W) happened. It was a huge move for me, and it has opened a lot of doors,” Lyn shared.

SONGWRITING SKILLS

He gives his brother the credit for tailoring his songwriting skills. “When Izy wanted to test out his microphone, he would use me. He would tell me to write down exactly what it is I was feeling, and then say it. It was like therapy. He played a big part in me doing this,” he said.

Lyn, who began recording music at 14, was a big Michael Jackson fan and looked up to producers like Timbaland. In 2009, he had his break when he was named one of the last winners on BET’s 106 & Park talent show, and he has since developed a niche and style that’s all his own. Lyn is now ready to dive deep into his own singing career and recently dropped his debut single, Can’t Breathe, which is produced by Neri Beats. He is quite happy at the response to the song, which he says is a bold statement about the “systemic injustices that continue to plague black America”.

As a black man who has experienced racism “multiple times”, Lyn is grasping this opportunity to use his platform to vocalise current issues in the United States as it relates to the black community. “I know what it is to go into certain areas and people give you that look, but I now know to stand up. The more of us who speak up will help to nip it in the bud. I am hoping that this song will motivate people to do something,” the Florida-based singer of Jamaican parents shared.

The visuals for Can’t Breathe nurture the lyrics and open with a quote from South African freedom fighter and late president Nelson Mandela. Leading character Lyn is later seen pinned down to a police car fighting to breathe while an officer chokes him as he is restrained, evoking memories of George Floyd, the unarmed black man whose death at the hands of police inspired a global reaction.

Lyn, who admits that 2020 has been quite good for him, is focusing his energy on getting his song heard, even while preparing to drop his first seven-track EP, Any Day Now.