Coryn ‘Introspect’ Review

Coryn is a producer based out of New Jersey who uses her love for genres like neo-soul and hip-hop to create a sound that’s both gripping and thought-provoking. In every soundscape lies an opportunity to tell your own story or think about your own life. Coryn’s beats also give you a chance to unwind from the world’s list of demands. “The theme is literally whatever happens to pop in my head at that time. It’s hard to keep up with my brain, so I can produce a beat that will have you entirely in a zen mode with no care in the world, chilling with a glass of wine, etc.” she adds “Then, I could switch it up to where the beat is more like old school rap, where the thoughts become a little more conscious and the vibe more serious. The bottom line is that I am trying to have everyone create their visions and mental pictures. Granted, how I view Introspect is not the same lens I want someone else to see it.”

Her latest 12-track project, Introspect, allows listeners to reflect on both the present and future. Because of its spacey-like synths and other stimulating arrangements, the album sets the tone for deep contemplation and empowerment. Flipping through the records, you’ll also feel more in charge of your destiny. 

“Introspect means examining your thoughts and feelings. Now, in a couple of my beats, I say “Really In Retrospect,” which means looking at things in hindsight or looking back on something. It’s my own play on words and something that I say quite often. For someone like me, who is always in their mind, Introspect was just the perfect title,” she continues. “Each title shows an aspect of me and even resonates with everyone. “Sol” means sun in Spanish. So what that means to me is happiness, joy, and a feeling of comfort. This is actually my grandmother’s favorite, but it made her feel good listening to it, which is what I aimed for. When I made Antiquated, I was kind of taking a blast to the past in my head. Those who know me, know the ’80s and 90’s hip hop, are where my heart always resides. It just shows you how this beat is old sounding and maybe “outdated,” but you’ll still bop your head, and that’s all that matters. Acquiesce is my “is what it is” attitude in beat form. Accepting things the way they are without many reactions. We can’t control everything.” 

Notable tracks include “B.B,” “Cashmere Motion,” “Euphoric Fate,” “Sol,” and “TheFuture.” The other seven songs deserve some spins as well. You’ll also learn that Coryn has a good understanding of what it means to be attentive. Her favorites off the album are between “Euphoric Fate” and “Bliss.” She adds that the songs move her in a certain way, especially when she was making them. “The premise is to be able to have the music play and envision yourself rapping, singing, reciting poetry, or just vibe out. Another genre I like, which I am not afraid to admit, is Classical music. Chopin, Tchaikovsky, Berlioz, Beethoven, you get the idea. I took a music appreciation class a few years back, and I fell in love with the entirety of Classical music from opera to concertos, etc. The one thing I learned from symphonies is that the music alone (wind, brass, percussion, you name it) can take you on a journey. The way I listen to the Nocturnes (E-flat Major) by Chopin, I envision my own story throughout, but my vision will be different from your own.”

Initially, “Cashmere Motion” was released on Soundcloud, but it was in a different key. To begin her creative process, Coryn plays around with the keyboard. Then she messes around with other sounds to see which ones blend well. “It’s just a matter of making sure everything flows effortlessly to my liking,” she says. Beat-making serves as a new coping mechanism to battle her anxiety. Once she started getting in the habit of creating her beats, Coryn was able to identify her anxiety before it took complete control. Each beat represents what she was going through mentally at the time, whether good or bad. Coryn’s moniker, in actuality, is her middle name. The reason behind choosing this name? Well, because it’s short, sweet and to the point. Nissy G was what she called herself before she wanted to be a rapper. She adds that Coryn worked a little better than Nissy G. 

Her advice for aspiring producers is never give up and to not seek validation. “Make what you would like to hear and continue to perfect your craft. Everything falls into place when you choose to do what YOU enjoy without question or hesitation.” 

Below I have done reviews of the notable tracks I mentioned earlier. Feel free to read them and let me know what you think. 

“B.B” is the perfect track to put on for a night on the town. In one minute and thirty-three seconds, your ears will get to explore open hi-hats, a steady snare, and a strobe light loop that fades in and out. Afterward, you’ll hear a record scratch followed by a dwindling sound. The next transition of “B.B” throws in a few claps, bright piano riffs, and an oscillating spacey recording. Before the track ends, Coryn lets the electric keys have leeway and allows a poetic voice to take the lead. 

“Cashmere Motion” begins with a rendition of TLC’s beat on “No Scrub.” Amid this, you’ll also hear a swift piano loop, a deep-toned piano loop, open hi-hats, and a subtle base. Shortly after, the beat adds in perfectly pitched jingles and a bellowing bassline. From there, “Cashmere Motion,” continues flows effortlessly, that is, until the one-minute mark. During this time, “Cashmere Motion” lets out a video-game inspired recording but it doesn’t ruin the soundscape. In actuality, the effect puts you in a zen state. I’d ultimately conclude that this beat would fit perfectly when lounging in the house or daydreaming about a happy time in your life. 

“Euphoric Fate” sees Coryn meshing embodied arrangements with a sound similar to wolf howls. Once the song starts, Coryn makes sure that a dark piano loop leads it. She then adds in a beating drum, which garners assistance from an ambient soundscape. I’d say that this song is good for contemplating or unmasking the hidden truth. As a whole, “Euphoric Fate” is guaranteed to give you chills and dig deep within yourself in times of reflection. Some would even say “Euphoric Fate” is cinematic as well. Personally, it would fit best in a scene where the plot gets the most intense. Maybe even a horror flick. 

“Sol,” a brighter track off Introspect is perfect during any moment. It has the power to uplift you, and it also gets you moving! “Sol” carries a summery feel and is full of lively arrangements! At first, the song only uses a xylophone-like loop. But shortly after, the recording is assisted by warm instruments like cymbals and steady drums. Likewise, “Sol” uses a slightly darker tone for another piano loop along with other electro-synths. As the song continues, the components only ascend. Towards the end, “Sol” takes its focus back to the xylophone-like riff before a “whoosh” escapes. 

“TheFuture” lives up to its name by starting with a back-track recording. Afterward, a warm piano loop joins forces with a beatbox-like sound, which, in turn, allows the two arrangements to uphold a faster rhythm. From there, “TheFuture” throws in muffled drums, a swift piano loop, and some spacey synths before giving the piano its solo pieces. As the song reaches a minute, the arrangement’s delivery intensifies before going back to its previous state. I’d say this song is the perfect depiction of not knowing what the future holds but also being excited about what’s to come. 

Listen to Introspect by Coryn below: