Last spring, Toronto singer-songwriter Chxrry found herself at a creative crossroads. While working on her latest project in Los Angeles, she realized that despite having several singles ready for release, the core of her artistic identity remained elusive. “There was just something missing,” she explains. “I haven’t told the listeners who I am.”
This realization prompted a significant shift in her process. Returning to the studio with producer Believve, she crafted “Main Character,” a track defined by its brawny, nocturnal atmosphere and layered synths. The song served as a sonic North Star, leading her to scrap her previous work and start fresh. The result is U, Me & My Ego, a project that blends ’80s-inspired synthpop with the high-energy melodies characteristic of modern rap.
A New Sonic Identity
Recorded in the intimate confines of Believve’s home studio, the album represents a departure from her 2023 EP Siren. Chxrry describes the recording process as a collaborative marathon, with the pair recording hundreds of songs before narrowing the selection down to the final 10 tracks. “Albums serve different purposes, so I wanted this album to strictly be about identity,” she notes. “Who am I? Let me tell them who I am.”
Roots and Evolution
Born Lydia Habtemariam to Ethiopian immigrants in Scarborough, Chxrry’s musical foundation is deeply personal. She credits her parents’ love for music and the influence of traditional Ethiopian melodic scales for shaping her unique sound. Despite her early exposure to music, a professional career was not always the intended path. After a brief stint at York University, a viral moment on Instagram in 2018 propelled her into the industry, eventually leading to a deal with XO Records.
Reflecting on her growth, Chxrry emphasizes the importance of creative freedom. With the support of her label and the collaborative synergy she found with Believve, she has been able to explore “non-traditional sounds” and push the boundaries of her songwriting. Whether she is tackling complex relationship dynamics or embracing her own confidence, the album is a testament to her refusal to be boxed in.
The Meaning Behind the Ego
The title U, Me & My Ego encapsulates the album’s thematic pillars: the “you” (her lovers), the “me” (her personal growth), and the “ego” (her self-assuredness). Chxrry is unapologetic about her ambition and her desire to challenge listener expectations. “I wanted to show that there’s no shame in having a big ego, and I wanted to romanticize it because it’s so taboo,” she says.
By prioritizing honest storytelling and sonic experimentation, Chxrry has delivered a project that feels both vulnerable and powerful. As she continues to evolve, U, Me & My Ego stands as a bold declaration of her place in the music landscape.
