Destinie Lynn is a multi-talented singer/songwriter based in Los Angeles, CA. Destinie’s music works within the American roots tradition, or what she affectionately refers to as “porch music” taking influence from the Delta Blues, Indie Folk, and Americana.
Destinie’s voice is a rich, mellifluous tapestry evoking the affecting sensibilities of blues, jazz, and folk singers past, while her lyricism has been described as nuanced and literary-minded. Destinie writes soulful , often haunting songs that dive fearlessly into love, loss, and mortality; songs that highlight the daily struggles of the soul.
On her new song, “Another Station,” Lynn revels in the adventure of travel. The song is languid and joyous, reminding us to take in the moment and let things come as they will — good or ill, it’s all part of the story. It’s a modern take on a train song, and adds much-needed perspective to Americana — as Destinie explains in her interview.
Do you start off with music or lyrics first? Why?
I always find myself starting with the music first, then the lyrics come second. For me, the music informs the lyrics so heavily that I don’t think I could do it the other way around. Usually a melody will pop into my mind and I’ll sit with it for a while. Then I use the lyrics to tell a story that correlates with the mood/vibe of the melody.
What’s the best way a fan can support you?
The best way for a fan to support right now is just to share the music with friends, family, and social networks. I think half the battle is just getting the word out about the music as best you can, and word-of-mouth will always be a key component of that for artists.
What do you want to see from white allies among your coworkers, team, and audience?
I think one of the most important things that allies can do is push for inclusivity in folk/country/Americana spaces. That could be in the form of showcasing/highlighting Black artists and artists of color, or simply just acknowledging the contributions that BIPOC musicians have made (and continue to make) to the creation and formation of these genres throughout the years. Advocating for our voices and stories to be heard and not silenced, downplayed, or forgotten is really important.
Where are some places you’ve found joy within the country/Americana world?
I’ve found a lot of joy in just seeing so many more BIPOC people occupying country/Americana spaces over the past few years. Being able to connect with other Black artists in these spaces (albeit it’s usually virtually) has meant a lot to me. My hope is that soon it won’t seem like an anomaly to see a Black musician in country/Americana spaces, and that one day there won’t be a constant expression of surprise/confusion on someone’s face when I tell them that I’m an Americana artist. I look forward to the day when it’s as common place as anything else.
Is there a professional “bucket list” item you would love to check off?
One of the big things is playing at the Grand Ole Opry one day. There’s just so much rich musical history there, and to be among the many other incredible artists to have played on that stage would be such an honor.