As a proud feminist and mental health advocate, Vancouver/Surrey, BC’s First Nation singer-songwriter Alexis Lynn knows too well that no matter how strong, empowered, and aware one may be, it’s still difficult to fight against entrenched systemic pressure – especially in the form of internalized insecurities. Sometimes, though, acknowledging that battle is the first step toward winning it.
In her new single, “Something to Prove,” the rising-star pop artist explores the personal struggle she’s experienced as a bisexual woman, one who’s very open and accepting of her sexuality outwardly but on the inside, still suffering from the biases of the mainstream, especially when it comes to the male gaze.
“Patriarchal society holds this value that the validation of a woman, being it attractiveness, worth, whatever, can often only come from a man,” Alexis explains.
In the achingly open, stripped-back single, Alexis’ lyrics discuss engaging in a romance with a woman who checks every box for what she knows she wants in a relationship yet still feeling the need for male approval to prove she’s “enough” (even though the man she’s involved with is falling far short of meeting her needs).
“I know that she sees me. He’s just willingly blind … I just need him to want me, like there’s something to prove,” she sings, highlighting her internal conflict and unhappiness at her own inability to shake off this male-validation complex.
“It’s messed up, really, but I think it shines a light on what a lot of bisexual women have struggled with,” she says of the song, and of the experience no doubt shared by many longing to break through toxic patterns and processes to find and accept the healthy relationships they deserve.
As the lyrics state, “There’s so much left to unlearn, ‘cause I thought love was something you should earn.”
The British Columbia, First Nations artist has become known in recent years for her ability to combine her distinctive, honey-sweet vocals and pop production with authentic and sometimes raw storytelling. She takes inspiration from her family’s cultural roots, along with icons including Amy Winehouse and Rihanna, and the worlds of R&B and hip-hop. Her debut album, Real Talk, centered around her personal mental health journey and experiences processing trauma, was released in September, 2022.
With “Something to Prove,” Alexis delivers another dose of frank, relatable truth-telling in a radio-ready package.
