Atlanta’s Best Kept Secret in R&B 

Cydnei Chyan has been quietly sharpening her pen and her voice, moving between Indianapolis and Atlanta while perfecting her craft. A writer first, she began in songwriting sessions for other artists before stepping into her own spotlight. Now partnered with UnitedMasters and buzzing off her sensual single ‘Inner Freak,’ Cydnei is carving a lane that’s equal parts mysterious, feminine, and confident. In this candid conversation, she opens up about her journey, her inspirations, and what’s next as 2025 draws to a close. 

For readers just getting to know you, who is Cydnei Chyan? 

Cydnei Chyan is a writer first. I’ve been writing since I was a kid. It’s always been the way I expressed my emotions. Honestly, I never thought I’d be the one front and center singing. My mom always played music in the house, and while no one in my family is a professional musician, we all love music deeply. I was in choir and chorus at school, but I didn’t picture myself as an artist. I was actually born in Indianapolis, but I’ve been back and forth between there and Atlanta my whole life.

When I eventually moved back to Atlanta, my cousin who’s a producer pulled me into the studio. I started writing for other artists, and he pushed me to record my own songs. That opened the door. From there, I tried out for groups and experimented, but ultimately I realized I’m just a lover and a music lover. Music became my way to describe how I feel about love and the need for it in the world. My sound is sexy, feminine, mysterious, and confident, but it’s also part of my journey of self-discovery. Every song I make teaches me something new about myself. 

You mentioned starting off with songwriting. Have you written for any artists we might know? 

I’ve been blessed to be in some really dope rooms. I’ve worked in sessions with Coi Leray, Don Q, and had opportunities through Atlantic Records. I’ve also written for Ivy J and done a lot of writing camps. I’m not always sure which records landed or came out, but the experience was priceless. I’ve been around people like Vedo, and that sharpened me so much as a songwriter. Even if placements didn’t hit, just being in those spaces showed me I belong. What I realized, though, is I kept circling back to my own music. Writing for others is powerful, but no one can deliver my truth the way I can. That’s why I stayed focused on building myself as an artist. 

Atlanta is often referred to as the Black Mecca, the Black Hollywood. How has navigating the Atlanta music scene shaped you, and how did that journey lead you to UnitedMasters? 

Atlanta is home. I’ve been here since I was three, even though I moved back to Indianapolis for a couple of years in high school. I came back in 2013 and really started doing music then. Atlanta’s scene has changed so much there was a time when independent and underground artists defined the city. Festivals like A3C were huge, and Edgewood had open mics that gave everybody a stage.

That energy built the culture. Atlanta has always been about originality, and being here forced me to stand out. As for UnitedMasters, that came through my A&R, Ahmad. Back when he was at Audiomack, we connected on Twitter because he was playlisting songs. I was releasing music through DistroKid at the time and kept flooding him with my songs. Eventually, he playlisted one, and we stayed connected. When he moved to UnitedMasters and heard more of my work, he pushed me to join. It felt like the right move. Now I’m about to drop my second project with them, and it feels like family. 

Your new single “Inner Freak” is out now on all DSPs. How did that record come together? 

“Inner Freak” was honestly one of the easiest songs I’ve ever written. I used to work a lot with Twan Beats early on he was my go-to producer for a while. But this record came from sessions with A-Major, who’s the executive producer on my upcoming project, and SK, who’s a very respected producer. We were just creating for the project when this beat came up. The vibe immediately gave me Ciara nostalgia fun, confident, sexy and I wrote the song in about 20 minutes. It just flowed. At first, I sat on it because I wasn’t sure if it should be a single, but once I started playing it for people, the feedback was crazy. Everyone said, ‘This is the one.’ That convinced me, and it became the single. 

As 2025 winds down, what’s next for you? What should fans be looking out for? 

Definitely expect a project that’s coming in the next couple of months. There will be more visuals, performances, and just me showing up more consistently. I do a lot, so sometimes I’m not as active on social media as I could be, but I’m making it a point for people to see my face and hear my voice more. There might be another single before the project drops. Beyond that, 

I’m manifesting collaborations, deals, and big moves. It’s the fourth quarter, and I’m determined to close the year out with a bang. 

Top three artists you’d love to collaborate with, and top three songwriters on your wishlist? 

For songwriters, first I have to say Deja, she’s a friend of mine, but we haven’t truly locked in yet. She’s so fire, and I can’t wait until we create together. Another would be Najah. I remember following her on Twitter when she first came out, and now she’s writing for big artists. I’d also say Lil Yachty. People may not think of him as a songwriter in the traditional sense, but he’s super creative. I like to dabble in rap, so I think a collab with him would be dope. For artists, Anycia is one I’d love to work with, she’s also on United Masters, and I think we’d make something special. Of course, Drake because who doesn’t want to be in the studio with Drake? And Coi Leray. I love her tone and her style, and honestly, I’d be just as happy writing for her as doing a feature. 

Since you’re rooted in R&B, what’s your holy grail R&B album the one you always go back to for inspiration? 

I’d have to say ‘Trip’ by Jhené Aiko. That album really got me through a lot. It’s so raw, the lyricism is powerful, and her voice carries so much emotion. It always inspires me. But going back to my childhood, I have to mention Tamiya’s self-titled album from 1998. I grew up playing that record constantly. It shaped my love for R&B. So for me, Jhené represents my current inspirations, while Tamiya represents my roots. 

Where can people find you and keep up with your music? 

You can find me everywhere under the same name: Cydnei Chyan. That’s C-Y-D-N-E-I C-H-Y-A-N. Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, all of it. I keep it simple, so if you type my name in, you’ll find me. 

With a new project on the horizon and a growing presence in the industry, Cydnei Chyan is poised to step into the spotlight. Her blend of classic R&B; influences, raw storytelling, and modern edge makes her one of Atlanta’s most exciting voices to watch. As 2025 winds down, the world is starting to catch on to what Atlanta has known for years Cydnei Chyan is something special.

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