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Lynsey Laroche '23, also known as LYN, is a 21-year-old Haitian Belgian creative. She graduated from UCU in 2023 with a major in Performing Arts and Sociology. Currently a creative production manager at Moving Arts Centre Amsterdam (MACA), Lynsey is also deeply involved in her own creative endeavors in music and songwriting. As a singer-songwriter, she has been diligently working on her first EP project and achieved her first release in March 2024. We had the opportunity to sit down with Lynsey to discuss her inspirations, her journey, and what the future holds for her in the music industry.

"Rainbow Harmony"

This track was heavily inspired by my trip to Marrakech back in January, where I started writing the lyrics and exploring the beat I received from a London-based producer (). It was my first solo trip after just having turned 21, and I finally had the time to truly connect with myself and my thoughts. I love journal writing, so my lyrics are a way to share those thoughts. At that time, I was struggling to stand up for myself and remember my roots and worth. In a way, "Rainbow Harmony" was a piece of reassurance for myself and others who may feel like they have to hide parts of themselves or feel that those parts are not understood by others they have opened up to. "Rainbow Harmony" is a call to Home, hence the reference to the Vodou spirit of the sea, Agwe, specifically the voyage from Haitians' African roots to our island. This song is also a message of empowerment, encouraging you to take the space you need and be around those who are able to meld and resonate with you.

Musical Journey

At UCU, I managed to find a support system. I had the space to create without worrying that I was disturbing anyone, and I had a group of creatives who could motivate me and provide feedback when needed. My experience at UCU was shaped significantly by them, though the background in Performing Arts I received from UCU made me realise that I could and wanted to do more than just sing. Especially with the research for my thesis on Haitian Vodou rites as a neglected bridge to collective identity, which allowed me to connect more dots between myself and my heritage, compensating somewhat for being oceans away from home. Overall, I was able to gain a broader perspective on my potential as an artist.

[My music] is part of myself that I feel the need to share because few people know the Haiti that Haitians experience living there.

Looking to the Future

My goal is to push more Haitian narratives through my music. Though my musical journey began with songs about myself and how I deal with my emotions, Haiti is deeply intertwined with that. It’s a part of myself that I feel the need to share because few people know the Haiti that Haitians experience living there. In that sense, I’m just taking it as it comes, but I know my direction. I hope to achieve some financial stability so that I can stay home for a few months and immerse myself in the source of my creativity instead of only speaking from memory or knowledge gained through research.