Memphis Music Feature: Cyrena Wages

“This [Memphis music] scene is incredible to witness in real time.” - Cyrena Wages 

Cyrena Wages talks about how moving home to Memphis inspired her to create from a different place–– her new country/soul album recorded at Memphis Magnetic is slated to release later in 2021. 
 
 
MH: What about Memphis inspires you creatively? 
 
Cyrena: This city is a feeling. This place feels like the groove to [Al Green’s] “Love and Happiness,” and is there any better feeling than that? 
 
MH: Who in Memphis do you love to listen to?
 
Cyrena: I adore Valerie June. I think Talibah Safiya is really killer. The City Champs give me all the modern day Booker T. and the M.G.’s feels and The Barnes Brothers can break your heart with just an “ooh” section. KellyeAnn Keough- oof. I could go on. This [Memphis music] scene is incredible to witness in real time. 
 
MH: Which place gives you that Memphis vibe?
 
Cyrena: I grew up near Shelby Forest. My dad would drive me around in his ‘67 Cadillac playing Stevie Wonder and educating me on all the greats. Being out in the country parts of North Memphis is what feels like home for me. 
 
MH: Can you give advice for a  young artist getting started?
 
Cyrena: Do some looking in the mirror really early on. Get real with what kind of records you want to make, because the second you put yourself out there, everybody and their mother will have an opinion as to the way it must be done. For a young artist who’s trying to learn and stay open, it’s really easy to get led down some weird paths that take you away from yourself and leave you frustrated and lost. Find your “why” early and humbly grip the hell out of it. 
 
MH: Do you have a quick story that changed you as an artist, a moment in time that moved the needle for you? Or a quick story on a mentor?
 
Cyrena: Joe Restivo and Scott McEwen have given me more than they’re probably aware of––so they’ll read this with the rest of the world.  I came home to Memphis after feeling like I’d been picked apart into a million pieces in Nashville (not Nashville’s fault, just the name of the game). I stopped gripping an old idea of success to death for the first time in my life and I just wanted to record my stories and let the world hear my voice. Joe and Scott held out a net for me and gave me a musical safe space. For the first time, I didn’t feel like my “artistry” was tied to my weight, my age, my sex appeal, my viability. I feel like they really like the songs that I write and they like my voice. That has changed everything for me. 
 
MH: Where can we hear you?
 
Cyrena: I’m working on my first solo record with Scott Mcewan and Joe Restivo at Memphis Magnetic Recording Studio. It’s a Country/Soul [project]–– or, it’s whatever it is. I don’t know anymore and I don’t really care, but it’s true and I hope it stirs something in folks. It’s [made] directly from my (relatively broken but renewed) heart to yours. I hope I’ll get to give it to you by late 2021.

Listen to Cyrena's single "River Bends" on Spotify.