There are journeys we all go through, stories that live inside our minds, made up of moments of light and shadow, despair and triumph. ‘The Balance of Light & Dark’ feels less like an EP and more like a personal diary set to music. CVKES invites us into this experience, moving us through haunting introspection to bright moments of hope. The three tracks—’Darkness,’ ‘Light,’ and ‘Fire,’ represent chapters of transformation, an honest exploration of vulnerability that leaves you feeling empowered.
CVKES, from the USA, relishes in the narrative side of music creation, with imagery that pulls you right into her world. This EP goes beyond the songs themselves, diving deep into the feelings they convey. Each track layers her unique voice over lush production, capturing both introspective thoughts and transformative moments. You can feel the authenticity in every word she sings. CVKES makes music that becomes an emotional space allowing her audience to connect and find meaning.
The first track, ‘Darkness,’ draws us into the rawness of feeling isolated.
The production is haunting, and the lyrics are vulnerable, laying bare the fragility of difficult moments. Still, there’s a sense of resilience in the background; a quiet reminder that darkness is not forever.
When we move into ‘Light,’ the mood shifts—like a window opening, letting warmth and renewal flood in.
This track acts as a guiding light, encouraging us to rediscover our worth and rise from the shadows. Her voice soars over the powerful chorus, filling it with empowerment.
Then there’s ‘Fire,’ the final track—a surge of passion and confidence.
CVKES has grown with every project she’s worked on, and this EP is no exception.
The rhythm is electric, with the topline bursting with energy—boasting an anthemic feel that is simply infectious. It’s the kind of ending that leaves you ready to take on anything.
CVKES’ background in visual and performance art influences is seemingly on full display with this EP. It goes beyond music and captures both sound and soul in the experience.
Her talent for creative direction comes through clearly, her voice revealing the highs and lows that carve out true personal growth in each track.
‘The Balance of Light & Dark’ is an EP that speaks directly to the listener’s heart, offering a story that feels personal and relatable.
CVKES has established herself with a commitment to artistic vision and meaningful partnerships. ‘The Balance of Light & Dark’ shows how far CVKES has come and her determination to create even when faced with challenges.
This project moves beyond technical excellence by focusing instead on the heartfelt moments that shape her sound. CVKES takes us on a odyssey through light and dark, encouraging us to reflect on our own experiences.
She took the time to chat in this exclusive interview, discussing behind the scenes, her future, and more.
Your latest release seems to have so many emotional layers. How did you balance the intensity of the lyrics with the instrumental production?
To be honest, it was a whirlwind experience. I generally love writing to the track. Starting this way, helps me connect deeply with the emotions of the piece. The third song, Fire, was actually the first one we worked on, and it became a stepping stone for understanding how to use the track’s emotions to shape the story through lyrics. It was really about tuning in—both internally with myself and with the track—accompanied by a lot of emotional moments, including tears.
There’s also something special about working with creatives who just click with you. Dion is one of those people. Every track we’ve done together fits perfectly. I enjoy his production style and feel I understand it well. The key is understanding each other. Dion loves cinematic music, and he sent me a song idea that resonated perfectly with what I was feeling at the time. Writing songs is a form of release when you pour yourself emotionally into them. These tracks hold every ounce of what I had to give, because I wanted listeners to truly feel it.
When someone listens to the three tracks together for the first time, what do you hope they feel or take away from it?
I hope listeners tune in and hear the message, which always comes back to why I create in the first place. I want people to recognize their true power and potential. This isn’t easy to do, but it’s why I write—to inspire. Life isn’t always bright and joyful. Having faced my own struggles, I aim to show others that difficult times pass. There’s beauty in overcoming challenges and understanding yourself.
A big theme of these songs is: the interplay of light and dark. We all have those sides. Facing yourself and finding the internal balance between them is essential to realizing your power.
What have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced getting to this point in your career, and how did you get through them?
The biggest challenge for me was putting myself out there. As artists, we often battle an inner critic that can hold us back. I used to be afraid of showcasing my voice, even though singing was something I genuinely loved. Slowly but surely, I overcame that fear by simply doing it.
At one point, I was terrified to sing in front of people, which isn’t ideal for an artist. I realized that fear was just me being in my own head. Through healing and self-reflection, I began to see the value of sharing my story with the world. If I want to inspire others, I can’t let fear or worry about others’ opinions stop me. I believe anyone can achieve their goals—you just have to take the leap.
How has your approach to making music changed since you started, and what are some of the most important lessons you’ve learned along the way? It seems you’re using more video these days.
I’ve definitely experienced a major shift. I focus now on creating authentic content that I love and enjoy. When you start viewing your work as a chore, you lose sight of what’s important. Entering this industry without much knowledge has been humbling, but it’s also taught me a lot about myself.
I decided to lean into authenticity by showcasing who I am through my art. This included getting involved in the creative process for visuals that accompany my songs. These days content is huge so I worked to find what felt right for me. I discovered that I genuinely enjoy the artistic side of creating visuals, so I embraced it fully. Now, it’s something I have fun with instead of stressing over.
Looking back, was there a particular moment that felt like a turning point in your career?
I’d say the turning point was when I started collaborating with other creatives. Before that, fear made me doubt whether I was good enough to work with others. But once I let go of that fear, incredible things started happening. Collaborating with others creates a unique flow of creativity that allows you to grow and improve.
Since then, my sound, vocals, and confidence have all grown tremendously. Working with others has been a transformative experience. Shoutout to all my creative partners, producers, and everyone I’ve worked with along the way!
Simply put, what’s the mission behind your music, and what do you hope people ultimately get out of it?
The mission behind my music is healing. Healing isn’t linear—it’s an ongoing journey of growth and self-discovery. I want to help people realize their power and come together. My work often carries a message of resilience and hope, showing that life’s challenges can be overcome.
Through these struggles, we learn and grow. Pain exists, and I’ve faced my own low points, but rising above those moments is the greatest thrill. That’s what I want to convey—that healing is possible, and it’s a beautiful process.
