Singer-songwriter Mike Cyril thrives in the space between avant-garde and pop clarity, and his new single, “Turn Out the Lights,” achieves that balance splendidly. Written during a howling rainstorm, the song is a meditation on finding stillness amidst chaos.
The new single is the opening note of his forthcoming album Radiant Sorrow (out on November 7th), a record born from a five-year period of upheaval and retreat. Having traded Brooklyn’s restless buzz for the isolation of the Catskills, Cyril’s new work reflects this season of wintering.
Cyril wrote the song on piano, but he envisioned something more delicate using a guitar or a harp. Since he doesn’t play guitar, he built the track using a virtual instrument before bringing it to life in the studio. The final arrangement features guitar, piano, acoustic bass, and violin.
Drums were initially tested but later shelved to preserve the piece’s quiet intimacy (I agree with that decision). “Turn Out The Lights” also features pianist Sara Goldstone, violinist Margot, and bassist Marco Galiero, whose contributions helped shape the song’s understated nature.
Cyril was inspired by Caetano Veloso’s rendition of “Cucurrucucú Paloma” and Frank Sinatra’s 1962 album All Alone, recordings that he says feel like the vocals are directly in your ear. “Turn Out The Lights” sought the same intimacy with its stripped-down approach.
I would add that Cyril’s baritone and vocal delivery also reminded me of Father John Misty, whose contemporary weirdo ballads I love. “Turn Out The Lights” isn’t the usual psych fare we cover here at The Third Eye, but it’s a nice break from the noise and a good one for any quiet evening.
Check out the track on Spotify:
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