Exclusive Interview: Daniel Kyri on CHILDISH GAMES EP, Embracing Vulnerability, and Creating Music That’s Unapologetically Himself

Daniel Kyri has always been a storyteller. Whether captivating audiences on screen or in the studio, his work is defined by its honesty and depth. Now, with the release of his debut EP CHILDISH GAMES, Daniel reveals a new layer of his artistry—one that is as vulnerable as it is fearless.

Across four tracks, CHILDISH GAMES is a reflection of Daniel at his most unfiltered. Inspired by the aftermath of a toxic relationship, the project navigates themes of heartbreak, self-reckoning, queerness, and the messy, complicated ways we love. It’s moody yet melodic, experimental yet cohesive, and ultimately a body of work that feels unapologetically true to who he is.

For Daniel, the EP is more than just music—it’s a declaration of authenticity. By refusing to hide behind masks or soften the edges of his experience, he’s created something that resonates on a universal level while remaining distinctly his own. In our conversation with Daniel, he opens up about the inspiration behind CHILDISH GAMES, the power of vulnerability, and what’s next in his journey as an artist.

PC: There’s such a vivid, cinematic quality to your songwriting and production. What’s helped you find your voice as an artist, and how much of that do you attribute to your background in acting?
Daniel: I believe my voice as an artist is shaped by the imagery around us and the feelings or moods those images can evoke. Much of my creative practice—whether songwriting or performing—centers on imagery. And I don’t just mean aesthetics or how things look; it’s about the emotions and memories that surface when we narrow the world down to its smallest details.

For example, I think of the sun-worn texture of a favorite leather chair, where I first realized the relationship I was in wasn’t good for me. Or the clear blue sky of a bright summer day when I lay beneath it, shattered after my heart broke for the fifth time that week. We often attach our deepest experiences to what we see, and that connection is invaluable to my art.

In many ways, my voice emerges from the clarity those images bring. They form my foundation, allowing my sound, music, and storytelling to highlight the significance of those fleeting but unforgettable moments.

PC: Vulnerability has always been a cornerstone of your craft. How does tapping into that emotional core for your own EP differ from embodying a character on screen?
Daniel: For this project, tapping into vulnerability has required a deeper sense of accountability. Vulnerability demands honesty—it forces you to strip away the comforts we cling to, the lies we tell ourselves, or the stories we invent where we’re always the hero. Those masks can shield us, but for me, this process meant shedding the facade of likability.

When I think about a fight I had with someone, my instinct might be to paint myself in a sympathetic light. But in my writing, I have to confront the truth. Even if it feels good in the moment to protect myself, I want to be unflinching in how things actually unfolded. I often ask myself: do I want to be real, or do I want to be liked?

Creating art just to gain approval is disingenuous. No one relates to perfection—and honestly, perfection is boring. Vulnerability, for me, means risking being seen as the villain. It means embracing the ugly, messy, flawed parts of myself, because ignoring them would undermine the growth I’ve worked so hard for. If I’m going to tell my story, I want to tell it truthfully—both for myself and for the audience. That, to me, is what it means to be human.

PC: As an artist, you’ve likely written hundreds of songs. What inspired CHILDISH GAMES, and how did you decide which songs from your catalog best fit the story you wanted to tell?
Daniel: CHILDISH GAMES was inspired by the most toxic romantic relationship I’ve ever experienced. I entered it right before the pandemic with someone I cared for deeply, but neither of us was ready to love. In the aftermath, I spent a lot of time unpacking that period of my life—separating my own faults and wrongdoings from his. Out of that reflection came songs about my reliance on substances and numbing, the strain it put on my friendships, my loneliness, and of course, my relationship with him.

I wanted to create a compact project that not only showcased my sensibilities as a music artist but also centered on my experience as a queer man. The four songs I chose for the EP best captured that journey while forming a cohesive narrative and sound.

My producers, Danny Kulasik and Rob Smierciak, are close friends who lived through that time alongside me. I trusted them to help articulate my vision, and their expertise blended perfectly with my abstract, “woo woo” way of expressing ideas. I’d say something like, “Danny, Rob—can you make this moment sparkle more?” and they’d know exactly how to warp a vocal or highlight a sound, turning it into something truly dope.

PC: If you had to choose one song from CHILDISH GAMES that best represents who you are as an artist, which would it be and why?
Daniel: “Childish Games,” without a doubt. It’s moody and heartfelt, yet still has a groove to it. The song tells a full story, offering a snapshot of something that feels completely genuine.

What makes it stand out is how it transcends the traditional boundaries of a song. It feels cinematic in scope while still holding a tight structure. It leans into experimentation, breaks conventions, and, most importantly, it’s unapologetically itself. Taken together, those qualities are a perfect reflection of who I am as an artist and as a person.

PC: You’ve spoken in past interviews about your journey growing up Black and Queer, living at the intersection of both, and choosing to live life free from others’ expectations. How does CHILDISH GAMES embody that ethos, and what has it meant to know that through your art you’re helping others feel seen and heard?
Daniel: The CHILDISH GAMES EP unapologetically explores the complex and ultimately doomed romantic love between two Black men. It examines what happens when two grown men try to love each other without ever having had a model for healthy love that reflects their own experience—and how that relationship can eventually collapse under its own weight. In my writing and execution, I’ve stayed completely transparent about who this story is about.

I think many Black men in the queer community know this kind of love, but it often goes unspoken—hidden behind embarrassment or the toxic belief that the way we love is somehow wrong. By being honest about my own experiences, I hope to help unravel some of the shame that queer Black men carry around love and intimacy. Honestly, I believe that very shame played a role in the downfall of my past relationship. It’s giving (in my Tyra [Banks] voice), “Learn from this!”

PC: This EP moves fluidly across genres, from Afrobeats to pop to R&B. What drew you to explore this kind of sonic intersectionality?
Daniel: Genre is a funny little thing, isn’t it? I just love music—all of it. I appreciate its impact, its influence, and the way it can transport listeners to specific moments in their lives. That expansiveness, in all its forms, is what draws me in.

I’ve never liked being pinned down, because my interests are so diverse. So why not explore different soundscapes and see what kind of cohesion emerges from that freedom? I love the way each style feels and sounds, and I love noticing the connections between them. To me, music is the only truly global language, and this approach to creating feels like the most honest way to honor that.

PC: CHILDISH GAMES is such a powerful debut and offers an exciting glimpse of what could be a larger body of work. Is there anything you can tease about what’s next—maybe even some live performances on the horizon?
Daniel: I’m in a really vibrant creative headspace right now, with so much I want to explore. I plan to keep diving into whatever emerges in the studio. My goal is always to connect deeply with my audience, and when the time comes to perform live and share space, I want to make sure people have an unforgettable experience.

In the meantime, I’m excited to share that I have another single coming this fall, and I’ll be doing plenty of writing and scheming as I look toward what’s next.

To keep up with Daniel, follow him on Instagram, Spotify, and Apple Music. CHILDISH GAMES is available wherever you stream music.

Photo Credit: Ashley Chappell