Dead to Me: Avery Lynch Turns Heartbreak into Haunting Honesty
Rising indie-pop artist Avery Lynch from Pennsylvania first caught listeners’ attention in 2020 when a TikTok cover of Dua Lipa’s Don’t Start Now went viral.
Since then, she’s carved out a name for herself with emotionally raw tracks like think about it, the boys who don’t know what they want, and Rain. Often described as the “happy girl filled with sad songs,” Avery blends bright charm with heartbreak-heavy lyricism, drawing inspiration from artists like Sleeping at Last, Holly Humberstone, and Sara Bareilles.
Her latest release, Dead to Me, dives headfirst into that signature vulnerability. Opening immediately with her emotive vocals and a soft, haunting piano melody, the track unfolds into a slow, soul-stirring ballad that doesn’t shy away from pain. It’s a beautiful reflection on the lingering ache of unresolved emotions – one that’s bound to leave listeners deep in their feelings.
Avery wastes no time setting the tone – the track opens immediately with a delicate piano line and her signature clear, emotive vocals. There’s no introduction, no build-up – just a raw plunge into the heart of the story. Lynch’s songwriting shines here, as she carefully unpacks the complex emotions of betrayal, heartbreak, and emotional detachment.
What makes Dead to Me especially poignant is its universality. Lynch never names the relationship at the centre of the story, leaving room for listeners to fill in the blanks. Whether it’s an ex, a friend, or even a family member, the pain is palpable—and deeply relatable.
As the narrative unfolds, Lynch reflects on how the ghost of this person still lingers in her life, from small mannerisms she’s adopted to the growing sense of distance as their worlds drift apart. She watches from the outside as they move on, gain new friends, and start a life she’s no longer part of – leaving her to question whether cutting ties was truly the right decision?
The chorus pulses with emotional weight, capturing the strange, empty spaces left behind when someone you once knew intimately becomes a stranger. Lynch delivers each line with a haunting vulnerability, her voice carrying layers of pain, confusion, and quiet strength.
Throughout the song, her lyrical choices are sharp and intentional. Every word feels carefully chosen to reflect the betrayal and sorrow she’s endured. Dead to Me isn’t just a ballad. It’s a cathartic release, a letter to someone long gone, and a testament to the quiet power of moving on, even when it hurts.
