Lauren Mia’s Halcyon Label continues to establish itself as a home for emotionally intelligent electronic music with its second release, “Only You,” marking a powerful collaboration between the Los Angeles-based artist and UK talent REYUS (Lucas Challenor). The partnership represents more than just a musical meeting of minds – it’s the culmination of years of mutual support and artistic respect that has blossomed into a creative alliance.
REYUS, an emerging force known for blending diverse influences into a genre-defying sound, joins forces with Lauren Mia, the classical pianist turned electronic music innovator who has made her mark on renowned labels like Armada Music and Insomniac Records. Together, they’ve crafted “Only You,” a dark and dramatic offering that weaves sweeping synths with spine-tingling vocals, creating what they describe as a journey from melancholy to power.
The EP also features REYUS’s solo track “We Are,” a more direct and heavy piece that showcases his individual artistry while complementing the collaborative spirit of the release. As Halcyon continues to define its sonic identity, this release demonstrates Lauren Mia’s vision for a label that prioritizes emotional depth and creative authenticity over trends and boundaries.
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We caught up with both artists to discuss their collaboration, the creative process behind “Only You,” and how this release shapes the evolving vision of Halcyon.
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UFO Network: Congratulations on the upcoming release of “Only You,” your collaboration with REYUS on your Halcyon label! How did this partnership come about?
REYUS: Some years ago I first sent music to Lauren for support and she listened to it, liked it, and supported it, which meant the world to me. She asked me to send over more music and we started talking, becoming mates. Lauren didn’t stop supporting me, and eventually we started talking about working together.
Lauren Mia: Firstly, thank you for the congratulations. And yes, just as REYUS described, it was really just a natural progression from supporting his music to then collaborating together.
UFO Network: “Only You” is described as a “dark, dramatic sound with sweeping synths and spine-tingling vocals.” What was the creative vision behind this track, and how did you and REYUS develop its unique atmosphere?
REYUS: The vision behind the record is something that takes you from the melancholic to the powerful. It is a feeling of resilience, and the contrast between the melancholic break and the dark, powerful drops creates an overall sense of euphoria. The lyrics tell a story of being engulfed by someone to the point where they are all you can think about, but they can also be interpreted as a passion or a thing that takes over your life. We wanted to create a euphoric and emotional soundscape that is cut with a dark, powerful drop. The premise of juxtaposition was very important in this song.
Lauren Mia: By leaning into contrast, listeners are invited to feel deeply, then transform. Pain becomes power and longing becomes liberation. The messaging behind the vision translates to the emotional complexity of surrendering to love and passion, and the power that can be found within that vulnerability.
UFO Network: This marks the second release on your Halcyon imprint following “Sapiosensual.” How does “Only You” continue or expand upon the sonic direction you’ve established for the label?
Lauren Mia: “Only You” feels like a natural evolution from “Sapiosensual,” but also opens up a more emotional and melodic dimension of what Halcyon stands for. With REYUS, we really tapped into a shared love for storytelling through synthesis, melody, and rhythm. This release captures that deep, tender, emotive edge I want Halcyon to embody. The dance floor becomes a space for introspection, activation, and healing just as much as dance.
UFO Network: As both an artist and label owner on this release, how did you balance your creative input with REYUS’s unique sound to create something that represents both of your artistic visions?
Lauren Mia: This collaboration with REYUS was very fluid and intuitive. We both came into it with a strong sense of our individual sounds, but also with a deep respect for each other’s artistry. The balance came from listening, really listening, and letting the track guide us. I brought in my melodic and emotional sensibility while REYUS leaned into his rhythmic and textural instincts. Together, we shaped something that feels true to both of us and also aligned with the ethos I’m building with Halcyon.
UFO Network: How would you describe REYUS’s musical approach, and what elements of his production style complemented your own in this collaboration?
Lauren Mia: REYUS has this incredible ability to create depth through simplicity. His approach is very precise and textural, with a strong focus on groove and space, which really complements my more melodic and emotionally driven style. He’s thoughtful in the way he builds tension, which gave the track a beautiful sense of movement. Our strengths naturally found their place within the production, and I think that contrast is what gave this record its unique energy.
UFO Network: This EP also features REYUS’s solo track “We Are.” As the curator of Halcyon, what drew you to include this particular piece alongside your collaboration?
Lauren Mia: “We Are” immediately stood out to me because of its groove. It has this infectious, upbeat energy that feels both fresh and familiar, and it hits in all the right ways on a dancefloor. REYUS brought something really unique with this one. It is rhythmic, hypnotic, and still carries that emotional weight we both value. As a club record, it is the kind that lifts the room without losing its depth, which made it a perfect addition to this release.
UFO Network: With two releases now on Halcyon, how has your vision for the label evolved or solidified since its launch?
Lauren Mia: With two releases out now, I feel like Halcyon is beginning to take shape in a really meaningful way. The vision has always been to create a space for emotionally intelligent and sonically rich music that speaks to both the mind and the heart. With each release, that intention becomes clearer. I am trusting the process more and allowing the label to evolve naturally while staying true to its essence. It is becoming a home not just for my sound, but for other artists who share that same depth and artistic sensitivity. Above all, Halcyon is about creative freedom, authenticity, music for the soul, with no boundaries.
UFO Network: What elements do you look for when considering artists and tracks for release on Halcyon?
Lauren Mia: I look for authenticity above all else. The music needs to come from a place of depth and intention, not just production skill. I’m drawn to sounds that feel fresh and organic – something that feels alive and has its own spirit. It is less about fitting into a trend or subgenre and more about the feeling it evokes. If it moves me and tells a story, or touches my heart, then it belongs on Halcyon. Because if it touches my heart, I know it will touch others as well.
Thanks for having us UFO. Big love X
