For Audrey Huynh, this Valentine’s Day isn’t just about roses and chocolates—it’s a career-defining moment. On February 14th, she’s celebrating the release of Lovesick, her debut EP, marking another exciting chapter in what’s already shaping up to be an iconic 2025. The five tracks capture the essence of young love, heartbreak, and the bittersweet nostalgia from her freshman year at Chapman University—when the songs were written. It’s music for anyone who’s ever navigated the highs and lows of love—or the absence of it.
At just 19, she’s already making waves as both a rising musician and an up-and-coming actress. This January, the highly anticipated second season of XO, Kitty—the spinoff of To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before—premiered on Netflix, with Audrey starring in a lead role.
We sat down with the one-to-watch to talk about her blossoming path and what it means to be “lovesick.”
Did you get into music or acting first, or was it a simultaneous thing?
I have been acting—kind of floating through the industry—since I was around six. But music has always been something that I enjoyed doing.
Can you tell me a little bit more about your first memories of getting into the industry?
I was always a kid that wanted to be a performer. I always wanted to put myself out there. And I remember telling my parents that I wanted to be on Disney Channel. I was watching some Disney show and said, “I want to be on Disney Channel.” So they figured out how to send my headshot to a bunch of agencies. One of them reached out, sent me a test-run audition, and I ended up booking it. I flew to Hawaii for a week to film a commercial. That was crazy.
What era of Disney Channel you were inspired by?
I was such a huge Austin & Ally girl. It was that era of Disney with all the banger shows and movies. I feel like that was peak Disney Channel. That’s what I wanted to be on.
And when did the music side of things come in?
I’ve kind of been singing forever. There are pictures of me really young with a karaoke setup in my living room. But I started taking orchestra classes in elementary school, then continued into middle and high school. I started adding different instruments that I found interesting. I’ve been playing piano and guitar for a while now—definitely my favorites. Songwriting became a passion of mine a little later, more towards high school. But music has always been in my life. I love it. It’s so much fun.
Do you remember the first song that you wrote?
I think I have it somewhere in my room. I don’t remember what it was called, but I submitted it for a choir assignment. We had to write a song, and I was stressing about it. So I wanted to be ahead of the curve and started writing it a month early. And then I just never stopped writing music.
You chose Valentine’s Day for the release, which is my favorite holiday. Is it your favorite? Do you usually not love Valentine’s Day? Why did you choose this day?
I used to be a Valentine’s Day hater—like in high school. I was like, “Oh, it’s Valentine’s Day. That’s so dumb.” But the whole vibe of the EP, the songs, and what they’re about is very anti-Valentine’s Day in a way. It’s very much a sad, kind of angsty album. And I felt like Valentine’s Day was a fun day to put it out because it’s for the people who don’t like Valentine’s Day, the ones who just want to cry. But it’s also called Lovesick, so if I didn’t put it out on Valentine’s Day, I would be missing my chance.
If someone is also a Valentine’s Day hater, what’s your ideal way for them to spend the day, aside from listening to your album?
Valentine’s Day is so much more fun with friends. I’m actually spending it with my sister and my friends. Just decorating cute things, eating cake… and crying. That would be perfect.
Can you talk about some of the influences for this EP—musically or personally?
Yeah, I wrote all of these songs during my first year of college. And I feel like it’s so influenced by what a college relationship feels like—just going through all of these different feelings, stepping into adulthood. That was really scary for me. Writing these songs helped me through that a lot. But also, I feel like it’s just any kind of relationship. Everyone deals with the same things. I played it for my friends, and they were like, “Oh my God, I have been through the exact same thing.” As far as music goes, definitely Olivia Rodrigo, Chappell Roan, Sabrina Carpenter—that kind of pop girly vibe.
Obviously, the title of the album is Lovesick. What does that mean to you? Do you feel like you are generally a lovesick, hopeless romantic person? Or do you feel like that kind of just labels a certain era of your life that the music was written in?
I’m definitely a hopeless romantic. I love cutesy little things in relationships, but I feel like I’ve never really had that. So the word lovesick has a double meaning. It’s like, “Oh, super cute, hopeless romantic,” but also being physically ill in a negative way—like, mad at yourself for being in love with someone. A lot of the album is about unreciprocated feelings. That’s definitely the theme.
Do you feel like you have any good advice, having gone through that, for somebody who maybe is still in that?
I think just put yourself first. You dive into a relationship and prioritize that person, but you really have to be comfortable with yourself first before a relationship can be successful. But yeah, I’m not the person to go to for relationship advice.
How did the album come together?
A lot of these songs were born in my living room. I’d wake up at 2 AM and start writing. At first, it was just me with a piano or guitar. Then, I worked with my producer to build them out. We’d be like, “Let’s add drums to this” or “Let’s amp up the energy.” Some songs turned into this cool pop-punk vibe. He absolutely killed it.
Has your approach to music changed over the years?
Definitely. I used to try producing my own songs, which did not go well. Once I started working with a producer, everything shifted. Now I have someone to bounce ideas off, and it’s made such a difference.
Let’s do a quick breakdown of each song on the album! I’ll say the title, and you can share either a fun fact, something about writing it, or just your first reaction. “Under Your Breath”
Ooh, this one is the most Olivia Rodrigo-style song. I think I literally sent Good 4 U as my reference for it. First word: excited.
“Feel Something.”
This is my favorite song on the album. I love it so much. I don’t even have anything else to say—it’s just so good.
“You Miss It Too.”
That one just came out last night! It’s so special to me. It was the second song I made for the album, and I have a music video for it.
“Apartment Complex.”
That one is my little child. I wrote it a year and a half ago. It was a really long time in the making, and I love it so much.
“Lovesick.”
This one was actually my least favorite on the album at first. I didn’t like it. But then we added drums and really tied the song together, and it completely transformed it. Now it’s one of my favorites.
Switching to acting—You’re in XO, Kitty, which you filmed in South Korea for three months. What was that like?
It was insane. I had to withdraw from all my classes two weeks before finals. I packed up everything and moved to South Korea with almost no notice. But it was a no-brainer—I’d wanted something like this forever.
Do you remember getting the call that you booked the show?
I was between classes when my mom called and told me to pick up. I was like, “I have to go to class.” She said, “No, you’re going to want to take this call.” My whole team was on the line, and I just knew. Either it was going to be the best or worst call of my life. When they told me, I started crying and woke up my roommate. Core memory.
Was it your first time in South Korea?
I went when I was 11 with my grandparents, but I barely remember. Going back and being fully immersed in my culture was so special.
What was your favorite part of living there?
Everything was so walkable. I could cross the street and get incredible food. I’m a total foodie, so that was a dream.
Tell me about your character in the show.
She’s a handful. Expect the unexpected. She’s kind of the antagonist—Kitty’s roommate, causing drama. She’s complex and fun. I loved playing her.
Do you see yourself in her?
Not really—she’s kind of evil. But we do share ambition and deep care for people, even if her methods are questionable.
How did you get into that headspace?
The makeup, outfits, and set helped me immerse myself. I also worked with an amazing acting coach who helped us break down our characters.
Entertainment is known to be one of the toughest industries to break into. What’s the best advice you’ve received so far in navigating it?
Keep going. It sounds cliché, but it’s true. I’ve been acting for 14 years, and only now do I feel like I’ve really made it. If it’s meant to happen, it will. You just have to trust you’re on the right path.
Photography by: Kayla James
Creative Director: Kami Thomas
Talent: Audrey Huynh
Hair by Sophie Rose at Exclusive Artists Management
Makeup: Ruby Vo
Styling: Tatiana Wise
Production Assistant: Camille Duhart
Featured Image: D.RT shirt from Maison Privee PR and Caitlyn Minimalist Jewelry from Pull Public Relations, Image 1, 5 & 8: Karolina’s Kingdom dress from Maison Privee PR, Image 2 & 7: Katie May dress from Pull Public Relations, Image 3 & 6: Sadi Studios shoes from POSSE and Charles & Ron dress from Maison Privee PR, Image 4 & 9: Killa Access and Caitlyn Minimalist Jewelry from Pull Public Relations, Image 9: Madison Maison shoes from Wear The Future
