In 2014, Lil Wayne said, “I believe athletes want you to know who they are — not just how they play. Music is an outlet for that.’’ This particular quote took me by surprise because it makes you wonder to what extent (or dimension) is the expression of talent perceived.
This idea dawned on me after connecting with a remarkably talented musician named Chris Pfund who performs under the alias Cenyc. I can only describe him as a very versatile and profound individual. We exchanged some dialogue across social media and I actually read some articles about him before personally reaching out to him. Chris Pfund had a knack for music; raised in New York as a kid and banging on Tupperware drums with chopsticks—already chasing a rhythm that would follow him through every chapter of life. That passion took him from a surprise childhood performance with RatDog to the Library of Congress’s 200th birthday celebration. I truly found that extraordinary and really sets the tone for those willing to go above and beyond while not only aiming to succeed but exceeding expectations as well!
However, the reality is there are sometimes roadblocks or obstacles one may face on their journey to success and that may become a burden to how one may structure themselves. As Pfund grew, doubt crept in. He kept making music—writing, producing, dreaming—but questioned where he fit in. In college, he adopted the name we now refer to as Cenyc (like “scenic”), a reflection of his winding path. Then came a twist: professional arena football. He played across the East Coast, balancing grit and glory, until a sports hernia nearly took him out in 2016. He recovered, returned, and proved his resilience—but music, quietly waiting in the background, never stopped calling.
Everything changed on October 5, 2022, when his daughter was born. That moment brought clarity. Music wasn’t just a dream anymore—it was a legacy. A way to show her what it means to chase purpose with fire. I personally believe Chris Pfund to be an overachiever – one who often strives for high standards and may experience a sense of dissatisfaction even with significant accomplishments. I think he had some issues balancing everything at once but with time he learned to be accepting of himself and find a fine line between everything as well.
Now, Cenyc is back—not to impress, but to express. His music carries weight, heart, and history. He’s not just picking up where he left off—he’s walking into who he was always meant to be. Think of this as a full circle moment – the lightning in the bottle that revamped his curiosity and expression of self through the manifestation of music. I love it and I salute him for that because it shows he’s found acceptance in himself and uses his platform to inspire others to do the very same and learn from his experience. Now I do not want to keep rambling but I think Chris is certainly going places and highly recommend you check out his music and support his journey. Best of luck Chris!
Follow @ce.nyc and hear the journey on Spotify.
