CQ Corral: Cidny Bullens -“Not With You”

By Christopher Treacy

As a songwriter and musician, Cidny Bullens has always been a consummate storyteller, but with his new book, TransElectric: My Life as a Cosmic Rock Star, and forthcoming new album on Kill Rock Stars, Little Pieces, he is telling the most compelling, perhaps most important story he has to share: the story of his struggle with gender identity and ensuing transition.

The first single from the album is this gently rocking heartland ballad—a duet with the lovely Beth Nielsen Chapman—informed by finding the kind of love that can transform lives and create new realities from what previously seemed impossible. “Not With You” premiered at Goldmine recently, accompanied by an amazing, in-depth interview.

On writing “Not With You” with Beth Nielsen Chapman, Cidny says, noting it is likely the first mainstream release of a duet between a trans man and cis woman, “We love singing together. ‘Not with You’ is about my wife Tanya, where love is off the table with most people, but not with you, honey, I’m going for it.”

Little Pieces (out October 27) is the first album Bullens is releasing under his new name, but you’ve likely heard Cindy Bullens on a trio of tunes recorded for the Grease soundtrack. Cidny has also has a longstanding friendship with Sir Elton John, who authored the foreword for TransElectric.

More to come!