CYNDI LAUPER & GRACIE ABRAMS

One soundtracked the 80s, the other Gen Z's fragile heart. They meet for the first time and riff on childhood memories, the trials of touring, and creative devices (cleaning, anyone?)

- ANGIE MARTOCCIO

Forty-two years ago, Cyndi Lauper told the world that 'Girls Just Want to Have Fun' on her debut single. And right now, she's sitting in a north Brooklyn studio with Gracie Abrams and doing just that. They're bopping their heads to Rickie Lee Jones' 'The Last Chance Texaco' and bantering as if they've known each other for years, even though they just met.

Lauper says Abrams' fan-favourite ballad 'Death Wish' reminds her of Jones. Before their meeting today, Abrams had never heard of 'The Last Chance Texaco. "I can't believe I didn't know that song, and I can't believe you're the person who showed it to me," Abrams, 26, tells Lauper. "If I were to ever hear that song out in the world, I would want to leave wherever I was to go write. That piece alone makes you want to beat everything you've ever done." Abrams grew up listening to Lauper's synth-pop in her home-it was a favourite of her mother. Both songwriters are about to embark on new chapters: Lauper recently wrapped her 69-date farewell trek and has been inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, while Abrams recently ended a four-year run of shows, including an opening slot on Taylor Swift's Eras tour in 2023 and multiple nights at New York's Madison Square Garden. Two Grammy nominations and one hit later, she's a fully fledged pop star plotting her next move. Abrams and Lauper dig deep for the next hour and a half, learning about each other's history and finding common ground on how they overcame shyness and writer's block.

Lauper: When I was listening to 'I Know It Won't Work', I started crying.

Abrams: What? Don't say that to me.

I can't believe you listened to any of the music.

Lauper: I listened to all of it.

Abrams: Just having grown up with your voice in the house all the timeLauper: [I'm] loud, I know. Sorry.