July 4, 2023
December 15, 2020
LexC Interview - I Kan’t Make This Up Podcast
July 12, 2019 and August 10, 2019
RAW and UNCUT Radio Interview - DC's New Artist Profile Show
You’re listening to DC’s New Artist Profile Show being brought to you from the studios of 107.9 WDBN, your summer time jam station. How ‘bout that? DC on the line. I have with me LexC. She was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but she claims a lot of places as home, too. We’re gonna get into that. What’s up, LexC?
Hey, DC! How you doin’?
I am absolutely fantastic, especially since we’ve got you on the phone. Go ahead and tell us a little bit about yourself. You were born in North Carolina, and you’ve lived in other places. How did that come about?
I’m actually an army brat. Both of my parents were in the military growing up, so I was born in Fayetteville, and I’ve lived in Delaware, Virginia, Texas, Hawai’i, now Georgia. I’ve been to Alaska, as well because I had some family out there and Iowa. Just a bunch of different states. I’ve been all over as an army brat.
Well, I’ve always wanted to go to Alaska and live myself. What was that like?
Ya know! It’s actually not as bad as I thought it would be. I got to go during the summertime and during the winter. The summer stays anywhere from 70 to 85 degrees, and it’s sunny all day long. To go to sleep, you just close the blinds, and it’s good from there. If you wake up at midnight, it’s still sunny in the sky. The winter time - it’s like a dry cold, so it’s not even as bad as a lot of people may think.
So, you’ve lived in all these places. You’re a military brat. You are an artist, so are you using all the influences from all the places you’ve lived in your music? How does that work for you?
Not necessarily. There have just been a few select artists that have always stuck to me growing up. I always list my top 3 influences as Beyonce, Aaliyah, and Alicia Keys. Aaliyah because of her style and her demeanor. She just always made everything seem so effortless but still very classy and chill at the same time. Beyonce, obviously she’s a powerhouse entertainer. She just seems like she can do everything, then Alicia Keys for the soul.
What makes you keep going on in this independent world? What is it that pushes you? And what could you share with other listeners that they need to do to stay on this grind?
For me, my purpose is basically just wanting people to know that we all go through similar situations, and we’re not alone in the things we go through. We can relate to one another, and it’s okay to put our pride aside and talk about these issues because when you give light to certain things that you’re going through, suddenly those things lose power. Now you can get a game plan together. “How am I gonna get through this?” And, you can find other people that are going through it, and it’s not so scary. It’s not so bad. I just really wanna relate to people in music and bring love back. Bring community back. That’s my major goal, in my head anyway haha!
For anybody who may feel discouraged for the grind, I would say stick to your purpose, and don’t worry so much about comparing yourself to other people because that’s really where the thief of joy comes from. We’re all running our own marathon.
Hey! Joy is in your song, so why don’t you go ahead and tell us about that song.
The song y’all are gonna be playing on the show is called “Bed Dream.” It actually started out as a school project for one of my classes. I went to The Art Institute of Atlanta, and my classmate said, “Hey! Do you wanna work together on this project?” He was a producer, so he sent me the beat maybe a week before we went into the studio. We only did a verse and the hook. I actually didn’t finish the song until a year later when I was working in studios full time, and it’s just one of those feel-good records, in my opinion. It’s grown and sexy and something that’s just a chill song. Something you can lay next to your boo thang, and it’s a nice vibe. It’s one of those situations everybody wants to be in.
You’re exactly right! I love the song! And I had the chance to check out your video from years ago. Your friend sent it to me with a live band, and then you sound great on track. Why don’t you go ahead and introduce your song.
Hey everybody! My name is LexC, and you’re about to listen to my new single “Bed Dream.”
Right here on DC’s New Artist Profile Show!
February 22, 2019
Big Hookz HipHopSince1987 Interview
It all started when…
Music is the only language that is universal and understood across the world. One artists that is truly making big moves in the United States and overseas is Big Hookz. Originally from Cameroon, Big Hookz has traveled all over the world and is now resigning in the DMV. He has been able to have success with his music in places like Germany, but also has been able to cross over and be successful here.
Recently, HipHopSince1987’s own Rick Dange sat down with Big Hookz in ER Studios in Philadelphia for an exclusive interview. Big Hookz opened up about his life growing up overseas and how he ended up in the United States. He talked in depth about his musical journey and what led up to him becoming the artist that he is today. He also spoke about his current single “No Love” featuring LexC and how they created the hit record. Being the creative and entrepreneur that Big Hookz is, he also manages artists and has a book coming out soon as well as which he talked about and much more!
Checkout this exclusive interview with Big Hookz and make sure you get his latest single “No Love” featuring LexC!!!
This interview was shot & edited by Rick Dange.
Transcript
Rick: Now right now you’re currently promoting your new single “No Love” featuring LexC, and she’s actually here with us right now!
Big Hookz: Yes, sir!
Rick: LexC, if you wanna introduce yourself. Tell the people where you’re from.
LexC: Hey, everybody! My name is LexC, and I am a singer, songwriter, and audio engineer from Atlanta, Georgia.
Rick: Okay! Okay! How’d you two guys link up?
LexC: Um, so because I am an audio engineer, Hookz actually came to the studio that I worked out of called Rich Productions in Marietta, and he was working with another female artist that he wrote a hook for and was having her reference the track. I gave her some pointers on how to maybe put a little more feeling into it or maybe how to pronounce some of the words, and I guess he liked the way that I was directing her, and said, “Hey! Would you be interested in maybe doing some work together?” And, that’s how “No Love” basically came into play.
Big Hookz: Yeah! Shout out to Stylistic, you know. We were doing like a hook line in Atlanta for one of the singles that I dropped. It’s called “Mistakes.” So, I went to the studio. One of my homeboys - shout out to Sand Man. Sand Man is a dope artist, too, in Atlanta. He’s the one who gave me the contact of the studio that LexC worked. Rich Productions, right?
LexC: Yup!
Big Hookz: So, we went there, and, you know, she was like - you know I’ve never seen a female producer before. I’ve never worked with any female producer. That’s what really got my attention.
Rick: Okay!
Big Hookz: And then, um, you know the singer was, you know, singing, but I think she was hitting some notes, so Lex kind of directed her. So, I figured out from there that she could sing. So, I asked her if she’s an artist, producer. So, she gave me her contact, and I went online and checked it out. So, again, what got me really attracted is the business part of it.
Rick: Right!
Big Hookz: She’s well, like, where everything was well organized. It’s hard to see an artist that, you know, that had everything, like, from, from, from the website -
LexC: Social media, website -
Big Hookz: Yeah! Social media. Everything was just well-organized because - bro - sometimes it’s not about the talent. It’s about your work ethic.
Rick: For sure!
Big Hookz: You know, hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard!
Rick: Facts!
Big Hookz: So, um, that’s when I asked her. I saw she was doing different things like the music, singing, so I already had the song “No Love” in my head and was like, “Yo! I need someone to drop a hook line for it.” So, when I asked her, I sent her the beat. She just went with the title of the song and sent it back to me like the week after, and it was killin’, man!
Rick: So, what’s the actual concept for the record?
Big Hookz: I think Lex can talk about it.
LexC: Well, at that particular time I was going through something personally in my life. I had just broken up with a boyfriend. And so, I was definitely - the beat was already titled “No Love,” so I was definitely not feeling any love.
Rick: Right!
Big Hookz: (laughing)
LexC: (Laughing) And so, that’s how the whole premise of the song came together.
Rick: Okay! Is there a visual coming for it?
LexC: Oh yeah! It’s already out!
Big Hookz: We have the visual ready!
Rick: Okay! The visual’s already out?
LexC: Yeah!
Big Hookz: It’s out! It’s everywhere! All platforms! It’s on BET Jamz as well.
Rick: Okay! Alright, so I’m late. The video’s out!
Big Hookz: Yeah!
Rick: I heard it on Apple Music, but I didn’t actually see the video. Okay! So, check the video out right now. We’re gonna put a link in the bio!
Big Hookz: Check the video on my YouTube. Yeah!
Rick: Um, so “No Love,” that’s picking up. That’s making the moves. Do you know what the next record that you’re gonna put out is, or are you just gonna concentrate on “No Love” right now?
Big Hookz: Yeah! We’re concentrating on it right now because it’s receiving from the radio stations, from the DJs. You know to break records, so -
Rick: Yeah! Takes time!
Big Hookz: Takes time! So, it’s a whole process, man! But we have a follow-up song that we’re working on.
Rick: Okay!
Big Hookz: Yeah! ‘Cause a lot of DJs have requested - shout out to DJ Reddz in D.C. - he’s the one who’s like, “Yo! Hookz! Y’all gotta drop the follow-up for this song, you know! So, we started working on that . We’re still in the process while we’re pushing the “No Love” song.
January 22, 2019
Art & Life with Aldith Cleary
Today we’d like to introduce you to Aldith Cleary.
Aldith, please kick things off for us by telling us about yourself and your journey so far.
I am a singer, songwriter, and audio engineer based out of Atlanta, Georgia. I was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina to 2 parents in the army. I’ve been singing since age 3 (first performance at my grandparent’s church in Georgetown, Delaware, “Amazing Grace”). I began writing poetry and songs at age 8, but it wasn’t until 7th grade that I started making my talent known to friends and family. I started out recording with the built-in microphone on my laptop and sold 2-15 track albums to friends and teachers!
From then on, I’d done talent shows and performed for school sports events singing the National Anthem. I even got to perform for my high school graduation for the class of 2012 from Richmond Hill High School (I sang “Believe” by Fantasia).
I’ve always loved singing, but I’ll say that I took it seriously when I decided to go to college at the Art Institute of Atlanta for Audio Production. (I actually attended with Dara Carter, another featured artist with your company.) Growing up, I think I made my parents think I wanted to be a lawyer because of my obsession with the movie Legally Blonde haha. So, it may have come as a surprise when I told them I wanted to pursue music as a career. One of my parents is Jamaican, and with immigrant parents from any country, the arts is not considered a real job haha! There was a bit of a battle over what I should do in college, but eventually, they were convinced that music would be a respectable degree to pursue. I graduated with a Bachelor’s in Audio Production in 2016. During that time and through the present, I’ve interned and worked at a few studios around Atlanta as an audio engineer. I’ve been able to work with a few big names like Ear Drummers, Ma$e, Columbus Short, J. Holiday, etc. My vocals are sprinkled throughout some of these artists’ songs! =)
The cool thing about being an engineer is having the knowledge to record myself when inspiration strikes. I’ve been fortunate enough to be employed by studios that allow me to work on my own goals, providing it doesn’t get in the way of a quality experience for the clients who walk through the doors.
I’m currently promoting a song I’m featured on called “No Love” with Big Hookz. I’m also working on original material for myself as well as still engineering, writing, and vocally producing for other upcoming artists. The main studio I work out of is Rich Productions in Marietta, so, if you’re interested, come book a session or a lesson with me!
Can you give our readers some background on your art?
I am a singer, songwriter, and audio engineer. When anyone asks what I do, I always say it in that order. It’s one thing to sing. It’s another thing to sing AND write. It’s an even bigger thing to sing, AND write, AND be an audio engineer – and a female engineer at that! I also, play piano (mostly by ear), dance, and vocal coach and produce for other artists.
I sing mostly R&B, though sometimes I dabble in what I call “ratchet” music haha! I get inspiration from my own experiences and the experiences of my friends or anything that speaks to me from social media. When I was younger, I would imagine instrumentals in my head and would create entire albums out of pure imagination in how I would want my instrumental to go. As I got older, my parents invested in a piano for me. Suddenly, I was able to create my own beats and get out all the ideas I had. In college, I got access to a recording studio as well as friend who could produce with and for me, and the evolution of how I create my music has gone from all in my head to being able to immediately get my ideas out into audible presentation.
I’ll search through a library of beats trying to find something that fits my mood at that point in time. I’ll even go to YouTube if I don’t have anything that immediately speaks to me. Once I find a beat that matches my emotion, I throw the beat into Pro Tools and get into the booth to record a reference track of gibberish. I don’t have the words, but I know how I want my words to be said and how I want them to flow within the beat. Usually inklings of how I’m feeling come through in the gibberish, and I usually build my song around that idea. I may take time to reflect to really understand how I’m feeling in the moment and think about how I want to say what I’m feeling and thinking. The rest is fitting my thoughts into this melody I’ve created and working it until I get something I like.
Growing up, I was very shy and had a hard time openly expressing my feelings to people. I don’t know why, but I was an extremely sensitive kid. Very quiet. Very much to myself. It was as if I was afraid to speak. Poetry became one of the ways I could get out the things I was feeling. Then, I discovered I could sing, and suddenly a new way to express myself came about. I’d see the influence people like Aaliyah, Beyonce, and Alicia Keys had and think how amazing it is that myself and millions of other people can connect because of music.
We all go through so many different struggles, and we’re all secretly fighting battles. With my music, I hope to connect people by talking about things we all experience in some capacity. I wanna make it okay for us to be open and share our feelings. There are so many songs out that don’t promote love, don’t promote community, and don’t promote healthy relationships. I wanna help let people know we don’t have to struggle alone because we need each other. I’m no better than you and you no better than I because we’re both going through it. We need each other. Life sucks bad enough sometimes haha!
With my artwork, I strive to be as real as possible and as raw as possible, especially if my mental state needs it. Music is a therapy for me as it must be for so many others.
How do you think about success, as an artist, and what quality do you feel is most helpful?
As an artist, I define success as consistently feeling happy and pleased with what I’ve done for the day. I used to stress a lot about what I’m doing and not doing compared to other people who are on a similar path as me, but that was robbing me of my joy (and my sleep. I can’t get with #TeamNoSleep. We need sleep to be normally functioning people haha!). To be able to not compare myself and my movements to the movements of other people has truly been the most amazing feeling. There’s so much freedom in not worrying where everyone else is. I can focus on my goals and my stride, free of the pressure of “keeping up.” Some people make running in place look really good. I’m okay where I am!
A key characteristic to maintaining success as an artist is to be able to see the positive in everything. Artists have to deal with a lot professionally, and I’ll say most of us are struggling personally (that’s why the art is so good). We can go through so much yet still create something that most others can relate to. That in itself is a positive feat!
What’s the best way for someone to check out your work and provide support?
You can find me on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter @LEXCATL.
I would love if you’d check out my website at www.lexcatl.com. From there, you can subscribe to my newsletter. Follow me on all available platforms. Engage with me on posts and discussions so I can get a better understanding of who you are.
You can find my music on my website. My music is also available on iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify, Pandora, SoundCloud, etc. Simply search “LexC.” Some searches for “Lexc” or “Lex C” may also work (there’s been a bit of a struggle to get my name written correctly haha).
Contact Info:
Address: 2470 Windy Hill Rd SE Suite 428
Marietta, GA 30067Website: www.lexcatl.com
Email: info@lexcatl.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lexcatl/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lexcatl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/lexcatl
It all started when…
Video City was founded in 1996. The show's main focus is to give unsigned recording artists a chance to have their first videos and interviews aired on television.
Over the years, the show has attracted the likes of Alicia Keys, Wyclef Jean, Mya, Mario, Ashanti, Meek Mills, Nicki Minaj and so many more! It was one of their first stepping stones into their later successful careers.
Our show is televised on Cable in the New York area which reaches over 4 million viewers and now we recently teamed up with Roku streaming service which reaches 30 million households.
Transcript
Host: Alright! Welcome back to the Big Hookz Takeover here in Manhattan, and we have one of Big Hookz’s artists. We have LexC in the house, and we’re gonna talk about her song with Big Hookz, “No Love.”
LexC: That’s right!
Host: Okay! Talk about that, girl!
LexC: So, “No Love.” I think we all can relate to bad breakups, especially when you get out of something with someone that you thought it would last a long time, right? And, suddenly, things just flip, and it’s like, “Wow! How did we get to this low point, this rock bottom, to where now we used to have so much love. Now, we have ‘no love.’” That’s the premise of this song.
Host: Okay! Okay! Now is there any, like, final message from you, the LexC, that you wanna give to your audience?
LexC: Basically, I just want people to know that no matter the struggles that we go through, we’re not alone in any of it. We all share a similar story. Don’t ever feel like you have to go through your struggles alone. There’s a song that explains everything. There’s always someone you could reach out to, to relate to.
Host: Alright! That was beautiful, and that’s very, very true! Alright! Guys, let’s hop into that “No Love,” LexC, Big Hookz. Take it away Video City. LexC, thank you!
LexC: Thank you!
(Music video for “No Love” plays)
October 25, 2019
Big Hookz Talks New Single, "No Love," Career and More!
It all started when…
We had the pleasure of speaking with Big Hookz about his new music and more! He's definitely bringing his A-game and is def a beast in the industry. Hookz is also working with songstress extraordiare LexC, who is featured on the current single "No Love" as she shared her passions and love for music. Listen to our exclusive interview!
Transcript
Big Hookz: So, I had a concept, you know, to drop, like, three songs. So, I dropped those two just to create the awareness, and the last song - which we just dropped now through Universal Music Group - is called “No Love” featuring my homegirl here. Superstar from Atlanta, Georgia, you can introduce yourself. She’s a producer. She’s an engineer, and she’s a dope singer, artist, LexC.
Interviewer: Okay! So, let me just get a shot of your uh - So, she’s in your current project?
Big Hookz: Yeah! She’s in the song called “No Love.”
Interviewer: Okay! Introduce yourself.
LexC: Hey! My name is LexC. Singer. Songwriter and audio engineer based here in Atlanta.
Interviewer: Okay! [To Big Hookz] So, uh, what made you collaborate with this current artist here?
Big Hookz: What happened was I went to the studio where she works, and I was trying to record a song, like, a hook line for another song, which is out there. I just dropped it. So, she was the one engineering, so I asked her, “How do you like the hook line?” So, she was like, “Yeah! It’s good.” I told her, like, just, you know, do any - if you feel like you have an opinion, just give your opinion, and correct anything you wanna correct. You know, if she’s not hitting the notes and all of that.” So, when she did a correction, I already picked out, “Oh! Man, she can sing.” So, I was like, “Okay!” Then I asked her, “Can you send me something I can listen to? You know, your website?” So, she sent me the link, and one day I was like, “Wow!” She’s a dope singer,” and I was like, “Okay! My next song, I will try to get her on there,” and that’s how it happened. I mean, she can say it too ‘cause she - when I contacted her like, “Yo! Can you get on this, the hook line of this song.” I just wanted her on the hook line and on the bridge, and when I started getting with my team, I was trying to get another major artist on it. I was like, “No! I think me and her are just gonna fit, like, with the concept of the song and the video.” So, I asked her to do a verse, the second verse. She killed it!
Interviewer: [To LexC] So, how was it like working with Hookz?
LexC: It’s been very smooth. He makes it easy to work with him because he knows exactly what he wants and the direction that he wants the song to go in, so when I’m given that clear direction it’s easy for me to play off of that and just write something that’s gonna complement what he’s already talking about in the song.
Interviewer: Okay! Alright, and you‘ve been in the game for how long?
LexC: I would say 4 years is when I started pursuing music seriously.
Interviewer: Okay! Nice! Nice! Nice!
April 21, 2017
LexC: “Crazy Time” - The Mark of a Confident Singer
Singer, songwriter, and audio engineer, Aldith Monique-Alexis Cleary, artistically known as LexC, was born in Fayetteville, North Carolina, but due to the military service of her parents she also claims ties to Delaware, Germany, Virginia, Texas, Jamaica, Hawaii, Alaska, and Georgia. At the age of 3, LexC performed “Amazing Grace” at her grandparents’ church, and began writing songs at 8 years old. Throughout her grade school years she continued to share her gift by way of talent shows, sports events, and her high school graduation. LexC attended and graduated at The Art Institute of Atlanta where she studied music theory, audio engineering, post-production, business law, and entrepreneurship, receiving a Bachelor’s in Audio Production in the summer of 2016.
LexC’s artistic growth as seen her acquire credits with the likes of Ma$e, Columbus Short and J. Holiday, among others. She has also been recording and releasing her own music, which includes her latest single, “Crazy Time”, released some months back.
LexC’s music works because her songs clearly come from the soul and for such a young singer she seems to have experienced a great deal. This comes across strongly and her music seems much older than her years. With so much music today, overdubbing, glossing-up and auto-tuning the vocals, it is refreshing to hear music here with LexC’s voice strongly in the forefront untouched, sincere and strong.
What should have been just another single to grab your attention turns into a heartfelt piece of music due to the passion that LexC exudes in every song she sings. From the second the soft keyboards begin on “Crazy Time”, you can immediately tell that this track is serious. Just three bars into the song you can feel her voice begin stealing your heart.
The chorus alone grabs your soul and never let’s go. If you close your eyes and take a deep breath, you can reminisce the harmonizing of 90s style R&B. LexC brings back what the R&B game has been lacking for a long time – passion. If you’re looking for a mono tone voice then you are definitely in the wrong place. Only a full and multi-range songstress lives here.
“Crazy Time” also proves she knows how to show off her pitch perfect tone and vocal range without beating people over the head with the power of her voice. That’s the mark of a confident singer.
The lyrics are about real life and not the bubblegum pop that we have been force fed over the past few years. LexC’s vocal arrangements and love for what she sings will eventually win you over every time.
This not only happens on “Crazy Time”, but also on her previous singles, “Burn” and “Hey”. LexC is in the starting stretch of her career, where she has to concern herself with captivating potential new fans while staying relevant in a fickle market.
Her third single, “Crazy Time”, attempts and succeeds in doing just that. The North Carolina born songstress takes herself and listeners to new heights on this particular record.
April 20, 2017
LexC Re-Releases Dynamic Studio Endeavor, ‘Crazy Time’
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PRESS RELEASE – APRIL 20, 2017
LexC, the versatile singer, songwriter, and audio engineer, has re-released one of her most compelling studio efforts, a single entitled ‘Crazy Time.’ Originally debuted last year in 2016, the beautifully executed track boasts production by DG Beats. The song combines an array of sonic influences to culminate into a sound that’s wholly unique unto LexC. Soul, R&B, pop, singer-songwriting, and more are all present in spades.
A lifelong musical talent, LexC was born Aldith Monique-Alexis Cleary in Fayetteville, North Carolina. She has roots throughout the world, however, as a result of her parents’ military service in her formative years. “When I was younger, I used to hate moving around and having to switch schools,” the twenty-three year old performer muses. “But now I look back and see that now I have friends and family all over the country.”
By age three, LexC was performing and within five years she would pick up the pen to write her own music. Throughout her childhood, teenage years, and early adulthood, LexC has remained passionate about her craft, continually expanding her prowess as a creative talent. Last summer, she graduated from The Art Institute of Atlanta with a Bachelor’s degree in Audio Production.
With credits alongside the likes of Ma$e, Columbus Short, and J. Holiday, LexC’s career has already reached impressive heights with a trajectory rising ever-upward. Fans can connect with LexC on her official website and social networking to keep updated on new releases, live events, and more!
On May 18, LexC will host a release party for ‘Crazy Time.’ The single is now available on all major digital music platforms for stream and download.
LexCAtl.com | Facebook.com/LexCAtl
Soundcloud.com/LexCAtl | Instagram & Twitter: @LexCAtl
Forget starting the year off with a bang. OTR is starting 2017 off with the full arsenal that is LexC! Born Alexis Cleary, LexC is a force to be reckoned with. When she's not working as an engineer at Rich Productions Studios, she's performing at the A3C festival, practicing her dance moves, writing songs and keeping her fans engaged through social media. Yep. She does it all.
LexC's performances have been described as sexy, interactive and full of energy. If you haven't seen her on stage, OTR can vouch for her love of music and her desire to create an experience for each and every one of her current and future fans. To learn more about LexC's talents and interests, watch the full video and follow her on social media!
Transcript
OTR: Hi, guys! Welcome to On The Rise. We are here at Rich Productions today to meet up with our girl, LexC. Come on, guys. Let’s see what she’s been doing in the studio. Hi, LexC.
LexC: Hello. How y’all doing?
OTR: Hey, girl! How you doing?
LexC: Good. How y’all doing today?
OTR: We’re good. So where are you gonna take us? What are we gonna see today?
LexC: Well, I just wanna give y’all a little introduction to who I am - LexC. Singer. Songwriter. Engineer. - and kind of bring you into my world a little bit.
OTR: Okay! Take us around.
LexC: So, we’re here at Rich Productions. This is where I engineer. I’ve been here since about March, the end of March [2016]. I like this studio because it’s small, but we actually do have a lot of clients who come in and out.
This song is called “Gimme,” from one of my good friends. He’s a producer. His name is Ced L Young. We actually met - it’s funny. I have a few jobs. Not only do I sing, write songs, and engineer. I also work at a gym called Knuckle Up Fitness, and I actually met Ced through a kickboxing class. He came into the gym and took kickboxing, and I had on my Rich Productions hat. And, he was like, “Oh! That’s interesting. Rich Productions, what is that? Is that like a film company or something?”
I said, “No! It’s a studio.”
He’s like, “Oh! What? Do you sing? Rap?”
“Yeah! I’m a singer and audio engineer,” and he was really impressed by that because there aren’t many female engineers in the industry. From there, he was giving me a little bit of history about himself and how he’s worked with different artists. He sends beats to people. He’s been in the game for about 15 years at least.
He said, “Okay! This is what I’m gonna do. I’m gonna send you a few beats. I wanna see what you can do to them, no strings attached. These are just things other people may not have necessarily wanted. See what you can do to it. Get back to me.” And, so, he sent me this beat, which I think is amazing. I don’t understand how anyone couldn’t write to it, but I’ll let y’all hear a little bit.
(Plays a sample of the instrumental for “Gimme”)
When I first heard this track, I didn’t really know where to take it. There’s a few samples in there. There’s Stevie Wonder, and then, I think, there’s a southern rapper. I don’t wanna say 8 Ball or Bun B or something like that. But, it sounded a little more hip hop, which is what I’m not really what I’m used to. I’m used to more R&B type of vibes, so I wasn’t really sure where to take it. So, I just kind of listened to the track and let it tell me what should be written over it. Over the track he’s saying “all of it.” It’s like, “Okay! All of what.” And, then, I’m thinking, (sings) “Gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme, gimme...Gimme all of you!” From there, I was like, “Okay! I think I have a nice little concept working.” What I usually do is I’ll hear a song, and I don’t really like to write to things the first time hearing them. And this is actually a practice I learned just from working with other producers and other artists. When they get into the studio, it’s a lot quicker for them to go into the booth, feel the vibe of the record, and see what they feel and get the mood behind the record. And, that’s how the song is created. So, that’s what I did with this one, and the song basically just wrote itself.
(LexC singing “Gimme” from inside the studio booth)
OTR: I noticed that a lot in your music that it feels like - it’s kind of like. I don’t know it just feels, like, very personal, but it also feels like there’s a lot of, like you were really just vibing to yourself. And, I really like that. I like when I feel like artists are really into their own music and can really vibe out to it that get other people excited because any time I’ve seen you perform that’s exactly what happens. You just really put it out there, and it gets other people excited as well.
LexC: I think that’s a bonus. I make music that I like inspired by music that I grew up on, so it’s always a plus when other people can appreciate it and, ya know, rock out with me and feel the message that I’m trying to portray through all the songs I write. I think that’s the most important thing I want people to know about my music. Of course, there are the turn up tracks, the party records, but I want there to always be a message in all of my songs.
OTR: I think you really try to be a crowd pleaser with your music. That’s what I think because when you actually do perform it, it just takes it to a whole ‘nother level, and I think you think about that when you’re making it. I don’t know if I’m right, but that’s how it seems to me in the audience.
LexC: As far as the reactions? The reactions of people?
OTR: No! I mean, as far as the whole package when it all comes together.
LexC: Aww! I appreciate that. I try!
(“Satisfy Aaliyah Tribute” music video plays)
LexC: Aaliyah is one of my influences because I appreciate the fact that she has that laid back style. She’s very chill, but she can also switch it up and be sexy and sophisticated type of look. Beyonce because she’s an all-around entertainer. Singing, dancing. She does everything. She really makes the artform like athleticism. That’s Beyonce, then Alicia Keys for the soulfulness. I try to take aspects from each of those artists and apply it to myself.
OTR: I’ve seen you perform maybe 3 or 4 times, and it’s always fun. I like seeing you perform.
LexC: Thank you!
OTR: I always be like, “Yes! LexC!” I be so excited. I feel like - I call you “Sexy LexC” in my head because you be turned up on the stage. I be like, “Yes! You better! Y’all look at this queen on the stage. Do y’all see this?” So, I really enjoy them. If you guys haven’t seen her perform, you should because she’s an act. Like, seriously. You should go see it.
LexC: I appreciate that. Thank you!
OTR: So, tell us about how you get ready to perform. Are you going to practice somewhere, or are you just, kind of, in your zone? Or, do you - I don’t know. How do you do this?
LexC: Hmm, how do I prepare? I don’t do this anymore, but I used to watch the acts before me and get it in my head like, “Wow! They’re really good.” And, kind of see what they’re doing. How they’re getting the crowd involved. Like, “Alright! I gotta make sure I put on a great show. Breathe! Breathe! I might sing a part of one of the hardest songs I have to do just for that vocal range to try to get my vocals warmed up, which sometimes it doesn’t even work because my vocals will end up being dry before I get on stage anyway, just from those nerves. But, yeah! I’ll sing a little bit of my own songs. Dance around a little bit. I’ve done squats before just to warm up my legs. Try to get all that anxiety released somehow.
OTR: It’s kind of like - you kind of go with however you feel when you’re up there?
LexC: Yeah! To get myself mentally prepared for it.
OTR: Okay! Well, that just makes me like it more because now I’m thinking about every time I’ve seen you performing, I’m like, “So, she didn’t even practice it. She was just like, ‘I’m about to do this,’ and then she did it. So, okay! Nevermind!”
LexC: The latest thing I’ve released a single called “Crazy Time.” “Crazy Time,” inspired by true events. As with all my music, I try to make sure I put a piece of myself in it just because it’s kind of like a therapy for me. So, this song “Crazy Time” is actually about, ya know, you give yourself to a person, and you invest all this time in them. Invest all this time into the relationship. Well, sometimes we put ourselves into toxic situations, and we stay longer than we should. Or, we do more than we should have done, and the song is really just letting people know that you don’t have to choose the short end of the straw. It’s okay to move on. It's okay to recognize that I did put all this time in. it’s not the end of the world. My time is precious. I’m gonna find someone who’s gonna appreciate it more.
OTR: You said you’ve been working here at Rich Productions since March. What was that experience like coming into the studio and trying to solidify yourself as an engineer here?
LexC: It was very nerve-wracking at first. I was excited but anxious at the same time. Not to say that I wanted to prove myself, but I wanted to be given that chance. I actually did intern at another studio before coming to Rich Productions, but there weren’t as many opportunities to engineer sessions, let alone getting paid sessions. So, coming here [to Rich Productions], of course, you know you kind of have the representative for the interview. Very soft-spoken. I’m already a chill person, but very soft-spoken. I tried to make sure I was charismatic, the way I’m trying to be right now! But, it was really good. The owner of the studio was very receptive, and I actually got this job on a recommendation. So, like a friend of a friend of a friend, so that’s how I got recommended here. He was like, “Your resume checks out. You seem like you know what you’re talking about. We’re gonna do a demo session, and from there we’ll see about getting you some clients. It was history from there. Now, here we are!
OTR: Outside of you writing and singing and producing, what are some of the things you like to do?
LexC: I actually love horseback riding.
OTR: Oh, really?
LexC: Yeah!
OTR: Where do you go horseback riding because this is Atlanta.
LexC: Since I’ve been in Atlanta, I haven’t been able to, but I found this horse park, Chastain, which is actually up the street from where I live. Before I moved here, I used to teach riding lessons in Savannah.
OTR: Oh, cool!
LexC: Yeah! It was like a summer program type of deal where the kids would come - probably ages 5 to 13 - to learn how to ride horses, and in exchange for free riding time after all those classes each day I was one of those teachers teaching them how to ride.
OTR: So, if you’re on social media, what’s your favorite one? Do you like Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat?
LexC: I don’t have Snapchat.
OTR: What!?!
LexC: I like Instagram.
OTR: Wait, wait, wait! Rewind! You don’t have a Snapchat?
LexC: No! I don’t.
OTR: Girl! You need to get you a Snapchat!
LexC: People keep telling me that, but you know Instagram has the - I call it “InstaSnap” or “The SnapGram.”
OTR: I mean, it’s not -
LexC: I do the little video!
OTR: Okay! So, Instagram’s like your thing?
LexC: Yeah!
OTR: So, what’s an Instagram account that you will go to just because? Somebody that I should be following or be looking into because it’s probably funny? Or, anything. Or, even if it’s just like - I like to go on certain people’s Insta accounts because I’m like, “Her hair is always popping. I wanna see what her hair looks like.”
LexC: Actually, I have one account that I go to. I actually like doing yoga and stretching a lot. So, there’s this one account. Her name is Lady Dork, and - yeah! It’s kind of a weird name, but she’s like a stretch and yoga guru. And, she just has these random pictures of her doing these crazy stretches, and it’s like, “Man! How do I?”
OTR: Yeah! How do I get myself into that? Okay!
LexC: Yeah!
OTR: Okay! And, what’s the last place that you went when you went out where you had a really good time?
LexC: Mmm, A3C actually! 2016 was my first time going to the A3C Festival in Atlanta, and it was cool because I got to perform for A3C. So, it was kind of cool performing and it being my first time. But, walking up and down the streets of Edgewood. I was with a group of friends. We didn’t even have to go inside any of the places. There were just people -
OTR: You can hear all the music and talk to people.
LexC: Yeah! It was like a huge block party. We were just walking up and down the street getting stopped by random people and networking with random people on the street, and I crashed someone’s video. That was really cool!
OTR: What is a song that, if it comes on, you’re gonna dance to it?
LexC: Mmm. Probably Rihanna.
OTR: Which Rihanna?
LexC: Work. (sings “Work” by Rihanna)
OTR: You can just turn on any Rihanna, and I’m gonna be like! Yes, girl!
LexC: That’s my jam! Hey, everybody! This is LexC, and thank you for watching the interview with LexC On the Rise.
It all started when…
Bridging the gap between mainstream and indie artists, INNAGROOVES brings light to the underground and gives you the quality music you want to hear, not have to hear. Non-stop, less chat, more in the mix (NeoSoul, Hip Hop, R&B, Soul, Gospel, Jazz) musical grooves.
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