itoldLexi, a distinguished R&B and soul singer-songwriter originally from Chicago, now residing in the UK, has captivated audiences from an early age with her evocative voice and authentic energy.
Before her time at Berklee College of Music in Boston, Lexi was a member of the Chicago Children’s Choir, providing her with opportunities to perform internationally alongside renowned artists like Babyface, Al Green, and Boyz II Men. Notable recent performances include collaborations with Chance The Rapper, Theaster Gates, and Peter Cottontale.
Lexi, an activist for civil rights, gender equality, and black culture, was featured on NPR for her advocacy and participated in the 'F-List' Conference in London, discussing Black Feminism. Having completed her Master of Arts in Songwriting at the Institute of Contemporary Music Performance in London, Lexi is poised for an international career as a performing artist.
1. Tell us a bit about your story: who are you and what has your journey looked like so far?
My name is Lexi, I am 25 years old and I am originally from Chicago. My journey has always been musical. I took piano lessons from age 3, played cello in the school orchestra from 11-18 years old, and was in an organization called the Chicago Children’s Choir from 8-18. I did my undergrad at Berklee College of Music in Boston and finished my masters in Songwriting, researching black feminism in the industry here in London at ICMP. I have always had a love for music and no matter where life takes me, it will always be a part of who I am.
2. Who inspires you musically and creatively?
My parents inspire me so much. Although not musicians, my mom transcends boundaries as a black American woman politician and my dad, a black American entrepreneur and business owner. My brother inspires me creatively as he runs his own film company. Some of my biggest musical inspirations are Whitney Houston, Aretha Franklin, Diana Ross, Beyonce, Victoria Monet, Jazmine Sullivan, Kehlani, H.E.R., Jhene Aiko, Ariana Grande and more!!
3. What is the creative process behind your music?
My creative process goes one of two ways. I will either start writing something on piano or guitar, and then present my demo to a producer and have them work around that as the skeleton. Alternatively, I love top-lining which is just writing the melodies over someone else’s production. Both are so rewarding and how I worked on my upcoming EP, ‘Unconditionally, Lexi’
4. What’s the best advice you’ve received during your journey?
The best advice I’ve received; Attract bees with honey.
The industry is such a crazy roller coast filed with endless wants and needs from other people, both positive and negative. In order to remain true to who I am, I must be gracious, patient and kind. What’s meant to be, will and therefore I can attract bees with honey.
5. How do you nurture your creativity?
I nurture my creativity by spending time with my dog and going for long walks, spending time with loved ones, trying new things, going to live shows and performances and just enjoying life to the fullest.
6. What do you hope your music will reveal to your listeners?
I hope my music reveals that it’s okay to be authentically yourself and to ever apologize. That your individuality is beautiful and should be celebrated. I hope it shows that any kind of love, romantic or platonic, isn't linear and neither is self love and growth. I hope my listeners understand that their problems are valid and we are all facing similar struggles. That they are not alone and we are 1% better everyday.
7. Are there any upcoming shows or projects we can look forward to?
My upcoming EP ‘Unconditionally, Lexi’ will be released Friday December 1st on all streaming platforms!! Updates on my social media, itoldLexi on all platforms.
8. Is there any advice you want to give to new artists?
My advice would be to genuinely trust your process and continue to work hard. It seems so cliché, but it’s so easy to compare yourself and your journey to others, when in truth, no two journeys are the same. What’s meant for you is already yours, so just prepare yourself by doing consistent work and embracing both the highs and lows.