Welcome to In Conversation, a special interview column on the site where we sit down with artists and dive deep into everything music. This week, Joe spoke with Lexi Layne to discuss their upcoming show in LA, her brand new music video and what is coming next.
Joe: With it now being over a year since your EP Sinner and Saint releasing, do you have any reflections since its release?
Lexi: Of course, I always find it interesting looking back on a past project. I’ll turn one of the songs on a remember how I felt in that exact moment building and creating a 3-4 minute masterpiece. Songs are time stamps and precious memories that can never be erased. I’m very happy with the out come of Sinner and Saint.
Joe: What motivated the decision to return the EP with the creation of a music video for track “Self Sabotage”?
Lexi: I wrote and dropped the EP during Covid-19. It was such a strange time and the vision I was seeing in my head couldn’t be executed the way I wanted, so I waited. I randomly woke up one morning and said to my best friend, Nikki Carmela who also directed the film, “I need to do a music video to “Self Sabotage”” before I move on to new music, it just felt right and I’m really happy I followed my gut.
Joe: Are there any major inspirations that went into the aesthetic and cinematography of the music video?
Lexi: I had this vision in my mind that was actually meant for a different song that fell through but fit perfectly with “Self Sabotage” a year ago Nikki had some amazing ideas as well, we combined our ideas and rolled with that. We knew we wanted it bold and in your face. I had a lot of images saved from art work and photography I found and Nikki really had the vision of lighting, certain shots etc.
Joe: What learnings have you taken away from both the EP and creation of the music video?
Lexi: Always stay true to yourself. If you see something in your mind a vision you want to bring to life, stick with it! I had a lot of managers in the past try to steer me away from who I am and the music I always wanted to make. I’m very happy I stood my ground and I’m able to watch my dreams come to life.
Joe: Is there any material in the works for the coming months or next year?
Lexi: Yes, 100%. I’m working on two new songs right now hoping to drop the beginning of next year.
Joe: Do you plan to explore different sounds and influences with future material?
Lexi: I am always open minded, if I hear something and it feels like a good fit I will continue that way.
Joe: What are your ambitions as an artist with your current project?
Lexi: I want my current fans and new fans I gain to really relate with the music. I created music based on my own real experiences that I’m hoping people can relate with as well. I also love giving freedom in the sense of create your own story to my music.
Joe: How are you feeling heading into live performance at the Viper Room?
Lexi: I have never been so excited! The show will truly be an impactful experience, I hope to see all of LA there!
Joe: Will you be looking to translate a similar aesthetic into your live performance that you’ve created in your music videos?
Lexi: 100%! In my eyes I always wanted to bring “Sinner and Saint” the EP to life on stage, and that it exactly what will be done.
Joe: What have been your favourite releases from this year (so far)?
Lexi: I’ve been a big fan of Bad Omens new album, The Death of Peace of Mind Beautifully written. Spiritbox’s “Rotoscope” the dynamic in those songs is amazing.
Many thanks to Lexi Layne for sitting down and asking our questions, you can find her across various platforms here.