Conversation with Trailblazer TXVX, Independent Music Artist Introducing New Album "Raining Roses"

Feel the pulse of innovation as I, Marie Finch, sit down with TXVX, the trailblazing music artist whose journey from Portland to Los Angeles is a symphony of resilience and raw talent. TXVX lifts the veil on her life as a multifaceted artist, from her Broadway-inspired roots to the eclectic symphony of rock, opera, and gospel that informs her soulful electronic compositions. With her debut album "Raining Roses" blooming on the horizon, TXVX's narrative is a masterclass in genre fusion, revealing how the authenticity of live instrumentation harmonizes with the digital realm to craft her signature sound.

As we bid farewell to the year and look forward to the fresh chapters awaiting us, we celebrate the unstoppable force of creators like TXVX. Her story weaves through the challenges of underrepresentation and the additional hurdles faced by female producers in the industry, yet it remains a testament to the enduring power of self-belief and kindness. Join us in this heartfelt reflection on the importance of nurturing personal growth, embracing the diversity of success, and anticipating the emotional voyage that "Raining Roses" promises. Here's to the stories, the magic, and the music that continue to inspire us all.

Follow and listen to TXVX On Spotify and Apple Music
TXVX Instagram https://www.instagram.com/txvxtxvxtxvx/
TXVX TikTok    https://www.tiktok.com/@txvx_music
TXVX Youtube https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCcjmE-TAh4dIQ9OxlfoXR6A

Chapters

• 0:07 TXVX
• 7:00 Promoting Music as an Independent Artist
• 18:46 Music Industry Challenges and Successes
• 23:45 Navigating Success and Challenges in Music
• 32:26 Promoting Music and Building Fanbase
• 38:29 Future Projects and Spreading Kindness

Transcript

Speaker 2: 0:07

So producing your own music instead of going with a producer I still work with other producers, but when I wanted to pick up the pace a little bit and get it done without waiting, I just kind of was like I am creating a song a day. I need to like be able to have access at my fingertips to do so, and so that's really where I took initiative.

Speaker 1: 0:27

Hey, thank you for stopping by our up and comers of Hollywood's Room. I am your host, marie Finch. I am so excited. This is our last episode of the year. I'm excited because I hosted 11 episodes. I interviewed 11 amazing, talented professionals who are hustling in this entertainment industry. I had the privilege to get to know them and learn more about the business, and I hope you do too. I will be back next year in March of 2024. Go ahead and follow us from whatever platform you're coming from, so you will get a notice of our next episodes. Also, feel free to follow us on our YouTube channel, where you can see a video of our podcast that we have on all the platforms, as well as our Instagram and TikTok.

Speaker 1: 1:10

My last guest in 2023 is a bedroom producing songwriter. She goes by TXVX. She creates soulful electronic sounds infused with live instrumentation and genre bending sound designs. She is influenced by 90s and infused with today's latest independent music. She is coming out with her first album this year, december 28th Raining Roses. And here is TXVX. So TXVX in the house with up and comers of Hollywood. I am so excited that you're here today. Thank you so much for having me. I'm so excited to be here. You're so talented, I'm so excited I'm sure our listeners are so excited to hear about your journey. So tell me where are you from? How did you get into this business?

Speaker 2: 1:53

Thank you so much. I'm actually from Portland, oregon. I currently live in Los Angeles, so I've traveled a ways to get here. This is my second time living in LA and the first time was kind of a failure. So I'm happy to have finally gotten here, got stable and it's been a long journey, a lot of wins and losses as well, but it's definitely the place I want to be and I don't plan on moving from Los Angeles.

Speaker 1: 2:19

So so we've got to get into all those challenges that you had on your way. So let's talk about Portland, oregon. So that's where it all began. The singing came first. Singing came first, and how did that come about?

Speaker 2: 2:31

Well, I don't come from a family of musicians, so neither of my parents sing. And I did have a musical influence growing up, which is my aunt. She was in Broadway. So every time she would come home from her tours she would sit with me at the piano. She was traveling a lot, but that was a huge influence for me. And how old were you then? I was a bit younger, so I was probably about 11 or so. I just would pick up and jam with her as far as vocals go, so I would just sit with her and it just inspired me so much.

Speaker 1: 3:00

You were jamming at 11 years old with your aunt. That's so cool. So from 11 on, then in high school and so forth, you just was singing all that time.

Speaker 2: 3:10

Yes, and by age 16, I was in a live rock band, so they would have to sneak me in through the back and in the luggage, like with the luggage.

Speaker 1: 3:19

Because you were underage, so you were gigging at nightclubs and stuff like that in Portland Oregon. Yes, oh my gosh, did you ever get caught? Never, no, okay. Then you just kept singing.

Speaker 2: 3:33

Yes, I kept singing and there was one point in my life where my aunt came off tour and she recognized I had gotten better at singing and she's like I got to get you into this vocal trainer. So I started at 18 operatic practicing and I didn't really fall in love with that particularly, but singing and songwriting has always been a big part of my journey in self expression.

Speaker 1: 3:54

Yeah, so I started out with rock, yes. Now, the type of music you make now, I love it. I listen to it on her YouTube. It will have her YouTube link below so you can listen to her music on Instagram, and I'm sure you're on some of the Spotify, yes, and all streaming platforms, all streaming platforms. So you have to listen to her music. So what would you call your type of music that you play now?

Speaker 2: 4:16

Well, I consider myself genre bending. I appreciate all music from practicing rock and opera. I sang in choir too as well, in a black choir and that's kind of where I picked up this harmonizing skill. That kind of got infused somehow somewhere along the lines. And I just kind of formed a new sound.

Speaker 1: 4:36

Yeah, because you have some gospel in there and some R&B, but yet some rock and pop.

Speaker 2: 4:40

Yes, I think I kept the live elements I really like, like live elements of violin and piano and live drums, yeah.

Speaker 1: 4:48

Okay, so you started out in rock. So what was that grunge rock? I think a Portland organ being grunge rock.

Speaker 2: 4:55

Yes, it was actually a Scrimo band, so I was the ambient vocalist. That's what they titled my. And what does that mean? Lots of harmonies and high sounds like angelic vocals.

Speaker 1: 5:07

Okay, yes, yeah, you have a great voice. Oh, thank you. Yeah, everyone will agree with me once you listen to her music. I'm a big fan already, so that's really great. So when did you start really bringing on the gospel and some of the R&B fusion into your music?

Speaker 2: 5:23

I actually then had a funk band and that's kind of where I picked up understanding that it's okay to have different genres and it's actually cool.

Speaker 1: 5:31

So I just wanted to elaborate on that, and so was all that done before you came to LA the first time around.

Speaker 2: 5:37

Yes, yes, I had already been kind of infusing all genres and genre bending then and just practicing writing and songwriting and working. Actually till this day I've been working with the same mentors, so who are live musicians one particular named Tony Ozier so he is someone in Portland I still work with and who is really doing well in the scene there.

Speaker 1: 6:00

So Okay, Back in Portland.

Speaker 2: 6:01

Oregon.

Speaker 1: 6:02

Yes, when did you decide to come to LA and when did you know it was time?

Speaker 2: 6:07

to come to LA. I came about almost 10 years ago and I moved here with my family. I have a son he was about one and it was definitely a hard time getting up and running in LA. I always tell people who move here it takes about two years to get established. Especially if you're a creator or artist. It's definitely a challenge.

Speaker 1: 6:28

So you have to get acclimated to Los Angeles. Yes, especially if you're going in the entertainment business, because there's so many moving parts, right?

Speaker 2: 6:36

Yes, and you definitely have to have a hustle. I had like several different hustles. I worked in an onset as a makeup artist or hair and makeup just really took off and that was like that's a big part of me. And I was thinking of Rihanna. You know she does makeup and music and that's kind of kind of someone I look up to.

Speaker 1: 6:53

And it's still in artistic form. So you don't have to pay for a makeup artist then, no, but it's really nice to have somebody do it for me sometimes. So when you came here the first time and then you went back to Portland and then how many years was it before you came back again?

Speaker 2: 7:07

The short amount of years, maybe three, two or three.

Speaker 1: 7:10

Okay, so you came back to Los Angeles and then you got your business really going.

Speaker 2: 7:14

then it took a bit of time and a lot of different jobs and job failures. And then, as a makeup artist I just got picked up by an executive and then from there I just kept kind of getting promoted and thankfully getting more stable where I could do music on the side and at night and really get it going. Because it does take time Any business does but so how did you get it going in Los Angeles? Another one thing to get it going for me was to start taking initiative, to start making music on my own. For a while I was working full time so I'd be waiting for a record to get back to me and I just felt it was moving slow. So I just took initiative to start producing for myself, start writing more and just really pushing out records on my own to add to my catalog.

Speaker 1: 7:59

So you produce your own stuff. Now what does that look like for someone like me?

Speaker 2: 8:02

I'm not in the music business Using your own record means taking a concept you have and making the instrumentation, using your voice as a tool, putting songs together to put out into the world.

Speaker 1: 8:16

So you're laying it out with the machines and the instruments that you have Usually.

Speaker 2: 8:21

I will either collaborate with some friends to get together and play and sample those instruments and implement that into my song. I use my voice a lot. That's probably my number one instrument and I can transform my voice into any sound, so that's kind of an interesting thing about music production.

Speaker 1: 8:42

That sounds amazing that you can do that, so you're so talented like that. So producing your own music instead of going with a producer.

Speaker 2: 8:49

I still work with other producers, but when I wanted to pick up the pace a little bit and get it done without waiting, I just kind of was like I am creating a song a day, I need to be able to have access at my fingertips to do so, and so that's really where I took initiative.

Speaker 1: 9:05

Yeah, that makes sense because you can't wait on everyone else, right? Because everyone else is really busy with other music. Yes, so when you have something really good, you're like hey, I'm putting this out there, so you finish it up. How do you do that?

Speaker 2: 9:17

The process, like the creative process. Usually I'll have an idea. Sometimes it's quite often, which is kind of strange, but I have dreams. I'll have visions. I'll wake up in the middle of the night and I wish I had a pen and paper, but I usually don't. So you know, like anybody just takes a note down in your phone for a voice note and then fall back asleep sometimes Often it happens in my sleep, or it could be something that a concept started in my mind. Someone was telling me a story or something that inspired me. It could be art or anything, and that usually starts the writing process. Because I'm doing so many things. I'm writing and then building the song production around my lyrics, composing everything, every part of the record, and it takes so much heart and focus and, yeah, so you're creating the music?

Speaker 2: 10:05

Yes, so you lay down tracks other people's tracks or you create your own music, both depending on what project I'm working on, but a lot of times in my creative process I'm all bummed on sale and you have a studio at home.

Speaker 1: 10:17

I have a home studio. When you wake up in the morning and you can just go at it and create day and day and night, and then you create it. You get it finished.

Speaker 2: 10:24

Yes, Finalize it, I guess. And then on my most recent project I had a record finisher, so his name is Jordan and he helps me with that. So I'll have a concept pretty much all done and I mix my vocals a bit and he gets it really polished. So that really helps my creative process. I can just keep pumping out music when I have a little help, assistance, like a team of people I can turn to.

Speaker 1: 10:48

So it sounds like even though you do produce yourself, it's still a collaborative effort. You also need other folks to kind of help you close it out Definitely.

Speaker 2: 10:57

And other people that you trust. You want to turn to them and say does this sound good? What do you think about this? Does this need to be lower as far as like the volume or the music and usually your circle of people that you can turn to your network and that solidifies if the song sounds good, ready for a release.

Speaker 1: 11:14

or yeah, because other people have different pulses on what's happening in the music industry. Right, because you know you're what you like to do, but then someone else can come in and they're like, hey, this is the thing that we're seeing that people like, when this added a little bit of this, yes, is that?

Speaker 2: 11:27

yes, I yeah, I have some really amazing artists that I turned to that helped me gauge when a song is ready and I feel like it takes a couple more years other than yours, because your ears can get burnt out. When you're like editing audio and you're like, does this even sound good after like the hundredth millionth time you've heard it, it's nice to have support in that sense, like it's good to get positive feedback or let's say so you can continue finishing the record.

Speaker 1: 11:53

There's so much to recording and producing, and then you're putting out your own music. So, txvx, tell me, how do you promote your music?

Speaker 2: 12:01

I utilize social platforms, for sure. I make sure that I try to pose consistently and ask people on my network to share my music and support me, and I turn to building a community because I think that's the best way. Nowadays I'm not on a label, so being an independent artist is a little more tricky, but also there's a lot of hope because of social media and it has a powerful. It's a powerful tool.

Speaker 1: 12:27

So what's your Instagram handle for those who are listening TXVX music? That's easy TXVX music and listen to her music and go ahead and download some of her music too. We talked about promoting. We talked about creating. Do you have a manager?

Speaker 2: 12:42

right now I do have a specific person who I turn to for advice on bookings and if I need someone to speak on my behalf like a day to day person. But all in all, I manage everything from my social media to my music, what I put out and it's a lot of work.

Speaker 1: 13:00

You do everything. Yes, I do Whoa, okay. So people out there who's in the music and you want to be successful like TXVX, you know you're going to put in a lot of work. Are you wanting to be a part of a label? Is that something that you see in the future for yourself, or do you like being an independent artist? That's a great question.

Speaker 2: 13:18

I think that being on the label entails a lot of contracts and money and I feel like that would be holding so much over my head because a lot of times, just because you're on a label and they're funding you, you do have to pay that money back. It's not free, so really you're still struggling financially. I do contracted jobs and nobody takes from my money, because I also produce and write and record other artists, so that's how I'm making my income, so I feel like I'm doing okay right now. Obviously, everybody can always do a little bit better, especially with the boost of extra money, but as far as me individually, as a creator, I feel like not being on the label is better for me at this point. At this point it could, you know, change in time.

Speaker 2: 14:01

Right now I like having total control over what I create. When I release it, nobody's telling me look like this, do this, make this sound, because that's what you look like and that's the music that you should be putting out.

Speaker 1: 14:14

So it's freedom. You have the artistic freedom to do what you want and work with who you want and how to make extra money during different ways, because when you're with the label you're kind of tied.

Speaker 2: 14:23

You're probably. Your arms are tied behind your back. Yeah, from what I've heard, and that labels don't really do much for artists anymore, unless, there's like way up there. Yes, yes.

Speaker 1: 14:33

Yeah, so okay, that gives me a lot of good insight. What are some of the challenges for you as a musician and artist? Definitely finding balance.

Speaker 2: 14:44

You have to balance, you know, making a living and also finding the time to sit down and work and master your craft. Everything is a balance, I think, but particularly being a singer, songwriter, producer, somebody who's like, ultra creative and needs to find that time, it could be a challenge. So, you know, making sure that you rest enough, that you're not beating yourself up too much, because a lot of times we do that and like this sucks. You know there's a process to creating that can be damaging on your health, because you're constantly comparing yourself to bigger artists who do have all the funding and all the followers and you feel like you're climbing up this mountain. So just making sure that you find balance, I think, is the best thing that you could do for yourself.

Speaker 1: 15:29

And just have confidence in your own art, right, because everyone's so different and just so unique, yes, that you just cannot compete with other people. But I have a question for you. Have you ever made music and they're like, oh, that sounds great. And then all of a sudden there's another artist comes out and like, wait a minute, that sounds like my stuff all the time, diana, my friend Diana, and I do this.

Speaker 2: 15:50

This happens to us and a lot of other creators I know. Yes, definitely. And you're like, wait, I just wrote something, just like that.

Speaker 1: 15:57

And then, of course, you know the reason I say that? Because I really think a lot of us we are more alike than we think we're not, with our psychology and just the way we are and the way we look at the world. I mean we all look at different experiences and traumas and all that stuff, but the heart of everyone we do have some commonality. So I was just curious. I know in the movie business or film, you come up with this idea for a TV show and all of a sudden you're like wait a minute, there's the show I was thinking about. So I was thinking, I was wondering if it's the same with music. Yes, it is definitely Okay, oh yeah.

Speaker 2: 16:31

Yeah, man, I just I feel I just wrote that or a part of that song sounds just like what I was messing around with the other day. Okay, well, that just means that I'm aligned with the universe and I should keep at it.

Speaker 1: 16:42

Most definitely, because your music is really phenomenal. Everyone, we have a special guest in the house today. So, diana, we don't have a third mic, we have Diana Daydream and I'm excited that she's here. She's a good friends of TXVX and myself. Diana was the one who created and produced the jingle of Up and Comers of Hollywood. Do you want to say hi, diana? Come over here, come and say hi to the audience.

Speaker 2: 17:10

Woo.

Speaker 1: 17:12

So here is Diana. Real quick we got a little peek in Hello.

Speaker 1: 17:18

This is the lady that wrote our up and comers of Hollywood, so I'm so glad she's here. Say hi to the audience. Hello everyone, I'm so happy to be here just as an observer today, but support as well. I love it. So we love doing fun things here, especially with the ladies in the house, and we're all really doing what we have to do in our hustle and the love of what we do, and so I love that.

Speaker 1: 17:42

You love your music and Diana she's a producer and musician too. She does a lot of different things. They're so talented. Both of these ladies are so talented, so I'm so honored to be in both of your presence. So I just want to say that and let the audience know that. So we talked about your challenges and I just have a question before we go on to your successes and we'll talk more about that TXVX, what's your perception of Los Angeles before you came to Los Angeles from Portland Oregon and then kind of compare that to the reality of living here in Los Angeles? I always like to ask everyone that question Moving to Los.

Speaker 2: 18:16

Angeles was the best decision I ever made. I feel like it is the best place to be, because I always felt like I didn't blend in. Where I was from, it's hard to explain. I did so many creative things that I just always felt like people would ask me why do you do so much? Or why are you doing all these things? You should focus on one so you can be successful at one thing, and I've always been told that and I just felt like in LA there are so many more people like me.

Speaker 2: 18:46

Once I got here I was like, oh, you do that, that, that and that, and it just started. It made so much sense and I just feel like it's so important to find community. I mentioned that before, but I really built that here, my network and this back at home. I felt I was doing so many gigs. I would work during the day and then sometimes do two, three shows a night and that was so fun and the community there was great. So, or at that time, time before COVID, you were able to perform a lot and people were very just welcoming to allowing artists to, you know, perform in that city.

Speaker 2: 19:19

Once I got to LA, I'm an Asian American woman, so I feel like that's been a struggle here. You don't see a lot of Asian American artists on the scene, and that saddens me, so I think I came here for a reason. I also work with other artists like myself who want to get out there, but that's that's. The reality for me is that it's a bit challenging to get in big venues and get gigs and get recognition, being, you know, an Asian woman.

Speaker 1: 19:47

So okay, and so, before you came here, you thought it would be easier, or I?

Speaker 2: 19:51

thought it would be easier, I would just glide right in there, but there's actually, you know, a challenge with that, so here to address it.

Speaker 1: 19:59

No, that's good. That's what makes up with that.

Speaker 2: 20:03

And seeing.

Speaker 1: 20:04

So the origin of your Asian heritage where the world is that from my mother's from Thailand and my dad's from Romania. That is amazing. I love that combination. Look at that.

Speaker 2: 20:14

And she's so beautiful.

Speaker 1: 20:16

I did have Thai food last night and I love Thailand. I've been to Thailand. I love the night market there. That was so amazing. I think it was Chiang Rai, that one of the cities I was in. That was a few years before COVID, but I would definitely go back to Thailand. People are great and, yeah, no wonder you're so beautiful. I'm so glad that you brought up that too, because we have people from all over the world coming to Los Angeles and trying to find their place here. Okay, so your idea was it was going to be easy and then you got here and it was really really tough to get those gigs and get in there.

Speaker 2: 20:44

Yes, as a woman, I think sincerely in the industry. I think there's just a lack of female creed leaders in the music field. I know that it's getting a little bit better. I know that the percentage of female producers women producers is like 2% Something super low.

Speaker 1: 21:02

So I want to see that change and I'm here to address it and make a difference, Bring it to the light so we can look out for it, we can support other artists like myself and bring that out and that's a good point and that's another reason we bring up this podcast about the journey, the reality of the journey, the journey too, but at the same time the reality, so we can start talking about all of these things and be compassionate and have empathy for each other. Because if we don't talk about our story, everyone's kind of in their own little world and they think their world is the way it is for other people or their experiences in life is the same for them as other people. But as here we talk about our experiences, I hope that people who are listening like, wow, I didn't realize our experience was that. So I'm so glad you're sharing that. You're so courageous and sharing that with everyone. Thank you so much for that. Yes, I love that. Now, do you still do shows?

Speaker 2: 21:54

Perform Periodically. I think right now, my main focus is my upcoming project, which is a full-length album and that has consumed the last few years of my life, and it actually was finalized last December, so I just need to put it out. So nobody knows that I'm releasing a full album. This is new news right now, so I've been putting out singles, that is, it's going to be an album.

Speaker 1: 22:18

So there you go. Do you have the name of the album yet, or can you share?

Speaker 2: 22:22

it. Yes, my album name is Raining Roses.

Speaker 1: 22:25

Oh, great, and everyone, we will have all her links below, and so you can go ahead and listen to her new album.

Speaker 2: 22:31

When is it coming out? You said I'm on releasing it this end of this year, so OK, so you're releasing it for the new year?

Speaker 1: 22:37

Yes, so TXVX you heard it first here, her first album coming out the end of this year, perfect time for your playlist for the new year Eve's parties. So people get that. You got to get it. I'm going to get it because I love her music. I can't even tell you what her music is until you listen to it. She's so artistic and just talented. Her voice is amazing. Like you said, you could do different things with your voice. So that's really. I mean, that's why I wanted you to hear. I mean, people's going to have to hear this. Hey, people need to hear you, you know. So I just love that. So let's talk about your successes. So we talked about challenges, a difficult of being a producer, being an independent producer. So let's talk about some of the successes that you've had. So what would you say? I mean, the album will be one, obviously.

Speaker 2: 23:25

Yay, I hope so. Wow, I just am finally getting contracted jobs writing for other artists. I just wrapped up one for an artist in Japan, so that was so cool, getting the experience of working with other artists here in LA and the songs you know, doing well for them. That's a success. And you know, a lot of times we have to put other things first before ourselves, and I feel like I've really learned that because I'm like, oh, my gosh, I would get booked to do like vocal production for another artist, that like nice, nice duties.

Speaker 2: 23:56

I'm like why can't this, baby, god, why? But obviously that is a part of your growth and it taught me to be patient and my turn will come. I would say my successes are learning where I can fit in the industry and utilizing my skills as a vocal producer, as a music producer, as a background singer. Just knowing my powers, I think, is a great success because once you know what you can do, the sky is the limit. I feel I've utilized all my skills to help others become successful. Other artists who I've worked with their songs have done well and yeah, that excites me and I find that to be a win. So oftentimes you know, we put other things first and other people first to get the ball rolling as an artist, and that's okay too. Don't feel bad if you have to. You know, start at the bottom or what you feel is the bottom, and climb your way up. That's, that's a beautiful part, that's a success because you're learning your your strengths, so you're in the arena.

Speaker 1: 24:55

Then your success would be that you're in the arena, yes. So what have you done for other artists? Let's talk about details. I have a feeling you've done a lot. You just kind of keeping it a little bit on the download.

Speaker 2: 25:04

Let's bring it up to light, okay well, I've done reference tracking for labels like Warner Brothers, or I recently closed a contract with a Japanese artist Can't say their name, but cool things like that were the job just amazes me. Or I'm like I just got to do that, how cool. So that's exciting. I have a friend of mine, polar Tropica. We did two records last year and one of her songs got recognized in the Brit Music Award. So that was really cool for our music video for the song what's your Fantasy. So you guys check that out too. So I produced that record and it's just really exciting to be in the arena. Yeah, that's how I feel as a woman, like I feel like I'm busting out all my moves, whatever I can do, to try to like get where I want to be, which is just working, getting paid, what I deserve, as every creator should be. And yeah, I don't say that like I want to be famous or I want to be this pop star, I just want to be somebody of impact and, yeah, help women rise.

Speaker 1: 26:06

I think that's wonderful because a lot of singers or musicians. They have their own albums and their own songs, but they also write a lot for other artists.

Speaker 2: 26:15

Yes, so you do a lot of writing, I do a lot of writing, so other artists buy your music, usually get contracted and I'll work with friends so I'll do something called reference tracking. So that means I'll write the lyrics and record the vocals and then send it to the artist and, yes, they buy it or the label keeps it and I can never see it again actually after that, because it's in like a contract. So a lot of ideas get put out, sometimes held on to and we never hear it again. But oftentimes we get paid for even our ideas, even if they don't come out.

Speaker 2: 26:46

And that's called reference. What was it? Reference, reference writing or reference tracking? Ok.

Speaker 1: 26:51

I didn't know that. I'm glad you really elaborated on that whole situation. Ok, that's great. So you have had a lot of successes outside your own music. Ok, so we talked about your successes as TXVX. Can you give our listeners some tips or some guidance for anyone who's trying to get into the music business?

Speaker 2: 27:08

Yes, definitely You'll have to have really thick skin. So that's the number one thing. You're really going to have to put your emotions aside and know that this is a business, even if you're a writer and you're an emotional person and putting out your art and you want to protect it we all do. But just knowing that you're going to have to have a little thick skin, people are going to challenge you, tell you your stuff sucks or it's not a hit.

Speaker 2: 27:31

I've been in a meeting recently and they listen to the album and this is like a top producer in the industry and he straight up, just thought my music was not good enough and he's like you should probably have somebody who knows what they're doing, do it and somebody who can make you a hit. You need to put a hit out. So I would definitely say you need to have thick skin. That's another reason why me wanting to make music on my own and really go forth with what they call being a 100%, so that's somebody who makes their sound happen front to back. They write it, they sing. I've been frowned upon doing that. People say you know you shouldn't do that. You should trust somebody who has the accolades and that can make that hit, but nobody really can say what a hit is. Nowadays, people can go viral and, yeah, there's just so much hope as an independent artist.

Speaker 2: 28:21

So if you're out there, I would suggest thickening your skin, knowing that, being really confident in your art and just knowing that you're dope and that's gonna really make you stand out. So focusing on that. Don't compare yourself to other people, like where they're at, what they're doing. Just focus on you, what you're creating and your strengths, and know your business. Don't come into the industry and like expect, like I'm a star, like I should get this and these people should book me. Like be ready for failure and be ready for the climb, because you need to have your claws out for sure. You got to be strong, especially as a woman, because you get teared down a lot, a lot, a lot, a lot. And yeah, it's really important to know your where you stand and what you want to do and stick to it. Don't get in the ball game and then you know change, because somebody told you to change or change the way you look, I hear that a lot with really successful artists that, yeah, they were put down a lot.

Speaker 1: 29:16

They no one liked their music but they kept doing what they do and it caught on. The lyrics were so important and then the music came and you never know why. People kind of put you down. They could have an agenda. Those are the problems that people have. I mean, they may want to lobel you, you know, they might make you feel like you're not going to be that successful, so then they can get you out of the cheaper price and then they're making some top dollars off your sound because it just goes viral. So you got to be careful. Like you said, just know your worth, know what you do and then have a passion for it. Oh yeah, but backbone a backbone, a passion, and know what you enjoy doing, not enjoying what you do anymore. You're just out of alignment, you know, and stay in alignment. The Thai sauce yeah, there you go, you have that.

Speaker 2: 30:02

I need to be a little spicy.

Speaker 1: 30:03

Yeah, we got we got Thai in a house, we got TXVX Thai, and how some spice going on here.

Speaker 2: 30:10

So I love it.

Speaker 1: 30:12

What do you feel like newcomers coming in LA could do first?

Speaker 2: 30:15

If you're a newcomer coming to LA, I would suggest you definitely have somewhat of a plan. Right it out, because that definitely helps. So if you're, if you're planning to release a song or you have a couple songs that you want to put out, sure you have a plan. Even even I have to remind myself that, especially if you're independent and you don't have a label, be prepared to promote the crap out of your own song. So that means for I've been told and followed through with at least have 20 pieces of extra content for release.

Speaker 2: 30:43

You know you're posting on TikTok, you're telling people you're sharing, so be prepared to hustle with that and build your community, build your network to help you get out there and be prepared for highs and lows. You know there's going to be times where you feel really good about your art and times that you're like I saw, or stuff happens and it just knocks you off the ball. So, yeah, being prepared to just woo side out, make sure you give yourself time and, with the release, don't rush. Don't rush your music, because people can tell I've even done that one Like dang, I really felt like I was singing too fast at that one part or you start, you know ridiculing yourself. So just make sure you take your time when you get your song. You know, just have a plan.

Speaker 1: 31:25

I was wondering maybe because I'm from a older generation, do they go to DJs now? Do people go to DJs at these nightclubs and say, hey, listen to some of my music, or do you want to play some of my music to just see what people respond to? As an artist, do you do that, or do people do that anymore?

Speaker 2: 31:41

I think remixes are a great idea. I think that's because now it's all like internet based, so people can remix your songs and you can remix your own. There could be 20 remixes of the same song, so DJs want to play. So if you're viral, you know that's really great. Do you promote to DJs, since you definitely want to have DJ friends for sure.

Speaker 1: 32:02

I would think so.

Speaker 2: 32:02

Remixes and stuff.

Speaker 1: 32:03

Yeah, because back in the like my days, you should have CDs or ATRAS or whatever. We had cassette and they just hand them over, but nowadays they already have their playlist and everything is electronically done. So I would think that you would have to work with these DJs on Instagram or social media and get your stuff out there and have them. Hey, listen to my music, feel free to play it at your next gig or something, definitely.

Speaker 2: 32:25

Okay and allow the. I think shares are like that, like if you go on to TikTok and you're like, hey, can you share this? That's like a DJ request kind of, because that's a way, instead of standing and handing out a tape, you're getting in that very day or moment. You're reaching hundreds of thousands of people. That's like with any business right, you hand your card out to one person, that's one person, but on the internet it's like you know, you can reach billions of people, which is so exciting.

Speaker 1: 32:52

In which form? Which social media do you feel that is utilized the best for your business? Is it Instagram or?

Speaker 2: 32:58

Twitter. I love Instagram and I'm a beginner with TikTok so, and I find the community there is so nice and I want to move all the way over there. But I find that TikTok works. People ask you real questions like what microphone do you use or how do you get that sound, and it's exciting because people actually care. That's not about your image. I feel like Instagram is like very image driven. That's just like the platform it is, but TikTok is like. You can be real on there and, you know, promote your music and it's exciting.

Speaker 1: 33:24

Yeah, with the videos right. Yeah, all that. Yeah, I don't know much about TikTok I. That is something I need to learn too, as well. You start promoting up in commerce, I guess, start, you know, taking pieces of our videos and start putting it out there.

Speaker 2: 33:35

Definitely, and it's so easy. A lot of people think TikTok is like another thing on the list to do, but it's actually once you get on there, like it's just exciting to see that people really care. The community there is like they don't care if you have makeup on. I mean, you know it's nice if you do but they just want to be real. They're like right there with you. They want to feel what you're feeling and hear what you're going through and it's exciting. You can just be genuine.

Speaker 1: 33:57

That's really good feedback. Tiktok, I know you have your music on every platform out there Spotify, amazon, pandora how is that going for you? I?

Speaker 2: 34:07

really love Spotify and I would love if you guys could give me a follow on there and keep in touch with me there and stay in tune there, because it's exciting to see that I have listeners around the world. That's really encouraging and I feel like I can keep going by gauging what parts of the world my music is reaching, and it makes me feel so good to know that. Yeah, I have viewers out there places I've never been, and it's so, it's so cool.

Speaker 1: 34:35

So you're reaching worldwide. Yeah, so you're a worldwide artist at this point. Look at the chills Getting there. That's amazing. I love that. That's why our success is. We're definitely going to add that to our success and celebrate with you. So that's exciting. Okay, so tell us more about your album. What is it about? What inspired you to make this album?

Speaker 2: 34:55

My album is titled Raining Roses, so first of all, I'm from Portland, oregon, so the roses represent, you know, for my city, and it is a basically a story. So the story is about my journey and coming to understand that all my difficulties in life were actually my wins, and I feel like I just wanted to inspire others and I felt that was the best way I could convey my story was in songs. So each song has kind of takes you on a journey and it's about self love. It's about discovering your best self. It's about finding true love, like even in a relationship. It's like all aspects of things that I've experienced. So it's been a great experience writing it and working on it and being able to produce a lot of it myself, and I feel like it's a really big body of work and I'm really proud of it.

Speaker 1: 35:48

You know I've seen that you do a lot of dance music. Will this have dance music with ballads?

Speaker 2: 35:52

Yes, it does have some dance music as well as slower songs, which is aspire to take my listener on a journey and that's really that was my focus. I wanted to have highs and lows and give them emotion. And I remember when I was younger and I used to listen to Mariah Carey or the police, that was like my favorite album and I just love that journey that you put your headphones on or you play the CD in the car and you're just like loving every song. I kind of wanted to give my listeners that as well, like a ride, a ride for their money.

Speaker 1: 36:23

Okay, like a roller coaster ride. A roller coaster ride, yeah, from the dance to the show, to the.

Speaker 2: 36:27

Yeah, I didn't want it to be like all like super depressing songs, like I wanted to be some high frequency, some like emotion and really convey what I've experienced over these years of just living and being a songwriter and I'm really excited about it because it sounds like you really put a lot of thought into how it's placed in the album.

Speaker 1: 36:45

Yes, can't wait to hear that definitely. Thank you, so excited for everything and all your endeavors. My heart is beating. I'm excited too.

Speaker 2: 36:53

Oh, just talking about it, I want to cry. It's so exciting for me to be here and tell the world that it's actually coming out, because a lot of times we talk about things and then, when the time comes, you're like, oh, shoot, it's about to drop.

Speaker 1: 37:04

That's what we did Take you to make the album.

Speaker 2: 37:07

A lot of these songs actually came from quarantine, so I was still working during that time and after COVID, that's when the editing kind of started happening. And yeah, just it's been a process up until last December when it was mastered.

Speaker 1: 37:20

Okay, so it took you a few years.

Speaker 2: 37:21

Yes, mastered at Osiris Studios in Hollywood, so okay cool Like this is going to be fun.

Speaker 1: 37:28

Thank you so much again for coming out.

Speaker 2: 37:30

Thank you for having me. I'm so honored. I want to hug you, but there's, like all these chords.

Speaker 1: 37:34

I'm so excited. I just touched our face. Oh my gosh, I loved it. I loved every minute of this. This has been such great information. I don't know much about the music business, so this really gave me a lot of background about that. I think our listeners are going to learn a little bit more if they didn't know about the music.

Speaker 2: 37:51

So I'm excited. I love that I'm here to empower, so that's my life goal.

Speaker 1: 37:55

You're a writer, you're a producer, you're a singer, you're all of that. We just wish you the best success ever and we're going to be keeping an eye on you, following you and download some of your music. So, everyone else out there, feel free to share this podcast with your family and friends. We're on Spotify ourselves, amazon Prime, pandora, so many other platforms as well. Feel free to follow us and share, so now you'll be able to follow an up-and-come or singer. Now this is our first singer, artist, musician, producer that we've interviewed this season. So this is our last episode 11 of the season. We'll be back the beginning of the year next year, probably about February or March, with a lot more people behind the scenes set designers, executive assistants, casting. We're going to have Diana come out as well to talk about her music, a couple other artists as well, but we're really going to get engineers and lighting folks who work on sets. So make sure that you subscribe. Txvx has been so wonderful. We just love you. I can't wait to hear your music.

Speaker 1: 38:56

I can't wait to hear our music for the new year. It's 13 songs. 13 songs, yeah, it's a chunky one, it's a chunky project and I'm going to download it for my parties. Yay, I'm also going to be sharing that on my Instagram. We have up-and-comers of Hollywood Instagram. We're on threads now. Everyone be kind, but most of all, be kind to yourself. So let's get that, let's share that, the kindness. Especially the holidays are coming up. Let's get started with this kindness. Let's start 2024 with kindness, but most of all, be kind to yourself.