We were lucky to catch up with Athena Wrong recently and have shared our conversation below.
ATHENA, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Are you happier as a creative? Do you sometimes think about what it would be like to just have a regular job? Can you talk to us about how you think through these emotions?
Being an artist brings me deep spiritual fulfillment. It’s where I feel most connected to myself and the world around me.
That said, I occasionally reflect on what life might have been like if I’d chosen a more conventional path. I see people around me in careers like medicine, teaching, or therapy—professions that come with a sense of stability and clear structure.
That structure can be attractive as an artist because, in music, there’s no blueprint for success. There’s no school that teaches you step by step what you need to do to be successful. But despite the uncertainty, my love for music and the art I’m creating keeps me grounded. The unknown doesn’t make me uncomfortable enough to quit.
My goal is to make ever lasting art that inspires people to step into their alter egos and become the version of themselves they so obviously want to be, but for some reason to hesitant to become. I, too, have to take leaps of faith in pursuing this uncertain profession but I’m hopeful my risks lead to great reward!
As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?
I’m a singer, songwriter, and multidisciplinary artist based in Los Angeles. I was born and raised in San Diego, CA, and I’ve been singing since I was 5 years old and writing music since I was 10.
Becoming a singer was always my dream, but it wasn’t until I was about 13 or 14 that I started sharing music on SoundCloud, recording straight from my brother’s bedroom closet. My brother, Britten Wrong—who’s also a musician and artist—was the one who helped me kickstart my recording career, and I took it very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that I decided to pursue a degree in Recording Arts at Loyola Marymount University in LA. Since graduating, I’ve been making music in Los Angeles ever since!
My music is heavily influenced by my relationship with my alter ego, who remains nameless, and by the thoughts I feel safer sharing through art. Writing music gives me the freedom to express myself in a way that’s open to interpretation—no one really knows what’s true or not, and that’s what makes it feel so safe for me to create.
I’m also deeply inspired by visual art and often think in cinematic images when writing music—creating entire “scenes” through sound. The message I want to share with my audience is simple: look at the person you want to become, and just be them already. Don’t be afraid to get as weird as you want to!
I’m especially proud of my latest single, “Going going gone,” which reflects on the critical voices in my head and how they’re countered by my radical optimism. It’s definitely a song to sing at the top of your lungs, especially in front of anyone who’s ever doubted you.
You can listen to “Going going gone” anywhere you stream music!
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
When I think about this question, I start with what we, as artists, can do for each other in our community. When you love something so much, you’re naturally willing to help others do the same. It’s so important to offer a hand to your artist friends and support them as they bring their visions to life. Helping each other out not only broadens your creative circle but also gives you the chance to work on different projects and learn from all kinds of mediums.
Showing up for smaller artists matters too. Those little gestures of support can mean everything to someone who’s just starting out. Plus, sharing their work with others is such a powerful way to help them grow. There’s real value in working together and building each other up.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
Honestly, it’s the fact that these creative itches are being scratched. I feel lighter when I create; there’s a sense of purpose that comes with it. That feeling is so rewarding. It’s like I’m doing something bigger than myself, and hearing that people connect with my art is the cherry on top. But at the end of the day, I do this for me. I sing my songs because they carry the messages I need to hear, and I create projects that help me understand things I’m going through. It’s beautiful when others resonate with that, and I feel rewarded by bringing people together through my music.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athena.wrong/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athena.wrong.1/
- Twitter: https://x.com/athenawrong
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC16CeL7xjFBKgbgYc6Ip3uA
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/athenawrong
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7waAiN0dJa5nQsDX5xd5N3?si=kJ2D8_UFThGkgqMqnx9fZQ
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/athena-wrong/1438125282
https://www.tiktok.com/@athenawrong?is_from_webapp=1&sender_device=pc
Image Credits
Adelaide Brannan (Dandelion Friends)