We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Phoenjx a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.
Alright, Phoenjx thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. We’d love to hear about the things you feel your parents did right and how those things have impacted your career and life.
Growing up, my imagination knew no bounds, especially when it came to dreaming up stories where I was famous. I’d spend hours crafting intricate tales where I was a renowned figure, an artist or a trailblazer in my field. This wasn’t just child’s play; it was a reflection of my inner world and aspirations. My parents, recognizing the importance of these imaginative exercises, were incredibly supportive. They never dismissed these stories as mere fantasies. Instead, they listened intently, often giving me feedback or suggesting new plot twists, which further enriched my narratives.
This aspect of my childhood was crucial in developing what I like to call ‘the art of delusion,’ a term I use affectionately to describe my ability to envision and believe in my own success before it manifested in reality. My parents’ unwavering belief in my tales of fame wasn’t just about indulging a child’s fantasy. It was a powerful affirmation that taught me to believe in my potential and the possibilities of what I could achieve.
Their support laid the foundation for my current mindset. In my career, I’ve often relied on this ability to envision success vividly and work towards it with conviction. This ‘art of delusion’ has been a driving force, allowing me to push boundaries and achieve goals that others might have considered far-fetched. My parents’ belief in my childhood stories wasn’t just about supporting my creativity; it was about instilling in me a deep-seated confidence and a mindset geared towards realizing my dreams, no matter how grand they seemed.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
I’m a 21-year-old artist originally from Greenville, SC, and I’ve journeyed through Charlotte, NC, to find my current creative haven in Wilmington, NC. My artistry is deeply rooted in the hip-hop genre, a passion that was ignited at the tender age of 7, thanks to my father’s influence. He introduced me to legends like Eminem, Rakim, Ghetto Boys, and Tupac, with Rakim’s ‘The 18th Letter’ being the first album that truly resonated with me. Despite this early exposure, it wasn’t until I was 17, a late junior in high school, that I seriously considered music as my path. Prior to this revelation, I was deeply involved in combat sports, a discipline I practiced most of my life. However, I realized that while it was a significant part of my journey, it didn’t align with my true calling.
What sets my music apart is its authenticity. I’ve always been inspired by artists like Logic, J. Cole, Russ, Travis Scott, and Kanye West. Each of these artists has a unique voice and style, and I’ve taken aspects from each to craft a sound that is uniquely mine, yet resonates with the authentic spirit they all share. I believe in creating music that’s not just an expression of myself but also a reflection of the diverse influences that have shaped me.
My mission through my music is to impact people positively. I believe that the power of music goes beyond mere entertainment; it can inspire, heal, and bring about change. This belief was the driving force behind my decision to pivot from combat sports to music. I realized that music offered a broader platform to reach people and make a difference in their lives.
I want my potential clients, followers, and fans to know that my brand is about authenticity, passion, and positive influence. I’m most proud of the fact that I’ve stayed true to myself throughout my journey. Despite starting music relatively late, I’ve dedicated myself to mastering my craft and creating a sound that’s not only polished but also deeply authentic and reflective of my personal experiences and inspirations.
In essence, my art is a blend of my life’s story, my influences, and my aspirations. It’s a testament to the belief that it’s never too late to follow your passion and make a meaningful impact in the world.
For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?
For me, the most rewarding aspect of being an artist is witnessing the tangible results of my growth and perseverance. Reflecting on my journey, from those early days of exploration in Greenville, SC, to finding my artistic voice in Wilmington, NC, the evolution of my craft stands out as a testament to my dedication and passion.
Every artist goes through periods of hardship and agony, and I’m no exception. There were countless hours spent honing my skills, moments of self-doubt, and obstacles that at times seemed insurmountable. However, these challenges have been instrumental in shaping not only my music but also my character.
The most exhilarating reward comes each time I drop a new song. Seeing the reaction of my audience, feeling their connection to my work, and knowing that with each release, the response grows more enthusiastic – it’s indescribable. It’s as if all those hours, all the struggles, and every bit of effort poured into my music culminate in these moments of shared experience with my listeners.
This journey of growth in my artistry isn’t just about personal achievement. It’s about the relationship I’ve built with my audience. Every positive reaction is a reminder that the path I chose, with all its challenges, was worth it. It validates the notion that authenticity in one’s art can truly resonate with others. To me, there’s no greater feeling than this connection, and it’s what I cherish the most as an artist. It’s a source of motivation and a constant reminder of why I do what I do. And honestly, I wouldn’t change a thing about this journey.
What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?
One of the most significant lessons I had to unlearn was the idea of making music tailored to a specific crowd rather than staying true to my own artistic vision. Initially, I believed that to succeed and connect with an audience, I needed to create music that I thought people wanted to hear. This mindset led me down a path where I was constantly trying to predict and cater to others’ preferences, losing a bit of my authenticity along the way.
The turning point came through my experiences performing at shows. I remember crafting tracks that I felt were crowd-pleasers, but something didn’t quite click. The music didn’t resonate as I had hoped, and more crucially, it didn’t feel true to who I was as an artist. It felt like I was chasing an ever-shifting target, trying to understand and appeal to everyone else but myself.
So, I made a conscious decision to shift my approach – to stop chasing and start leading. I began creating music that was a genuine reflection of me, my experiences, and my perspectives. This change wasn’t just about the music itself; it was about embracing my identity as an artist and trusting that there was an audience who would connect with my authenticity.
This approach transformed my relationship with my music and my audience. When I started to be true to myself, I found that my audience came to me. They resonated with the authenticity in my music. It was as if by trying to understand them, I had been speaking a foreign language, but now, by speaking my truth, we were on the same wavelength.
The lesson was profound: people don’t just listen to music to find something relatable; they listen to connect with something real. When an artist is authentic, it creates a space for genuine connection. This realization has been a guiding principle in my career since. It’s about leading with your true self and letting your audience find you in that honesty.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.phoenjxmusic.com
- Instagram: @_phoenjx_
- Twitter: @phoenjx2
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWNZSBzBMSbS90hbnZY0UNw
Image Credits
Photography Credits: Riley Fitzpatrick