We were lucky to catch up with Stephanie Jones recently and have shared our conversation below.

Stephanie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. What were some of the most unexpected problems you’ve faced in your career and how did you resolve those issues?

One of the most unexpected things I’ve gone through as an artist was losing local support after going on tour and making a name for myself. A lot of people assume you have an easy time as a woman in the music community, but that’s not true. There are its advantages, but especially if you don’t go by the normal standards of what people expect from you it’s even harder. I had gotten notice and support initially once I started releasing music. But once I went on tour, after only performing twice locally, the energy shifted in the community around me. I started hearing more harsh things said behind my back. I heard that I didn’t deserve what I’d got. That I don’t dance on stage or dress cute enough. A lot of gender stereotypes that I didn’t fit in where being pushed on me. But what helped me overcome the backlash was realizing none of that stuff is what put me on tour in the first place. It was my art, the foundation of my place in the music world that I had worked so hard to create. I could’ve changed myself to prove I was worthy. But the proof was there from the beginning in my love for the art of music. That being myself was the most valuable thing about me. That’s what’s kept me pushing to still create and I’ve went on to get recognition from artists I look up to and get opportunities I never thought I would have. In the end it was a reminder to be confident in who I am no matter what people say.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I started making music back in 2015 as Hextape. I am a cloud rapper who talks about dark themes. I have used music as a way to express everything I felt like I couldn’t. It’s basically my coping mechanism. I’m inspired by my own life events as well as horror movies and nature. I have gone on tour and made multiple collaborations with other artists.

I am still creating music, but I am now working on a new brand: Your Final Girl. I have a YouTube channel where I will be talking about horror movies and opening up my personal dream journal. I am looking forward to a new way to talk to people.

What do you think is the goal or mission that drives your creative journey?

I think the ultimate goal in life is to be completely yourself. To become the dream version of yourself. In my journey in art I strive to create my own world where other people can join in and know they’re not alone. I want to be an example to others that being yourself is the best thing you can be.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can provide some insight – you never know who might benefit from the enlightenment.

I think the most misunderstood idea about a creative is that there intentions are the same. Yes, some people want fame, money, and everything that comes with it. But some people, like myself, just truly want to create and express themselves. People should learn to be more patient with artists, because not everyone works the same. I myself work a normal job and create on top of it. So I don’t always have the luxury to talk with people who want to reach out as much as I’d like to.

Contact Info:

• Website: SoundCloud.com/hextape
• Instagram: Instagram.com/bbyhex