Mexx Heart Teases New Single
Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Mexx Heart discovered her passion for music at a young age. When she was a child, her father would blast his favorites through the radio, heavily influencing her eclectic musical tastes. Inspired by artists like Green Day, Billy Idol and Van Halen, Heart has cultivated her own unique sound.
In the spring of 2020, Mexx released her first single entitled “Roses.” She released her following singles, “Comatose” and “Skipping Stones,” that September. In February 2021, she released a cover of Green Day’s “American Idiot.” Her new acoustic single “Another Chance” releases in May 2022.
She continues to leave her mark on the music industry, showcasing her skills both behind the mic and in the studio. Heart was nominated for a coveted Josie Music Award in 2021 and attended the 2022 Grammy Awards with producer Justine Blazer.
You are part Caddo and part Cherokee. How has your background influenced your music?
I went through a lot of major steps to even accept myself as a half Indigenous woman. The day I started bringing Caddo and Cherokee culture into my everyday life, the more I felt at peace with myself. It really cleared my head for a lot of my influence. There’s this similar feeling about fitting in with the crowd that I think everyone can relate to, especially WOC. I didn’t have Indigenous idols or role models to look up to when I was younger, so I hope I get to be that for someone someday.
“I miss the innocent kid from Memphis that you used to be.” What would you want to tell your younger self about your life now?
I would more so just wanna hug her and tell her everything is going to be okay. My younger self numbed her pain — physical and mental — in so many unhealthy ways. I would tell her that her pain is temporary and sometime soon she’s going to be so happy. And to not give up just yet.
“How could I hurt you? I don’t deserve you. This love could hurt you, but I’ve been hurt too.” Being nominated last year for your first single, “Roses,” at the Josie Music Awards. What do you think most resonated with others with these lyrics?
Some friends have told me “ROSES” is incredibly relatable for the lyrics. I think most everyone knows what it’s like to go to go through a bitter breakup or to want what we can’t have. The bridge specifically hints at wanting someone, but knowing your past trauma has the capability to hurt them. If you find you’ve resonated with that, well first, I’m sorry, but second, as long as you’re doing the work to make yourself better, you’re already doing something good. Just don’t ever change yourself for someone else. It’s never worth it.
Working at Young Avenue Sound (a Memphis based recording studio), Ten7Teen Studios (a Nashville based recording studio), and Written Rhythm Live (an all original monthly artist showcase backed by a live band). How has diversity (or the lack thereof) in the industry affected opportunities for women?
Some places have had better opportunities than others. I’m lucky I’ve been able to work with people who recognized my potential and saw me for my talent instead of my gender and national background. I’ve been allowed to work in other conditions that haven’t been as good, and I’ve even had people close to me say some pretty vile things. I’ve been spat at, called slurs, and intellectually challenged not just by bosses, but by people whom I thought were my friends. It’s even more intensive when those who’ve claimed to be allies didn’t stick up for me. In fact, I can count on one hand the amount of people who’ve actually had my back. Some workplaces have been great, but others will simply just put up with you just so you can be the punching bag.
“Ripp Entertainment has named me the official Music Scorer on their website. Historically a huge moment in film; this makes me the youngest, female, Indigenous, film composer. 5 years of hard work have led to this and I’m so happy to be where I am. Thank you to RIPP Entertainment for recognizing my passion and giving me a chance.” Can you share how you score a film?
Well, there’s not really a definitive answer. A lot depends the type of film, the vibes of the characters, the plot etc. So, the very first thing is communication. Luckily, most of the time the director knows what he wants to hear and can tell you. Other times, I’ve gone solely off of the vibe of the movie and characters.
I personally love using a heavy amount of loud drums and strings, but also throw piano in for variety. I usually make the tracks loop-able as well, so my director can easily edit them in and out how he wants to. I recently scored a horror film, so there were a ton of creepy elements like wind, creaking, and low strings and drums — just enough to get your heart racing at them most intense.
Attending the Grammys and an afterparty, hosted at Barry Manilow’s luxury penthouse. How would you describe the experience singing “Blackbird” for this elite audience?
Intimidating. It was my first Grammy’s ever and I found myself immediately surrounded by charting musicians, and award winning producers. Showcasing myself in front of people who’d won awards that night was a massive step out of my comfort zone, but I’m glad I did it. And I’m glad Justine Blazer chose me as her plus one to attend. I’m forever grateful for that.
Your new song, “Another Chance,” is for your younger brother who committed suicide in 2019. You described him as “a creative and kind man and chased every road, literal and metaphorical. He encouraged me to stick with my engineering gigs, and to chase the impossible.” You are releasing the single during Mental Health Awareness Month. What are some ways to help family and friends left behind after suicide loss?
If there’s one thing I’ve learned, as somebody who has been suicidal, and still often struggles with those thoughts, the biggest thing that you can do is to be there for them for whatever they may need. The first few weeks are the roughest. The ones left behind are often fighting the trauma, asking questions and trying to find closure, most often dealing with survivor’s guilt — but they often still neglect themselves. Clean a room in their house or cook them a meal. Be a shoulder to cry on, especially. Mental health is a huge struggle and still not fully understood, but knowing that they don’t have to walk through the fog alone will be a massive weight lifted off the shoulders.
From alternative/rock roots to indie/acoustic.
Your upcoming full-length album was influenced by, among others, Taylor Swift’s folklore and evermore records. What images come to your mind when you think of the songs on your new music?
The most compelling image is a lonely girl wandering the world trying to find herself again. One of the songs talks about the high of the honeymoon phase, and other songs start releasing how deeply troubling it gets and the further down the rabbit hole you travel — suddenly you’re muddy with seemingly no way out. The illusion of being trapped with the wrong person, and the anxiety that came from that, was my biggest inspiration.
The upcoming album is centered around my first engagement and my feelings throughout it. The album is basically a love letter that was never sent. I thought I was with the person I was going to be with forever so, yeah, there’s still a ton of emotion left over from that.
