Hiya folks thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
What made you decide to start the band / become a soloist?
I have always had a deep, deep passion for music, particularly singing as I have been singing since I was around five years old. It’s always been what I wanted to do! Then I started to write my own music and I guess it just sort of followed on from there.
Introduce us you / all to the members and your musical history?
My name is Pixia and I’m a singer-songwriter! Since I was a young child I have been singing and performing on stage, locally and nationally. I won a showcase award at a UK singing competition called ‘Open Mic’ when I was fifteen, which allowed me to begin recording my songs professionally. For the past two-three years, I have been writing and recording relentlessly, and I launched my professional music career in March 2021.
What’s one question you’re sick of being asked when interviewed?
I guess what my genre is…I know that’s a basic question to be asked as a musician but I seriously struggle to answer it! I take inspiration from many genres of music, and my style is influenced by everything from the Top-40 to underground 80s electronica.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories?
Not really…I don’t really have the space inside my head with everything going on in my life at the moment, haha!
What useless party trick do you have?
Well, I can play a few chords on the ukulele if that counts?!
What was the most fun you have had on stage?
It was actually the first time I performed one of my own original songs at an open mic in Leeds. I wasn’t initially planning on it and I was super nervous, but then the friends I was with persuaded me to give it a shot! I ended up performing an acoustic version of my song ‘Pink Sugar’ and the audience loved it- they were even singing the words by the end!
What was the worst experience on stage?
Probably the time I performed a cover of Lana Del Rey’s ‘Diet Mountain Dew’…I SO didn’t do the song justice. I tried to make it my own and add some cool harmony elements but it just didn’t work at all, and I was super embarrassed.
Tell us something about you / each member that you think people would be surprised about?
I am an incredibly shy person at first. It definitely doesn’t seem that way when you look at my socials and see my parading all of these amazing outfits and telling everyone about my new songs, haha! This is why I created the alter ego ‘Pixia’, as a way to step into a more confident, starry persona, especially when performing. Although now I feel like I’m becoming more like ‘Pixia’ in everyday life too, which is amazing.
If you had to describe your band/music to an alien how would you describe it?
I’d compare it to an ethereal galaxy! Dark and mysterious but with pretty, colourful melodies.
What makes you stand out as a band/artist?
I think the variety in my discography makes me stand out. If you listen to my tracks you’ll notice all of them are pretty distinct from one another, yet they all share a dark pop sound that is unique to me. Also, the fact that I write all of my lyrics too. I’m really into storytelling through my music.
Right now, what’s pissing you off the most?
The fact that I can never see David Bowie perform live in concert. Yes, I think about this daily!
What’s your favourite song to play live and why?
Definitely, my track ‘If I’m On Your Mind’. It just sounds so cool and vibey live…I guess you’ll have to come and see me perform it to find out why…
I hear you have a new single, what can you tell us about it?
Yes! My latest single ‘Prince Paradox’ is now available everywhere for streaming. It’s a pretty different track to my recent releases, as it has more of a mellow tone with a heightened focus upon the lyrics. My vocals also feel very raw on this track.
Talk me through the thought process of the single?
So the track is actually inspired by one of my favourite novels, ‘The Picture of Dorian Gray’ by Oscar Wilde. I remember reading the phrase ‘prince paradox’ somewhere in the novel and I wrote it down because I liked the two words together and I thought it was interesting! The song then came about as I invented a storyline based upon those two words, and then I put music to it.
What was the recording process like?
The recording process for this track was actually extremely lengthy- I think actually it has taken the longest to complete out of any of my tracks so far. I’m a perfectionist in the studio, and I kept changing elements of the song with my producer Chris until I was finally happy! I wanted to keep it very raw and delicate, and I wasn’t ready to release it until I had the perfect sound.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the single?
The biggest learning curve was actually learning not to overcomplicate. I am always overwhelmed with different ideas and inspirations when writing and recording! It took me a few sessions to realise that actually, this song retains much of its beauty in the vocals and lyrics, so there was no need to go overboard with instrumentals.
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
I don’t think so, no. Maybe I could have made it a little shorter but then again, there’s always something small I beat myself up about after a release! I’m my own worst nightmare!
What are your plans for the year ahead?
I have another single in the pipeline which I hope to release to the world next month. I am also planning to release my second EP later this year. Now that the situation with covid is improving, I am also hoping to perform live so much more than I have been able to!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Yes! Please check out my Instagram accounts @pixiamusic and @rxseperfume (yes, I have two!) for more music updates, as well as some lifestyle, beauty and fashion content. I also have a website you should check out – www.pixiamusic.com