Bexxie made room in her schedule before ADE to discuss content creation, mentoring, and modern production techniques.
Bexxie‘s music is the definitive soundtrack for a good night. Her contemporary approach to disco highlights the effectiveness of bright, percussive elements sitting atop a sway-inducing house groove. This spirited sound that features twinges of nostalgia has captivated a global fanbase and turned the heads of tastemakers over the past few years.
Bexxie’s superb vocal processing techniques are featured in her recent hit, “Me & You,” with The Melody Men. Sultry vocals lure listeners to the dancefloor before rich piano chords steal attention with the pull of their satisfying twang. An oscillating bassline serves as the heartbeat of the production, with ever-so-slightly syncopated claps dancing between each pulse. This is Studio 54 reincarnate.
ADE is just around the corner, and Bexxie is determined to revive vintage nightlife culture with her signature blend of exquisite DJing, polished production, and infectious smile. Driven by an unwavering resolve to share her music and uplift others, she consistently releases music, hosts weekly livestreams on YouTube to showcase rising talent, and teaches at Cosmic Academy to nurture the next generation of music producers.
Before she heads to Amsterdam for one of the biggest weeks in the industry, we had an opportunity to meet with Bexxie and discuss her vision, balance, and incoming trends. Read on for our full conversation, and listen to her exclusive mix on SoundCloud!
Stream EDMID Guest Mix 439 || Bexxie on SoundCloud:
Hi Bexxie, thanks for chatting with us today! Your release “Me & You” with The Melody Men has been quickly racking up streaming numbers! It’s such a fun, warm, and catchy track that’s been an ear worm for me since my first listen. As a queen of vocal processing, what do you look for in a vocalist, and how do you make sure the track reflects both your artistic visions?
Thank you! Working with The Melody Men has been such a fun process because they are so talented and bring such a positive energy to their vocals. When choosing a vocalist, I look for someone who can really convey the vibe of the track. It’s all about finding the balance where our sounds complement each other. I want the track to feel like a true collaboration, where both artistic visions shine.
In terms of vocal processing, I like to highlight a vocalists’ natural qualities and process the vocals in a way that enhances them to fit the track.
Speaking of artistic vision, what artists or influences have inspired your vintage disco house sound, and how have you modernized it to appeal to contemporary audiences?
I’ve always been drawn to the energy and uplifting spirit of disco. I’m also really inspired by early ’90s dance music, which was influenced by disco. That era sampled a lot of disco records and took the essence from disco, like the energy and groove. I heard artists like Inner City, CeCe Peniston, and Black Box on the radio as a kid and was in awe of that sound. They were blending soulful vocals with driving beats and grooving basslines that just made you feel good. I try to channel that spirit in my music while using modern production techniques and sounds. The goal is to keep the essence of the time period alive while making it feel current and exciting for dancefloors today.
We’re in a time where “content is king”, especially for creatives, and we must always be creating something. Do you find it challenging to stay inspired to create new music and what helps you overcome writer’s block?
Staying inspired can definitely be challenging at times, especially with the pressure to always be creating music or content. What helps me the most is stepping away from the studio when I need to. Taking time to live life, experience new things, and connect with friends and family. That’s when inspiration strikes. When I hit a creative block, I’ll watch tutorials, remix a track, or collaborate with other artists. Those fresh perspectives usually help me get back into the flow.
You’re an experienced DJ who has seen the evolution of the club scene, especially over the past decade. What are your thoughts on the increasing prevalence of smartphones in clubs? How do you balance the desire for audience engagement with the potential distractions smartphones can create in a club setting?
It’s a double-edged sword, for sure. On one hand, I love that people are capturing and sharing their experience. It helps spread the music and build a connection with fans. Bu, there’s a nostalgia for the days when people didn’t have phones at raves and were more present in the moment, dancing and letting the music take over. As a DJ, I try to create moments in my sets that make people put their phones away naturally, whether it’s a big drop or a nostalgic track that brings everyone together on the dancefloor. It’s all about balance.
There is real excitement about your B2B set with Yurie at ADE this year. What does it feel like to be celebrating your birthday with your debut at ADE?
I’m beyond excited! ADE has always been one of those events I’ve dreamed of playing, so to make my debut there on my birthday is the ultimate celebration! Doing a B2B with Yurie makes it even more special. We might even be playing a collab or ours there! I can’t wait to celebrate with everyone. It’s going to be one for the books!
What was your motivation to start teaching at Cosmic Academy? What do you hope to impart to your students, and what do you find most rewarding about the experience?
Cosmic Academy was so instrumental to my growth as an artist, so I wanted to give back to the community by helping aspiring producers find their sound and develop their skills. The most rewarding part is seeing their growth and confidence blossom over time. My goal is to empower my students not just technically, but creatively, so they feel confident in their own sound and artistic vision.
Based on your observations, what are some emerging trends or innovations in the electronic music scene? Are there any particular areas that you believe need more attention or support?
One trend I’ve noticed is the fusion of genres; blending house with hip-hop, melodic with tech, and indie dance/electro influences from the mid 2000s are coming back, too. It’s an exciting time creatively with artists blending old and new sounds together. I’m also seeing faster genres like hard dance and drum and bass gaining popularity in the U.S. It’s really cool to see!
As far as areas that need more attention, I think there’s a need for more support for women, gender-expansive, and BIPOC artists in the scene. We’ve come a long way and there are great initiatives like FEMME HOUSE and Change The Beat, but I’d love to see more efforts to foster diversity and equal opportunity for all artists.
It seems like you have a demanding schedule. How do you prioritize your well-being and prevent burnout? What strategies or routines do you find effective in managing stress and maintaining a healthy work-life balance?
It’s definitely a juggling act, but I’ve learned that taking care of myself is essential if I want to keep performing at my best. I try to keep a healthy, balanced lifestyle when I’m on the road. I try to get enough sleep, eat healthy and work out. I also make it a priority to schedule downtime — whether that’s going for walks with my dog, Jack, meditating, or stepping away from the computer to reset. Having a support system around me— friends, family, and my team — also helps keep me grounded. I’m so grateful to get to do what I love, and having balance is key to keeping passion alive.
Finally, what goals do you have for the rest of 2024? Is there anything we should keep an eye out for in the coming months?
For the rest of 2024, I’m really focused on releasing more original music and remixes. There are also a few secret projects in the works that I can’t talk about yet, but keep an eye out for those! You can expect more high-energy performances and show announcements coming soon!
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