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 plans to release a full album later this year, featuring a new sound influenced by Taylor Swift (“Folklore” and “Evermore”), The Band Camino and Kingston Hythe.
Mexx 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. She had the honor of performing at Barry Manilow’s Grammy afterparty as well, which took place at his luxury penthouse.
We recently sat down with Mexx to chat about her life and career.
Hi, Mexx! Thanks for taking the time to talk with us. Your new single “Another Chance” was written in memory of your younger brother, who took his own life. How has his death impacted the way you write music?
Pretty intensely. "Another Chance" wasn't the first or only song I wrote about it. I wrote way more - an album's worth in fact. But, a lot of the subjects in the lyrics are heavy and I know would be triggering for a lot of people, so I'm not sure if I'd ever release them.
I've stuck with continuing to write more about what makes me happy and my upcoming album is going to highlight a lot of those points in my life.
You’ve been very open about your own mental health struggles. In case someone reading this is going through the same thing, what message would you give to them?
If you need a reason to keep going, no matter how small, then that's your reason. Whether it's a sibling who'll miss you, plants that will never be watered, a pet that needs to be fed, or the next season of your favorite show, any reason is a good enough reason. Making music is mine.
You attended the Grammy Awards for the first time this year. Who would be the first person you would thank in your own Grammy acceptance speech and why?
My team and my supporters. Zelle, my guitarist, Justine Blazer, my mentor, my best friends: Tabitha, Hanna, and Maria. Most importantly, my brother because he's the reason I moved to Nashville to pursue music in the first place.
You’ve shifted gears and switched from an Alternative/Rock sound to a softer, more acoustic vibe. Which genre do you feel more connected to?
I form my connection solely on what I think the story behind the song is. In the past, rock and alternative music have had amazing poetry, metaphors, and stories that someone like myself could relate to - someone who rebelled, felt casted out of society, and tried to fit the mold, which I still do sometimes. I still listen to rock and my favorite bands every day. Acoustic is just more of my feel right now. I like expanding my interests.
Happy Pride Month! As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, have any other LGBTQ+ artists influenced your music or impacted your life?
For sure! And, a lot of them are my friends! Louise Page (Memphis) for instance, Tash (NY), Kendra Muecke (Kendra & The Bunnies), and many others. I've been heavily inspired by the lyrics written for Green Day by Billie Joe Armstrong. He's a great icon as well.
What else can we expect from you this year?
I'm releasing an album this year full of acoustic heartbreak songs. So sorry to anyone who listens and is trying to get over their ex. We don't do that here, unfortunately. Haha!
