โLXBBYโ (pronounced Lebby), is a 19-year-old up-and-coming R&B artist that you should definitely keep your eyes on. Hailing from Orlando, FL, LXBBY has definitelyย set himselfย apart from the average Florida musician. He can sing, rap, and dive into almost any genre of music. His unique voice and creative writing will almost immediately make you fall in love with his sound. Heโs gained inspiration from a number of multiple household R&B names including PartyNextDoor, Tory Lanez, and The Weeknd. LXBBY even mentions how these three artists were some of his biggest idols growing up. If youโre a huge R&B fanatic or Orlando native, definitely be on the lookout for the come-up of LXBBY. Check out the exclusive interview below:
1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how you got started?
LXBBY: Well I was born in Manhattan, NY, but raised in Orlando, FL. Since I was young, I gained an attachment to music. Iโm not too sure how I did, considering that no one in my family was musically inclined, but for some reason, I was just very passionate about it. I started singing when I was about 6 years old and started writing when I was about 8. I remember my very first written song was about my elementary school crush at the time.
2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?
LXBBY: Majority self-taught. Iโve just been doing this for so long and I felt like I truly didnโt need that much โformal trainingโ since I had the confidence to teach myself.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name โLXBBYโ?
LXBBY: To be honest, my very first musical influences were Lil Wayne, Beyonce, and Justin Beiber. It sounds weird now that Iโm thinking about it, but I was all over the place when it came to music. Eventually, over the years, I got into new artists and new genres of music which definitely shaped my sound into what it is today. When it comes to my artist name โLXBBYโ, thatโs been my artist name for the longest, I think since my freshman year of high school. Basically, itโs pronounced โLebbyโ and thatโs been my nickname since a kid. Everyone at school called me Lebby so I was like why not just make it my artist name? The only issue was that there were like 5 other different artists named Lebby and I didnโt want to be put in a bubble with them. So I decided to change the โEโ to an โXโ โcause why not?
4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?
LXBBY: I feel as if โhonestyโ and โtransparencyโ are the key elements within my music. All my songs are about someone or something in my life. I have never put out a song that I donโt personally connect with. When it comes to my sound, I just enjoy making catchy, smooth stuff that people can relate to. I donโt like to complicate it too much, but then again I donโt make it too predictable. I do plan on experimenting with my sounds later in the future though.
LXBBY: Itโs funny because I was actually telling one of my boys this story. But when I was around 13-14, when I started recording music seriously, I would purposefully imitate my favorite artists at the time and kinda see what happens. If you listen to my old music, youโll definitely be able to hear some Partynextdoor inspiration, The Weeknd, and Tory Lanez as well. I think that copying the greats definitely helped develop my sound. Of Course, I donโt do it anymore, but I feel like you can still hear a tiny bit of Party and Abel within my tracks.
6. Whatโs your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles โ and do you try to affront any of these themes in your work, or are you purely interested in music as an expression of technical artistry, personal narrative, and entertainment?
LXBBY: To be honest, I have no personal taste when it comes to the context of music, I just donโt like when artists talk about corny thingsโฆ Or talk about real stuff but say it in a corny way. In my own work, I donโt really take it that deep, I kind of keep it transparent and true to my past as much as possible. But who knows, Iโll definitely experience and go deeper into it in the future.
7. Do you feel that your music is giving you back just as much fulfillment as the amount of work you are putting into it, or are you expecting something more, or different in the future?
LXBBY: Yes and no. Iโm grateful for every single new listener, follower, and fan I receive. And over the years, Iโve only been improving and growing as an artist. But if Iโm being completely transparent, I feel as if Iโm really slept on and overlooked as an artist. And I say that in the humblest form. Deep down though, I know Iโll be where I want to be sooner or later.
8. Could you describe your creative processes? How do you usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?
LXBBY: My creative process is actually very random. I have no specific ritual or game plan ahead of time. I just hit the studio, create, and try not to overthink it too much. The only thing that I really try to stay away from when it comes to recording is weed and alcohol. I feel like those two things really mess with my voice. I remember one day when I was in the studio cooking with my boys Ryan Kay & Wilson B. And we lit up beforehand, and I really thought I was in my zone. Until I listened to it the next day and realized I should never mix smoking with recording ever again in my life.
9. What has been the most difficult thing youโve had to endure in your life or music career so far?
LXBBY: Consistency. And I think every artist can agree with that. Consistently making content, consistently writing songs, consistently pushing your name out. Consistency will always be the most difficult thing I face as an artist.
10. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?
LXBBY: To be honest, when I can really just live off of it. I donโt care about being the next Drake or the next big thing or whatever. I just want to be comfortable in life. But then again I want people to know who the hell I am. I enjoy tiny ego boosts like that.
Keep In Touch: