“LXBBY” (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 definitely set himself 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. He’s 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 you’re 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. I’m 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. I’ve just been doing this for so long and I felt like I truly didn’t need that much “formal training” since I had the confidence to teach myself.
3. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘LXBBY’?
LXBBY: To be honest, my very first musical influences were Lil Wayne, Beyonce, and Justin Beiber. It sounds weird now that I’m 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 “LXBBY”, that’s been my artist name for the longest, I think since my freshman year of high school. Basically, it’s pronounced “Lebby” and that’s 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 didn’t want to be put in a bubble with them. So I decided to change the “E” to an “X” ‘cause 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 “honesty” and “transparency” 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 don’t personally connect with. When it comes to my sound, I just enjoy making catchy, smooth stuff that people can relate to. I don’t like to complicate it too much, but then again I don’t make it too predictable. I do plan on experimenting with my sounds later in the future though.
6. What’s your view on the role and function of music as political, cultural, spiritual, and/or social vehicles – 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 don’t like when artists talk about corny things… Or talk about real stuff but say it in a corny way. In my own work, I don’t really take it that deep, I kind of keep it transparent and true to my past as much as possible. But who knows, I’ll 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. I’m grateful for every single new listener, follower, and fan I receive. And over the years, I’ve only been improving and growing as an artist. But if I’m being completely transparent, I feel as if I’m really slept on and overlooked as an artist. And I say that in the humblest form. Deep down though, I know I’ll 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 you’ve 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 don’t 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: