Meet The Emerging R&B-Pop Artist SXMSON
SXMSON is an artist that is breathing new life into the R&B and Pop genres. Hailing from North-West London, the emerging artist grew up on classic 90’s R&B. Listening to the likes of Janet Jackson, Prince, Britney Spears, and more, SXMSON was able to create his own unique style that beautifully blends both genres. At the young age of 16, he started his journey in music as a songwriter. He continued to write and create during his time at university, working with producers and other writers in the industry.
While he made huge strides and changes professionally, SXMSON also saw a massive change in his personal life. At the age of 20, he came out to his family and friends as a member of the LGBTQ+ community. Through this experience, his music and songwriting has blossomed into something more significant than ever before. Wanting to create a safe and confident place for listeners, the rising artist is spreading positive messages of self-love and growth with his music. With three soulful singles making the rounds, a new music video, and plans for more releases within these next couple months, nothing is stopping SXMSON and his music takeover.
We got the chance to chat with him about everything from his new video for his single Memory, his unique sound, and so much more!
Your latest single ‘Memory’ is an absolute banger, what was the inspiration for the track?
Thank you! It’s really cool that you’re digging it. The inspiration for writing ‘Memory’ came after I went on a date with a guy I had started casually seeing. The date was going really well, until we randomly ended up going to a place where me and my ex used to go to. All I could do was think about my ex. I felt super guilty for the feelings I was having, but at the same time, I was enjoying remembering all of the good times I used to have, even though I knew it was too late to get back with my ex.
Your three singles have R&B/Pop elements to them. How would you describe your sound?
I’d definitely say that all of my music is heavily influenced by 90s R&B/pop music because that’s what I was brought up listening to and what I still love to listen to. When it comes to actually “describing my sound”, I don’t know why, but I prefer people who listen to my music to describe it for themselves. I love the idea of combining loads of influences, and then turning them into something unique for people to take whatever sounds they hear from my music.
The video for your track ‘Memory’ is giving us major nostalgic vibes, what was the creative process like making the visual?
The creative process for making the ‘Memory’ music visual was super empowering, challenging and fun on so many levels. With this being my first proper music video, I was adamant not to shy away from the true meaning of the song. I believe that it’s very easy for the LGBT+ community to be boxed into one category, when being represented, so it was important to me that we captured intimate moments with my ex and new love interest in varied ways to show the complexity and depth of my story. I also wanted to include light-hearted scenes with me and the guys, which was really fun to shoot in a basketball court and funfair.
Do you have plans to release an album or EP soon? (We need it!)
I’m releasing my next single, ‘Smile’, in October, which I’m really excited for. At the moment I’m focusing more on dropping singles because I want to slowly introduce myself and my music to people, but there’s definitely potential for an EP. Let’s see what 2020 has to offer!
Which five artists had a serious impact on you and your music?
Prince
Janet Jackson
Miguel
Backstreet Boys and Britney Spears – don’t hate, they have BOPS!
How do you get yourself in the headspace to write music?
I love to try go for runs before I have a studio session. It gives me the opportunity to clear my head and feel positive/productive. I also like to try make sure that I already have some ideas already jotted down, i.e. melodies, lyrics – however random they are. Also, these days I collaborate with other writers and producers, instead of just writing fully on my own, so this means that the writing process is very dependent on my relationship with the people I’m in a room with. It’s all about creating a special vibe, which nobody can fake.
How has coming out changed you as an artist and your music?
Having the ability to be open and honest about my sexuality has definitely had a positive impact on me personally, and musically. I do though believe that I am a completely different person now to who I was when I first starting dating guys, at 19. Thankfully I’ve had time to grow and understand myself more and more, which has given my music true meaning. I now know why I make music and why I want people to hear it.
What advice do you give other people in the LGBTQ+ community looking to pursue music?
Celebrate and champion other queer artists, especially DIY artists. I’ve been so fortunate to get to know and work with so many cool queer musicians. Instead of seeing them as your competition, collaborate with them… be friends with them… inspire each other! The more we lift each other up, the further we will all go together. Also, stay true to your own identity. Don’t feel like you need to act or look a certain way to be accepted within the LGBTQ+ community. We are all on a spectrum with different identities and have something special to offer by being as true to ourselves as possible.
Make sure to check out SXMSON new video for his track Memory below!
