SXSW Pop: How did you initially become interested in pursuing a career as a music artist, and what inspired you to follow this path?
Alex Alexion: As a kid, I loved the power and magic music gave you and I wanted to be what is behind that power and magic.My mother would play Tori Amos’s Album Little Earthquakes, and the piano and emotion blew me away even at such a young age.

SXSW Pop: Can you provide some insight into your creative process when it comes to writing and producing songs?
Alex Alexion: For the most part, I start off with music (piano) and see what feeling the sounds provoke and then a chase that.Some times, I’ll hear a melody from a song and want it to go another way.I will take that melody and twist it and create my own story behind it.

SXSW Pop: How would you describe your unique musical style or sound, and which artists or influences have played a significant role in shaping it?
Alex Alexion: I would describe my sound as Indie/Songwriter/Story Teller.Recently, I’ve tried to invoke feelings of positivity in my music, however that isn’t always the case (as with life).Big female artists such as Tori Amos as I mentioned before, as well as Fiona Apple, Tracy Chapman and of course Joni Mitchell.I think Joni Mitchell is the best songwriter of my lifetime.

SXSW Pop: Can you share any challenges you've faced during your journey in the music industry so far, and how you've managed to overcome them?
Alex Alexion: I have faced challenges like any other artist.Building a fan base when you don’t have a ton of money to promote.Some times it’s not your songs that get you exposure and that is a hard pill so swallow.Also, playing the social media grind isn’t easy as well.Some people have figured it out so well, I have been chasing after that algorithm for years.

SXSW Pop: How do you maintain a balance between your personal life and your music career, and what strategies do you use to ensure your mental and emotional well-being?
Alex Alexion: Excellent question, because it is such a challenge.Music doesn’t pay my bills as I wish it could.I have a full time job where I am on my feet all day, luckily there is caffeine and after a days work I’ll come home and ride that wave of inspiration.Some days I need to give myself grace and say it’s okay to not create.I struggle with that very much because I think if I’m not creating I’m not productive.But that isn’t quite the case, I am learning that it is ok to reset in order to put out quality work.

SXSW Pop: In a competitive industry like music, how do you stay up-to-date with trends and ensure your music remains relevant?
Alex Alexion: I think social media helps here.I follow many artist on tik tok and IG.It is helpful to see what they’re doing, how their posting etc.But I also keep in mind “ok how can I be different “?

SXSW Pop: Have you collaborated with other artists or producers, and in what ways have these collaborations contributed to your growth as an artist?
Alex Alexion: On my most recent single “ Hold Out Hope”. I worked with New Haven.He has produced many artists including Imagine Dragons.His insight and skill was super helpful in getting this song to where I wanted it to be.I think we’re both pretty proud of it.

SXSW Pop: Can you give us a sneak peek into any upcoming projects or releases that your fans can anticipate?
Alex Alexion: Fans can certainly expect to see me performing locally in Seattle.Continuing to join the music community out here will make me a better artist.Also!I have a few singles that I plan to work with New Haven again on and I think they’ll be pure magic.

SXSW Pop: How do you connect with your fan base and cultivate a loyal following? What is your approach to social media and interacting with fans?
Alex Alexion: The most success I’ve had with social media is posting often.I think my followers like the fact that they can see where a song began and follow it’s journey to its “completion”.I don’t critique myself too much with posting new material I think it’s great to let my audience see the process even if it’s not fantastic from the start.

SXSW Pop: How do you handle criticism and negative feedback as a new artist in the industry?
Alex Alexion: I am sensitive soul so I can be known to let criticism get to me.Most of the time I just write a song about it and let it float away.

SXSW Pop: What are your long-term goals in the music industry, and what steps are you taking to achieve them?
Alex Alexion: My major longterm goal is to work with better known artists.Artists such as Brandi Carlile and Ani Difranco have been known to take lesser known artist under their wing to help them grow.That would be the dream.

SXSW Pop: How do you cope with the pressure that comes with being a new artist in the public eye, and how do you manage expectations from both fans and the industry?
Alex Alexion: Honestly, I’d like a little more pressure.I think that means more people see me.

SXSW Pop: If you could offer any advice to aspiring musicians just starting their journey in the music industry, what would it be?
Alex Alexion: Keep moving forward.