Meet Exxy | Musical Artist and Actor

We had the good fortune of connecting with Exxy and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Exxy, why did you pursue a creative career?
Thank you so much for having me! Music and acting have been my two greatest passions since I was a little girl. My parents signed me up for piano lessons in kindergarten. I have always seen that as one of the most amazing gifts they have ever given me because it sparked a love for music at such an early age. Learning piano was the beginning of a childhood surrounded in art and creative exploration. Through the years, I learned how to play the piano, saxophone, guitar, ukulele, and the drumset in addition to studying classical voice and music composition. A choir director at school was the first person to tell me that I could make a career out of music. It was a conversation I will never forget. I didn’t know all the specifics of what a career in the arts would look like, but I knew there was nothing else I’d want to do in this world than being an artist.

My love for the arts grew leaps and bounds when I did my first musical theater production at school. I was fourteen years old. From there, I started performing in musicals around Phoenix – from community theaters, to youth theaters, to summer theater camps, I couldn’t get enough. I realized how much I loved acting, and towards the end of my highschool years, I was focusing more on plays and small on-camera projects.

When it came time to audition for college programs, I was very stuck on which degree to focus on, as I had several passions in the arts. I auditioned for a wide range of programs at colleges across the country and essentially let the results of those applications/auditions decide where I end up and what specific craft I focus on. I ended up spending my freshman year in Pace University’s acting program in New York City. After an unforgettable year in Manhattan, I had the opportunity to transfer to the University of Southern California in Los Angeles to continue my acting studies as well as study songwriting in USC’s Pop Music Program. Although I knew I was going to miss New York, I couldn’t pass up this incredible opportunity to study both of my passions.

I graduated from USC with studies in acting and songwriting. The summer after graduation, I dove headfirst into the entertainment industry and haven’t looked back. Pursuing a music and acting career as a young person in LA isn’t easy by any means, but my love for both crafts far outweigh any hardships that come. I recognize what a privilege and gift it is to be able to live and work in such an artistic city. I love it here and am just getting started!

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
After graduating from USC, I started doing acting showcases around the city and a few months into it, I met and eventually signed with my acting agent. I kept busy auditioning for and acting in anything I could get my hands on! Musically, I started working with a few different producers on my first batch of single releases. I was writing songs for my artist project as well as for other musical artists.

I would say, after about a year of grinding, I started to see the wheels turning with more momentum. I had my first major sync placement – the theme song of an Amazon Original Series, which was shortly after turned into a movie. I was actively pitching music to major labels and publishing companies through various networking events and conferences, which eventually connected me with some A&Rs that have been keeping me busy in sessions for artists and sync. I’ve had many cuts this year as well as another national commercial placement under my belt. I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to travel to some pretty amazing places for music and/or acting work, including some countries in Europe and Asia.

There have definitely been a lot of ups and downs in the last several years! This industry is so unpredictable. I’ve had exciting opportunities fall though at the last minute, chaotic on-set experiences, toxic work relationships, and many failures along the path. In these moments, I encourage myself by remembering that failures are a necessary step on the road to success. It’s impossible to achieve ambitious goals without some blood, sweat and tears. I’m so thankful I have an amazing support system of family and friends to motivate me along the way. I couldn’t do it without them!

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
There are so many places I love in this city! I would definitely take them to the beach. My personal favorite is Point Dume State Beach in Malibu. It is absolutely stunning with big cliffs, bright blue water, blooming flowers and cacti. The drive up PCH is also such a treat. I would also take them to Santa Monica Pier and the Venice Beach Boardwalk – although it’s pretty touristy, it’s still a fun place to see if you’ve never been before! The pier at night with all the carnival lights reflecting in the water is especially nice. I also highly recommend the beaches in South Bay – Hermosa Beach being my favorite. There are so many cute shops and restaurants on the strand (watching the sunset from Hennessey’s rooftop is a must).

I would personally recommend they stay somewhere historic. My favorite hotel is the Ace Hotel in downtown LA. The art deco architecture mixed with industrial exposed bricks/pipes is amazing. The Ace has an incredible rooftop with 360 degree views of the city, a restaurant/bar and swimming pool.

I am addicted to coffee, so we would, of course, have to stop for coffee every day! Some of my favorite coffee shops in LA are Alfred, Stumptown, Verve, Primo Passo, goodboybob, Go Get ‘Em Tiger, Eightfold, Dinosaur and Maru Coffee.

We would definitely have to watch some movies in some historic theaters! My personal favorite is the New Beverly Cinema which dates all the way back to the 1920s. Quentin Tarantino bought it and has kept it showing movies exclusively in 35mm. Another great theater is the TCL Chinese Theater which still hosts a lot of premieres to this day. El Capitan is another favorite of mine.

If you’re hanging out with me, then you know we’re definitely going out at night! I’m a huge night owl and love to go out and have fun with my friends. West Hollywood has a lot of fun clubs on Santa Monica Blvd. I also really love Academy, Exchange, as well as a handful of warehouse raves downtown.

There’s also a lot of amazing hikes in LA. My personal favorite is at Malibu Creek State Park. The Santa Monica Mountains are absolutely gorgeous with tons of trails. I live in Hollywood where there are a lot of iconic trails right down the street. I live right by Runyon Canyon, the Hollywood sign hike, as well as the Griffith Park area. All amazing trails to hike.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There have been so, so, so many people that have massively contributed to the person I am today. The two people that have believed in me since day one, supported me, encouraged me, motivated me and walked with me through every twist and turn have been my parents. My parents have sacrificed so much for me to be able to pursue my dreams. They’ve also set an incredible example of work ethic, persistence, ambition, and how a positive mindset can take you to new heights. They are my biggest cheerleaders. I truly feel like we are a team. It’s such a blessing to not be alone on this artist journey. As much as I love this industry, there can be extremely cold and overwhelming moments. It’s the greatest feeling to know my parents and entire family have my back no matter what happens professionally.

In addition to my amazing family, I have been so fortunate to have some of the best teachers, coaches, directors and mentors guide me through this journey. I’m thankful to my teachers at Horizon High School, my professors and directors at USC and Pace, my mentors at the Durango Songwriters Conference, Songwriting School of Los Angeles and the Los Angeles Songwriters Collective. I’m thankful to my directors and professors at the British American Drama Academy in London. A special thank you to Mary-Joan Negro, Joseph Hacker, and Annie Levy.

I’m thankful to my piano teachers Tracy Hodge and Dorothy Trenbeath. I’m thankful to my guitar teacher, Mike Jennings, my saxophone teacher, Bill Clemons, my voice teacher, Tom Jones, and my music composition teacher, Jody Rockmaker. I’m thankful to my choir directors Katherine Kouns and Rachel Stoddard.

I’m thankful to my amazing friends who encourage me every day. I could go on forever! I get choked up thinking about the wonderful people who have blessed me in my life. I have learned everything I know from these people. I have been guided by these people. I am forever thankful.

Website: https://exxymusic.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lifeofexxy/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/exxy___

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/exxymusic

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@exxymusic

Other: TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@exxymusic

Image Credits
1 – Carly Aguire 2 – Morteza Rafiei 3, 5, – John Caviness 4 – Naomi Christie 6 – Evan Blum 7 – Reina Mora