An Exclusive Interview With Multi Talented Artist, Actor, Author, Director, Motivational Speaker, Activist NXICON
NXICON (No eXcuses I Can Overcome Negativity) is an Atlanta, Georgia based recording artist signed to ANX Records. His first official single entitled “Do Or Die b/w Never Go Astray” led to his inclusion on a local compilation by Terry Schemansky called “The Whisper Compilation” and later garnered his first recording contract with KJ Records and the subsequent release of his first full-length “DO OR DIE.
He’s produced and released 8 other projects including his latest project “DECLARATION OF ME” (released 2/16/2021). He has performed at the Red Light Café, the Sweet Auburn Festival, Smith’s Olde Bar and The Masquerade. The song “Ain’t Gotta Take It” which deals with abusive relationships has been used in the independent film “The List” as a soundtrack for the stage-play “You Passed Me By” and “Wanted” was used for the independent film “Fighting Angels” to which NXICON was a featured actor and “GET DAT MONEY” was featured as the intro for “Undercover Detective” an online series by April Whitaker.
Discography: DOD II:REQUIEM (2010), NXICON: THE Mixtape (2012), SCORPIO (2013), TRUST ISSUES (2015), IS U DOWN (2015), NICKEL BAG (2015), YOUNG GOD (2017), SOLJAH (2018)
Publications: NEXT ICON Magazine, Skilly Magazine, RudeBoy Magazine, Mi2N, American Pride Magazine and others.
Website(s): www.nxicon.com, www.soundcloud.com/nxicon, www.reverbnation.com/nxicon, www.youtube.com/nxicon3
Q: When you decide it’s time to make a new record, Is that more exciting or stressful?
Definitely more exciting because I release all of my feelings and thoughts in my music. Music is therapeutic too and for me. Sometimes, it takes a minute to get my thoughts and feelings together but once I do, everything comes together like magic!
Q: How easily do songs tend to come to you?
It all depends on how I’m feeling or what I’m going through at the time. If I really have something to get off of my chest then it flows real fast. Other times, it may take a few days to get everything just right to get the right feeling and thoughts out.
Q: What’s your motto or advice you live by?
My motto is one of 2Pac’s lines and songs, “Only God Can Judge Me”. It took time to understand that meaning and how to apply it because I used to try to do and write songs that were, for lack of a better term, “politically correct” but I wasn’t feeling like me when I did it. Worried about what others thought and would say. Eventually, it came to the point that no one is in any position to judge anyone and if that’s what I felt or wanted to say then that’s what it was and still is. The only person to cast finally
judgment on me is God not man.
Q:You write all of your own music, where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the process?
My inspiration even though it sounds cliche’ comes from life. My life, the world around me. Things that I see, hear and experience. Love, pain, hurt, betrayal, the hood, these streets and everything that goes with it. We all go through things and have to have some avenue to release it. Maybe that song that I wrote helped someone else going through a rough time or helped them to find the words that they wanted to say to someone. The world feeds me content. I’m just one of many avenues used to get it out to the world.
My favorite part of the process is the entire process from start to finish. It helps me to focus and keeps me on point with ME. the world and the people in are 2nd and 3rd in the process but the entire process of creation to finalization is just awesome!
Q: Do you have any events coming up or recording going on right now?
Yes I do. I’m actually putting together a live event called NXICON: Unplugged with some material that won’t be released until then. No one’s heard any of it so it’s going to be exciting to spring it on the world. We don’t have a date set as of yet because I’m currently filming a couple movies. JUST AS GOOD and SOLID ROCK TRUST. I’m also recording I think album #9. Untitled right now but it’s coming. I just released DECLARATION OF ME in February.
Q: Do yo have any advice for anyone wanting to sing as a career or just advice about careers in general?
My best advice is to do you and stay diligent and hungry for it because people are going to try to ridicule you, distract you, etc. Life itself will test you on how serious that you want this. Don’t give in and don’t give up. Yeah, the work is hard, and seems like your not making headway but trust and believe that you are and trust the process. Make sure that you copyright your music! Protect yourself and your investment in YOU!
Q:Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?
Anyone that tells you that they don’t get nervous is LYING! DON’T BELIEVE THE HYPE!
Q: What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?
DON’T FOCUS ON YOUR AUDIENCE! Focus on you and your craft. If you focus on the audience it will only be a distraction and a pathway to stage fright. WE ALL GET NERVOUS! WE ALL GET NERVOUS! Until that beat starts, even your favorite artist is nervous because there’s a million things running through their head as it will yours. But once you get started, it goes away because you’re in your zone. Being and getting nervous is all part of the process. Turn it into your power and have fun! Again, WE ALL GET NERVOUS!
Q: How do you handle mistakes during a performance?
KEEP GOING! Make it seem like it’s all a part of the show. It happens to all of us in this industry. We are not perfect. The mistakes just help me to get better next time
Q:How do you balance your music with other obligations-mate, children, job?
Most of my performances are on the weekend if I’m not filming. As for a mate, single (unfortunately) and no kids.
THANK YOU FOR THIS AMAZING OPPORTUNITY!
NXICON : https://www.instagram.com/nxicon/
