Today we’d like to introduce you to The Mixxstress.
The Mixxstress, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
My name is Ashley “The Mixxstress” Milton; I am a multi-hyphenate entertainer and entrepreneur hailing from Washington, DC “DMV”. Amongst the hyphens, my leading title is vocalist; creating music as a singer/rapper. In addition, I am a DJ, producer, host/MC and speaker. In 2018, I officially established my company Mixx Multi LLC which serves as the foundation for my music business and a catalyst for professional creatives. Moving to Los Angeles has been a dream since the first visit in 2014. Recently, relocating has afforded me opportunities and growth like never before. Every day, I am eager to explore the scenery, culture and experiences LA has to offer.
A relationship with art has been lifelong. Initially attracted to a career in fashion, music was an influence that weaved in and out of my life. I attended DMV area public schools and participated in local to state ensembles including Honors and All-State Choir. That experience led me to explore the local live music scene spearheaded by DC’s original genre of Go-Go. My interest was solidified at the age of 16 at an infamous local “20 for $20” battle of bands which garnered my group the competition’s top prize. With this success, I went on to perform with several area go-go bands, eventually becoming lead vocalist of Marlee in the Mixx (MITM) a collective concept I birthed in 2012. As front-woman of Marlee in the Mixx, I was able to establish myself as a formidable force on the DC music and entertainment scene.
Specializing in performance art, I have well over 100 shows under my belt with a couple of notable residencies. MITM was fortunate to perform at venues across the US, including Afropunk’s Battle of the Bands, SOB’s in New York City and West Hollywood’s legendary Whisky a Go Go; as well as internationally headlining at the Essence of Seoul festival in Seoul, South Korea. Collectively we digitally released three highly acclaimed projects; the “10,000 Hours” EP, “The Mixxtape” and the mini EP “Curious on a 70’s Night”. With two releases prior to the band’s debut which I curated; the “Orange Line” EP and Marlee’s Modern Life.
In 2017, my solo career launched with the track “SHIFT.” As a solo artist, I regard my music as universal, transcending genres to unify audiences in an authentic and fresh way. My musical influences are a mélange of recognizable names from the worlds of hip-hop, rock, pop, soul and beyond. Acts like N.E.R.D/Pharrell Williams, Paramore, Kanye West, Fleetwood Mac, Lady Gaga, Lauryn Hill and Kendrick Lamar are just a few that I credit for my wide range of crazy inspirations. After self-managing for years, I started my company in order to produce my music (and soon other artists) and use my expertise to launch artists’ professional careers.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
A smooth road wouldn’t be a very exciting story! Every day has been a learning experience and dot connector to the next point in my destiny. Coming from Washington, DC I had to climb the barrel to earn my respect, even still being overlooked at times when I earned it. Sticking to my gut has been a challenge. There can be a lot of people talking, a lot of people to look at, and plenty of roads to take. Staying true to what I believe during times of uncertainty has been a constant test. Past daily struggles, relocating to Los Angeles has been my toughest move so far. This is my first time away from where I am from, living on the west coast, and truly being on my own. As liberating as it is, it has also been a huge transformational period in my life. I am stretching myself and naturally, it can hurt.
Please tell us about Mixx Multi – what should we know?
Mixx Multi is a record label/production house/creative agency that specializes in the independent production and release of music, artist development, management and social media. I am most proud of the experiences I have endured in order to have direct knowledge that can not only assist artists like myself but essentially eliminate unnecessary mistakes that can result in money loss, time delays, uncertainty, misinformation and extra stress. M2 sets itself apart by being an honest, experienced, artist to artist, an entity without the pressure of suits, overpricing, and complicated contracts. We aim to have initiatives that teach creatives about the business of music, entertainment law and rights, artistic assets, accounting, performance coaching, image consulting, and media training. These services seek to start artists off on the right foot and prepare them for major deals.
Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Tenacity is a quality I feel is most important to my success. Time and time again, I’ve had to reinvent myself, come back or keep pushing through hard times. Without tenaciously pursuing what you want, it may never come. One set back could knock you down forever if you let it. One definition of tenacity is the quality or fact of continuing to exist; persistence. Another is the quality or fact of being very determined; determination. All characteristics I feel embody what it takes to succeed through the inevitable waves of the journey.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: www.Instagram.com/TheMixxstress
- Twitter: www.Twitter.com/TheMixxstress
- Other: www.Youtube.com/c/TheMixxstress
Image Credit:
Alexis Brown, Michael Barr, Kyle Joynes, 202 Creates
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