Conversations with Phoenixx Smith

Today we’d like to introduce you to Phoenixx Smith.

Hi Phoenixx, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Originally born in Brooklyn New York, I began singing at age three, by age 11 I began singing in the Adult and Children’s Choir in church. Although raised in Church, I wasn’t raised in the “Traditional” Black church. I wasn’t raised Baptist, Cogic, etc. I was raised Catholic. I believe being exposed to that also influences my sound as an Artist. By age 15, I was attending a Performing Arts High School which formulated my Professional Relationship with Music. I was mentored by Songwriter Edwin “Lil Eddie” Serrano who at the time was signed to Mario Winans, who’ is known for working and creating with Sean “Diddy” Combs. I also attended Artist Development and constantly surrounded by Music, Performance and Art. As years went by, I had developed and discovered my Talent for Songwriting. This added an element to my outlook on the entertainment industry. I realized I wasn’t just a voice but also had a gift for conveying feelings and thoughts in my own special way. I formed a partnership with an old HighSchool friend and we ambitiously walked into rooms and sessions and worked with a host of Up and coming Artists as well as writing for Top of the chart stars such as Ciara, Janet Jackson, Alicia Keys and even Omarion. Still very green to the Music Business, I experienced some negative moments that almost made me give up on my dreams. I experienced backstabbing, gossip and the shallow “shade” of being a Black and Plus size and women in the era of Blonde and thin. Unfortunately, my partnership ended and it was up to me to pursue Music on my own.

After a two-year break, the Industry had drastically changed. I lost many relationships due to my partnership ending. I not only had to do this on my own but reintroduce myself to an industry that already knew me. By 2015, I decided I no longer was going to play the background. I was going to develop myself as an Artist and release my own sound. After pitching records to Artists for years and dealing with shifty ANR’s and Managers, I was tired of writing songs for Artists they may never even hear. By 2016, I released my first Single, “My Story”, I went on to release three other singles after having to postpone an ep due to a seedy engineer. I also released visuals to those songs. I also released three mixtapes, toured the East Coast and headlined three different Music festivals to date. This is just the beginning and I’m excited for what’s to come.

I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle free, but so far would you say the journey have been a fairly smooth road?
My entire career so far has been a collective of ups and downs. While growing up as a Songwriter, I’ve dealt with Mysogynoir and patriarchy through every aspect of the Music Business. I am a Brown skinned Black Woman who at the time was also overweight writing songs in the background for women who looked nothing like me and vicariously living through my lyrics and arrangements. I was writing these songs and feeling like I’d never have the opportunity to be in the forefront. I remember mentioning pursuing my Artistry to friends and peers and it being met with silence or fake smiles. Although I was hurt by their lack of Faith in me and my abilities, the disbelief also became a catalyst for my resilence, ambition and determination. I used that energy as fuel to not only develop my Artistry and Brand but also to document my journey from Songwriter/ Background singer to Independent Artist. I have been kept out of rooms because of what I look like but also used for my Talents and not properly compensated or credited. My passion at times was used against me and I was unaware how vengeful the Industry really was.

Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am a Singer/Songwriter and Lyricist. I can write and arrange and genres. The only Genre’s I haven’t composed is Jazz and Classical. My diverse background exposed me to so many types of Music and you can hear those influences depending on the song. I’ve released three Mixtapes, four singles and several Remix/Covers to my favorite mainstream songs. I am proud of all the ways I’ve elevated my brand as an Independent Artist. My second single “Outside the box” reached over 12,000 views on youtube organically. I also established my brand as a Host/Media personality. I’ve hosted two youtube music video shows as well as hosted live in the World famous BBKINGS music venue in Nyc. I’ve been featured on a few webseries including @8atthetable. I’ve also hosted my own segment “What we really wanna know” with platform @Youngatlas. When I began my journey into Artistry, I documented the process and started a series titled “Bamboo the Rockumentary” which is a play off the growing of a Bamboo plant and my tagline: Phoenixx Rocks. I have released three parts so far and plan to release 3-4 more. I’ve done all these things Independently too!

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
As a child, I was uber Sensitive. I was teased a lot about it. I didn’t know at the time, that was my superpower. My ability to feel that intensely is also why I can convey emotions so well. I was always obsessed with Music and always looking for ways to sing. I was in so many choirs and always picked schools with great Music programs. I’m an only child, so having friends was always a big deal until I learned the value in self-love. I was close to my Grandmother and I learned so much from her in the short time I ha with her (she passed at age 16). I was always funny, charismatic but also very informative friend. I loved to read and learn and I still do.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: instagram.com/Yesthatsphoenixx
• Facebook: facebook.com/Phoenixxrocks
• Twitter: twitter.com/Phoenixxrocks
• Youtube: youtube.com/Phoenixxrocks
• SoundCloud: soundcloud.com/Phoenixxrocks

Image Credits
Micheal Allen Trevon James