Today we’d like to introduce you to Athena Wrong
Hi Athena, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
My story begins with humble beginnings in East County, San Diego, CA. Growing up with my supportive mother and older brother, I was encouraged to embrace my imaginative and adventurous spirit. At the tender age of five, I discovered my love for singing, marking the start of my creative journey. However, my creative pursuits didn’t end there. I dabbled in various artistic endeavors including dancing, acting, painting, writing, and designing clothes, laying the foundation for the multi-hyphenate artist I would become. My childhood memories and Mexican heritage served as constant inspiration, shaping the art I would soon share with the world.
As I transitioned from middle school to high school, I stumbled upon the world of recording arts. Guided by my older brother Britten, who was pursuing his own musical career, I learned the intricacies of recording and inherited his musical techniques. Together, we crafted numerous song ideas within the confines of our bedrooms, embedding my vocals into his records. It wasn’t until I was around 16 years old that I realized a professional music career was within reach for someone like me. Prior to this revelation, I believed that becoming a singing sensation required vast wealth or serendipitous discovery as a street performer.
Although I always dreamed of being a singer, I recognized the importance of taking my passions seriously. I delved into learning more about recording arts and independent music production while still in high school. Enrolling in college courses on recording software at my local community college, I began to build a small portfolio of work. With the help of my brother, I recorded my first solo single, “Numb,” which instilled in me the confidence to pursue music as a lifelong endeavor.
Armed with my high school portfolio, I gained admission to Loyola Marymount’s film school in Los Angeles, CA, where I have since resided, wholeheartedly pursuing my passions.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The artistic path is neither linear nor does it come with a blueprint for success. Every artist has their own story, and mine certainly has its highs and lows. Though I don’t intend to dwell on Covid-19, that period was particularly challenging for me. I felt artistically unmotivated and dissatisfied with the music I was creating. I draw heavily from my personal experiences for songwriting inspiration, but during that time, with a lack of new experiences, I encountered a creative drought. Additionally, the monotony of living the same day repeatedly, combined with the pressure of completing my Recording Arts degree on a small laptop screen, led to intense burnout.
Maintaining motivation and discipline has also been a significant learning curve in this career pursuit. Results don’t always materialize quickly, and learning to be your own biggest supporter, especially when the urge to quit arises, is perhaps the toughest lesson of all.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I wouldn’t want to downplay my abilities, so I’d describe myself as a multi-hyphenate artist with a primary focus on singing, songwriting, and performing.
I’ve always believed that songwriting is my forte, as it allows me to explore a multitude of ideas and themes. Growing up, I had a passion for creative writing, which has evolved into the songs you hear today.
While singing is what I’m most recognized for, particularly my ability to belt, I believe in honing my skills. Regular practice is essential to strengthen my voice and maintain its health, enabling me to deliver powerful vocal performances and expand my range even further.
In recent months, I’ve been particularly proud of my latest single, “Red Tattoos,” and a new song slated for release at the end of May 2024 or early June 2024. These records showcase my vocal abilities without holding back. I want people to recognize that my vocal range is adaptable to various musical styles. It’s crucial for me never to limit myself and to continuously evolve as a singer.
Lastly, I’m immensely proud of my recent short film, “A Story,” which I directed and shot with my close friends. This project holds great significance to me as it delves into the origin of my journey into songwriting and music-making. It provides viewers with an intimate look into who I am as an artist.
What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future revolve around sharing as much art with the world as possible. I believe in letting my actions speak louder than words—I simply want to keep creating, creating, creating!
Currently, I’m in a state of flow and feeling more inspired than ever. I want to ride this wave for as long as my mind and soul will allow. While I have a plethora of ideas and a backlog of work waiting to be released, I also understand the importance of timing. There’s no need to rush; everything will happen in its own time.
In the coming months, I anticipate releasing a lot of new music and working on a few personal projects.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/athena.wrong/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/athena.wrong.1
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AthenaWrong
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@ATHENAWRONG?si=_LtJ0Wu4QwBLltfW
- Yelp: https://tiktok.com/@athenawrong
- Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/athenawrong
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7waAiN0dJa5nQsDX5xd5N3?si=01gJavMVQreh7P4vgyha1w&nd=1
Image Credits
Personal photo:
By Lizzie Bromley
Additional photos:
(White Coat & Beach Images) By Caitie Bell
(Bedroom & Guitar Images) By Will Portman
Performance image shot on Iphone
