Meet Trailblazer Fia NyXX

Today we’d like to introduce you to Fia NyXX.

From Denver CO, came a little girl with big dreams. Rachel Applehans, more commonly known as Fia NyXX, grew up a competitive dancer and choir/church singer. She was a born performer. Heading the Colorado Contemporary Dance Company, she trained to one day move to Los Angeles to pursue a professional dance career. At 19, Rachel was featured on So You Think You Can Dance season 9, which launched her professional dance career. She was signed to BLOC talent agency, and was moved out to L.A. ‘Backup dancing’ was great and although her career was on a fast track, it wasn’t enough. She wanted more. Only a year into her new venture, she auditioned and was selected to be the 3rd and final member of girl group ‘SHE.’ Although the group had much success, Rachel still wanted more. Ending her deal, she branched out to make the music and develop the artist that she felt was inside.

Fia NyXX was born.

Fia NyXX adds a unique flair to pop-dance music paying tribute to the soulful sounds of the Motown era. Her emotionally-rich lyrics are heavily influenced by the indulgent and passionate culture of the South, complimented with a masterful vision for storytelling and larger-than-life performances. Fia NyXX’s music embodies a fresh, electrifying sound that molds her tracks with an unexpected depth and timelessness – transcending what it means to be a pop artist.

A veteran in the industry, Fia NyXX has toured the United States and Asia, as part of the girl group ‘SHE’ and has released her first solo record in March 2018. The EP entitled ‘Everything Girl’ was recorded at FAME Studios in Muscle Shoals, AL. under the musical direction of Will McFarlane (Etta James, Bonnie Raitt, Bobby “Blue” Bland), Emmy-winning producer Lance Bendiksen, multi-platinum producer and mixer Brian Malouf (Michael Jackson, Queen, Madonna) and features players from the iconic Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section, ‘The Swampers.’

Fia NyXX recent release of “Everything Girl” was celebrated with a sold-out release party at The Mint in Los Angeles. Her Telly Award-Winning music video, “Maybe Just Love Me” was also released on June 1, 2018. It is currently in consideration for the Cannes Short Film Festival as well as the Hollywood Music in Media Awards.

Fia has been featured on the back cover of Billboard Magazine, Elicit Magazine, The Hype Magazine, 303 Magazine, Bolder Beat, FEMMUSIC, Hunnypot Unlimited, Westword Magazine, and Wire Image. Spotify playlists include iTunes U.S. Top 100, Droplist, Dig! By CD Baby and Play It Till You Hate It.

We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
This journey has been and continues to be the most difficult thing I have ever done. I have learned patience, perseverance, and what it truly means to never give up. I have been told, “you’re never going to make it,” “you’re not a singer,” “you’re not good enough,” “it’s too hard,” “no one makes it,” “you need thousands of dollars or it’s not possible,” and so many flat out “No’s” and rejections for this, that and the other, that I lost count a long time ago.

What I do know is this; if you believe in yourself, I mean truly believe in yourself, and you tune out the negativity to live in your own reality, to manifest only good thoughts, to be your own biggest fan, and to keep the love and the joy in what you do, then you WILL make it. You will get past the haters and the non-believers and you WILL come out a winner.

To my women, all my women, especially the little ones, with all their ambition and none of the fear… keep that joy, keep that ‘little girl’ mentality… believe in the magic of your gift, believe and visualize a life of possibilities, dream BIGGER than you ever thought possible. Feel that fear but NEVER let it dictate your outcome. Remember that out of 100 attempts, the average success is 1! So try it all. Fail 99 times and keep getting up. Find strength in being a woman. We are powerful. We are unstoppable. We are fighters. I am here as a testimony that failure breeds perseverance and strength, which ignited a fire deep within… a fire so strong that it will burn down the old you, the scared you, the doubtful you, and a new you will rise… from the ashes. We are in this together, so together we rise. Welcome to the Fia NyXX Empire.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am an entertainer/singer/songwriter/dancer.

I am most proud of my team, my album ‘Everything Girl’ because it is authenticity ME.

I am unique because of my relentless pursuit of becoming a better version of myself in order to benefit others.

Finding a mentor and building a network are often cited in studies as a major factor impacting one’s success. Do you have any advice or lessons to share regarding finding a mentor or networking in general?
I have a phenomenal team around me that I have formed over many years time. I suggest making friends that are also big dreamers, do-ers, friends that are fearless and ready to push boundaries. Surround yourself with positive, flourishing people and watch how magically everyone you need falls into place. Also, do your research. If someone has something you want or is doing what you want to be doing, find out who their team is composed of and reach out. We are all people and sometimes a simple phone call, or walking into someone’s office can change your whole life.

Pricing:

• $12 ‘Everything Girl’ CD/Album
• $20 ‘Everything Girl’ T-Shirt
• $5 ‘Everything Girl’ pop socket

Contact Info:

• Address: Instagram: @fianyxxmusix
• Spotify: Fia NyXX ‘Everything Girl’
• Website: Www.fianyxx.com
• Email: [email protected]
• Instagram: Fianyxxmusix
• Facebook: Fianyxx
• Twitter: Fianyxx

Image Credit:
Dynasty Fashion Photography

Getting in touch: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.