Music Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Mexx Heart Is Helping To Change Our World

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Be adaptable. This industry is always changing and being ahead and on top of trends will benefit you.

As a part of our series about stars who are making an important social impact, I had the pleasure of interviewing Mexx Heart.

Raised in Memphis, Tennessee, Mexx Heart discovered her passion for music at a young age. When she was a child, her father would blast his favorites through the radio, heavily influencing her eclectic musical tastes. Inspired by artists like Green Day, Billy Idol and Van Halen, Heart has cultivated her own unique sound.

In the spring of 2020, Mexx released her first single entitled “Roses.” She released her following singles, “Comatose” and “Skipping Stones,” that September. In February 2021, she released a cover of Green Day’s “American Idiot.” She released her acoustic single “Another Chance” on May 30, 2022 and she plans to release a full album in early 2023, featuring a new sound influenced by Taylor Swift (“Folklore” and “Evermore”), The Band Camino and Drew Erwin.

In November of 2022, Mexx released her highly popular single “Pretend,” which showcased the softer side of her artistry. The single currently has over 20K streams on Spotify, with that number growing each day. She released her newest single “London” on January 27, 2023.

Mexx continues to leave her mark on the music industry, showcasing her skills both behind the mic and in the studio. Heart was nominated for a coveted Josie Music Award in 2021 and attended the 2022 Grammy Awards with producer Justine Blazer. She had the honor of performing at Barry Manilow’s Grammy afterparty as well, which took place at his luxury penthouse.

Thank you so much for joining us on this interview series. Can you share with us the backstory that led you to this career path?

Absolutely! There are actually multiple stories because I always knew I wanted to be in music. But, what really got me into it was a YouTuber I used to watch: ShadyVox — I think the channel is still active. He has a band project with cartoon animals called Scratch21 and he used to livestream a lot to show the process. I found it so fascinating, so I downloaded programs like Audacity and Magic Music Maker and learned how to build tracks and loops. I kept watching his livestreams even after I found CRAS (Conservatory of Recording Arts and Sciences) and got my degree. I still think it’s crazy that I came along this way thanks to a small YouTuber I just happened to like.

It has been said that our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?

Sure! When first starting, a lot of my mistakes would involve forgetting the smallest things… a tool for makeup, my camera, or maybe even another piece of gear. Slowdown on production would happen, which sucks, but I’ve been around enough people in the industry who don’t bat an eyelash because so many people do it.

What would you advise a young person who wants to emulate your success?

The most important piece of advice I got was from an engineer/producer who’d been in the industry for YEARS; and that is “do NOT burn bridges.” Your connections are a huge part of being in the industry at all, take advantage, but don’t ever let things get messy or end things on a bad note. It’s not good for anyone.

Is there a person that made a profound impact on your life? Can you share a story?

Everyone thus far who’s supported me, old and new friends. The most profound would be my brother, who passed in 2019 from suicide. He was loved by everyone and was often the voice of reason. Every single day I try to live my life with a similar mindset and take care of everyone around me, music or not.

How are you using your success to bring goodness to the world? Can you share with us the meaningful or exciting causes you’re working on right now?

I recently got back from Grammy weekend in Los Angeles, where my stylist and I tried to spread the message of reusing clothes or thrifting your red carpet look. The fabric and textile industry is a huge contributor to global pollution. Did you know over 80% of your clothes that you throw away end up in landfills? Over 80! It’s crazy! So, every outfit I wore throughout the weekend was something I already owned or thrifted from a local store. I think we need to encourage big celebrities, Hollywood, and the music industry that these mega-events can look extravagant and beautiful with thrifted and re-purposed items.

Can you share with us a story behind why you chose to take up this particular cause?

Global consumerism is at an all-time high. People buy things only to ever use it once, maybe twice. Or, they see their favorite celebrity/influencer using it and think “I need that.” I’ve definitely been guilty of that. I’m a maximalist at heart but most everything I own has its purpose. It was all gifted or thrifted. When the vast majority of things that we buy new end up in the trash or in the back of the closet, that’s not fulfilling a need, that’s just consuming what we’re being told we need.

Can you share with us a story about a person who was impacted by your cause?

My stylist, Tabitha Amelia, is the founder and leading designer at Kephas Creative. She started her brand while still in design school. All of her items are made with out-of-commission materials, so the designs are really one of a kind. But she also styles me with the closet I already have. She chose me as one of the ambassadors because of my stance on consumerism, pollution, and the impact the textile industry has on the environment.

Are there a few things that individuals, society, or the government can do to support you in this effort?

Thrifting more isn’t going to stop unwanted items from ending up in landfills. However, clothes made from non-natural materials like PVC, acrylic, and other non-biodegradable plastics make pollution much more impactful. The fast fashion industry uses dangerous chemicals during processing that hurts their workers and consumers as well — not to mention the inhumane treatment of workers in the industry. Using natural fibers, amending work safety regulations, and donating your old things are just small things we can do to reduce the amount of waste.

Why do you think music in particular has the power to create social change and create a positive impact on humanity?

If a big fandom like the “Swifties” can come together and bring about change in the ticketing monopoly, then we can sure as heck come together and solve anything.

What are your “5 things I wish someone told me when I first started”?

5. Be adaptable. This industry is always changing and being ahead and on top of trends will benefit you.

4. Don’t feel ashamed of yourself if you have to work a “day job” to sustain yourself while you work on your career.

3. Not everyone is as mean and cruel as they said they would be in school.

2. “Work! Work! Work!” Is what they say to do if you want to be successful. It’s true, but it’s okay to take breaks and focus on yourself.

1. Don’t burn bridges.

You’re a person of enormous influence. If you could start a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most amount of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.

Hopeful environmentalism. I love sustainability, working towards a better future and learning how we can make a better brighter future. We need to motivate people by letting them know that change is doable and not so “doomsday.”

Can you please give us your favorite life lesson quote? And can you explain how that was relevant in your life?

The golden rule of life; “Always treat others how you would want to be treated.”

Even if they take advantage, or don’t deserve it, still treat them with compassion. So much less energy is needed for kindness than hatred.

We are blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.

Our current president, Joe Biden. Getting deep into the mind of our elected leader is not just a goal of mine, but a spark of changeability. Regardless of whether or not you agree with his politics, there’s no denying he has genuine care for the people of the country.

Thank you so much for these amazing insights. This was so inspiring, and we wish you continued success!


Music Stars Making a Social Impact: Why & How Mexx Heart Is Helping To Change Our World was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.