Alexi 8bit shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Alexi, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: Have any recent moments made you laugh or feel proud?
Yes, to both of those! I recently completed my very first short film soundtrack in collaboration with Robbie Lopez and Zachariah Williams, The film, which we submitted to SXSW and the Laredo Film Society, is a cosmic Western with themes of folklore and horror. I feel very proud of my work and the project overall. There was also a moment when I found myself deep in the mix, entrenched in the sounds, and forgot about a certain unnerving, loud noise – and absolutely scared myself when it played during my mixing. I actually jumped. It made me laugh.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Alexi 8bit and I make “heartfelt independent pop” music, influenced by electronic sounds, video game soundtracks, soul music, and contemporary jazz. There are plenty of themes of the human experience not yet explored in music, and I make music to share those experiences, both for the alchemizing process of self-expression and to help others feel not so alone. I would describe my music as vulnerable and honest. I am currently working on my third album as Alexi 8bit.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
As a child, I believed that I could never be a performing musician. I really wanted it, but viewed it as an unattainable dream due to my educators frequently telling me how “impossible” and “one-in-a-million” the career was. I recall daydreaming about being a singer in a jazz lounge or speakeasy… and then shaking the idea from my mind so as not to disappoint myself. Because of several self-limiting beliefs, I felt that I was not good enough to attempt to accomplish (or even deserve) these things.
I no longer believe that. I know that I have a strong work ethic, and I get more evidence for it over time as I work on various projects that fulfill me. I am also a lifelong learner. My heart yearns to create, and I can’t stop myself from engaging with the gift of music that us humans get to play with and experience. I believe I am worthy of these things because, time and time again, I am called to it. I pick up an instrument or open my DAW to produce. Little Alexi would be proud of me, I think – and she would be over the moon to learn that I regularly perform at a speakeasy.
When did you stop hiding your pain and start using it as power?
I stopped hiding my pain and using it as a power when I began songwriting. At some point, as a child, I began to pick up a pen to write down my big feelings, and found myself absolutely alchemized by the experience. Aptly describing my pain and putting it into prose helped me untie hard knots in my heart. It also felt like a ritual to honor my feelings. I understood from a young age that I feel things deeply and intensely – and writing has helped me view this as a gift.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
A cultural value I protect at all costs is that I treat everyone with consideration and respect, regardless of what they can seemingly provide for me. I get frustrated when people do not treat others with kindness until they find out that the other person can be of value to them. People matter for the very fact that they exist!
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
I am doing what I was born to do! For a long time, I was doing what I was told to do: going along a path of (seemingly) least-resistance, using my strengths in science and mathematics to fuel a STEM-related career that siphoned my time and energy. It’s what everyone told me would be a pathway to success. It also suffocated me. It actively pained me. And I am so grateful every day that I’ve honored my inner voice enough to create a life that brings me meaning and joy.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alexi8bit.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alexi8bit/?hl=en
- Twitter: https://x.com/alexi8bit
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alexi8bit/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCRZdsE502y3YD1ekhzv4PNA
Image Credits
Zachariah Williams
Liam Harris
