Mix together an effervescent spirit, an unyielding sense of adventure, and a heart that resonates with timeless melodies, and you get Lexi Anand. Hailing from Naples, Florida, a charming coastal city that feels like it’s straight out of a postcard, Lexi’s musical journey is a tapestry woven from the rich influences of iconic artists like Alanis Morissette, Carole King, Fleetwood Mac, and Lennon Stella. Immersed in a vibrant creative environment, Lexi was inspired to forge her own path in the music industry, driven by a deep passion to make her mark and share her unique sound with the world.
With a blend of curiosity and determination, Lexi Anand ventured beyond her familiar surroundings, chasing the allure of the music scene in Los Angeles. Driven by a deep passion for her art and a fearless pursuit of her goals, she has quickly made a name for herself. Lexi’s latest single, “Summer Moment,” showcases her ability to blend nostalgic themes with contemporary sounds, revealing a depth of emotion and artistry that captivates listeners.
At just 20, Lexi Anand is already making waves with her unique voice and compelling lyrics. Her new track, a collaboration with notable songwriters Melissa Rowe and Cliff Downs, has garnered impressive streaming numbers and critical acclaim, cementing her place as a rising star. “Summer Moment” is not just a song; it’s a reflection of Lexi’s journey and the personal growth she’s experienced along the way. With a career on the rise and a genuine connection to her audience, Lexi is set to continue enchanting the world with her music, one heartfelt song at a time.
Read the full interview below:
What was the initial spark that led to the creation of “Summer Moment,” and how did your collaboration with Cliff Downs and Melissa Bollea Rowe come about?
Melissa Bollea Rowe and I have been working together creatively for over two years. She has also been working with Cliff Downs for over twenty years. She thought that Cliff and I would be great collaborators. So, she set up a three-way co-write!
Not only did she set the session up, but she arrived to it with the inceptive idea of “Summer Moment.” Once she presented the hook, Mel and I sat at the piano working through melodies while Cliff paced around the room offering lyrics. It was one of my favorite co-writes I’ve ever done. Both of them are such special, talented people, and I feel lucky to have had these opportunities to share the writer’s room with them.
You filmed the music video for “Summer Moment” in the picturesque Ranchos Palos Verdes. How did the location influence the visual concept of the video and the overall mood of the song?
I would actually frame it differently. The song’s lyrics dictated the visual concept of the music video which dictated where we shot. There is so much physical detail in the song that it was a simple process for us to align a location with the concept of the song.
The location definitely influenced the overall mood of the music video because, while we had pictured filming on a sunny day, the day ended up being overcast. This gloominess highlighted the main theme of the song: nostalgia.
The video for “Summer Moment” has a great vibe that matches the song perfectly. What was your vision for it, and how did you work with the director to bring it to life?
Thank you! For the music video, I really wanted to home in on the physical details that are mentioned in the song. Instead of acting out a storyline, I thought that if we were to present the visuals that I am already singing about, listeners could then inform their experience with the song with their own stories and “summer moments.”
I worked with Sebastian Rivera on executing this vision. I really enjoyed working with him and Melissa on crafting this video. They each had two different perspectives that helped us imagine this video to be everything I could have hoped for and more.
Can you share any behind-the-scenes stories or moments from the recording process of “Summer Moment” that stand out?
During the song’s infancy, the three of us went back and forth on two notes in the main hook melody. That instance represents the whole process of recording this song. We were all deeply invested in its success. Now that the song has been out for a month and has performed really well on Spotify, I believe it’s a testament to the vitality of collaborating as a creative person.
Your music often draws comparisons to influential artists like Alanis Morissette and Fleetwood Mac. How do you balance honoring these inspirations while maintaining your unique voice and style?
To be mentioned in the same sentence as these artists is an unfathomable honor. So, thank you. That’s a good question. I would say striking the balance between maintaining originality and taking inspiration is very natural to most creatives.
For example, I love how much emotion is infused into any Alanis Morissette song ever created. Because of her music, I feel validated in making songs that are just as hyper-emotional. I don’t need to lower the intensity of my emotions in my music so that it’s more “palatable” for listeners. That’s how Alanis has inspired me.
In fact, that hyper-emotionality is what draws listeners because that’s real. That’s the lesson of Alanis to me. While the emotions driving our reasons to write the songs may be similar, the experiences that I will detail in the song are certainly going to be different. My experiences are what formulate my perspective, and that’s the source of my originality as a writer.
Given that you’re balancing your music career with your studies at Vanderbilt University, how do you manage your time and maintain your creative momentum?
I think I am definitely the type of person who thrives in chaos and business. I really don’t like when my Google calendar is unfilled. I would say that is what makes this all doable. I am grateful to have the opportunities to be writing music with people who inspire me, but at the same time, I am also grateful to be studying at Vanderbilt with so many passionate people. I really enjoy my life and how I fill the time, so that helps source the motivation to make it all happen.
Can you elaborate on the themes of nostalgia and love in “Summer Moment”? How do these themes resonate with you personally, and what do you hope listeners take away from the song?
Summer is an exciting period of time because I never know what is going to happen during it. There’s so much mystery. Every year, I feel like I leave summer with a bit of contented surprise. When listening to this song, I hope listeners are moved to reflect on the memories that have blossomed from their summers. When summer has escaped, “Summer Moment” is the song you should listen to when you want to be deposited back into those special memories you had oceanside.
“Summer Moment” has received impressive attention from industry professionals, including David MacKay. How does it feel to have such positive feedback from someone with his experience and reputation?
Surreal. To be recognized by other creative people who inspire me is overwhelmingly exciting. I can feel my six-year-old self beaming. I think it’s so rewarding to have not just incredible creatives like David resonate with the song though, but to have anyone resonate with the song. It means a lot. It’s everything I’ve wanted out of making music.
How has working with an artist investment team in Westwood influenced your approach to music production and career development?
Working at a rights management company highlighted the value of intellectual property and protecting it as an artist. I had the best experience interning in Westwood!
What do you want people to remember your music for?
I just want my music to be a source of relatability, solace, and connection for my listeners. I couldn’t exist as a human without listening to music. The songs I’m listening to validate what I’m feeling. I want my music to do the same for other people.
