Lexi Layne Chats About Her Career and Debuts New “Self Sabotage” Music Video
Interview by Hannah Kozak
Lexi Layne releases a new grungey, gothic video for her song “Self Sabotage” on September 9th, 2022. Inspired by the likes of Maria Brink (In This Moment) and Amy Lee (Evanescence), she aims to make a difference in the still very male-dominated heavy/metal scene. We chatted with Layne about her most recent EP, growing up around music, and her creative visions in celebration of the release of the “Self Sabotage” music video.
Q: When did you start singing/becoming involved in music? Do you have any specific memories of listening to music as a child?
A: My mother always says I started singing the second I was born because I was the loudest baby in the nursery. Still, to this day, I’m usually the loudest person in the room haha. I started my musical journey when I was about 6 years old performing in theatre. I always felt super comfortable on stage and being in the spotlight. I turned to Avril Lavigne’s first album as a pre-teen. I felt I could relate to everything she was singing about at that time.
Q: What bands or artists do you take inspiration from? Even outside of writing your own music, what bands/artists do you love in general?
A: I have always leaned towards Evanescence, In This Moment, Within Temptation, Marilyn Manson, Korn. I like to think my style is a mixture of all those influences.
Q: What’s your dream show lineup, and what venue/city would you set it in?
A: Ah this is a hard question, so many amazing bands I would be honored to perform next to. My goal is to play a massive rock festival like Aftershock or Rockville along the side of Jinjer, Evanescence, Bad Omens, Rob Zombie, and the list really goes on!
Q: Can you walk us through the cover photo for Sinner and Saint? What was the inspiration for it/what are all the elements meant to represent (if anything)?
A: I knew right off the bat I wanted the Sinner and Saint cover shot to be regal with those light and dark elements yet still channeling that dark Goddess power. It was so important to be for that image to make a statement, showing who I was as an artist not just musically, but visually.
Q: What was the most important thing for you when it came time to shoot the video for “Self Sabotage?”
A: The whole EP is about duality, good VS evil. I wanted to make sure you not only saw but felt when I was in my most vulnerable, innocent state as opposed to when I am in my dark, saboteur look. I think the video was executed flawlessly and you can feel the emotion from both sides.
Q: If someone was unfamiliar with your music, how would you describe it to them? What song would you tell them to listen to first?
A: I would describe my music as hauntingly beautiful with powerhouse vocals. My music, I feel, really takes you on a rollercoaster that you don’t want to get off. I would say “Sinner and Saint” is the best song to listen to first, it really sums up all the songs as a whole.
Q: We are a music publication focused solely on women. What does your identity as a woman mean to you, especially as someone making music in a very male-dominated genre?
A: My identity as a strong, independent woman truly means everything. I really feel times are changing in this male-driven world. Women are becoming more known as fierce leaders, especially in music. We all need to work together and not against one another to even out the playing field, and I think it’s happening.
Q: Anything else you’d like to add?
A: Thank you so much for having me, this was a blast! You can stream my EP, “Sinner and Saint” on all musical platforms, and be sure to follow me on Instagram for updates and shows! @Lexi_Layne
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