Many 20-year-olds eagerly await their 21st birthday to legally indulge in alcohol, but for artist Lexa Gates, turning 21 marked the beginning of her sobriety journey.
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“I just started feeling like, ‘That’s actually lame as fuck now that it’s legal,’” the cat-eyed rapper-singer-producer, now 23, tells Rolling Stone.
Growing up in Queens, she spent a lot of her early adolescence as a high-school dropout, engaging in habits like smoking, drinking, and promiscuity. However, a trip to Puerto Rico on her 21st birthday sparked an epiphany that led her to quit substances: “I just realized that wasn’t doing anything for me — and all my music was like that, too,” she says.
Gates’ musical journey began in her teens, with her early releases on SoundCloud reflecting her lifestyle at the time. She delved into music after dropping out of high school at 15, feeling undervalued in the NYC public school system.
While her peers were in class, Gates honed her craft at home, surrounded by music influences from her mother, who also dabbled in songwriting. Her upbringing in Queens and brief stint in Puerto Rico shaped her musical style and narrative.
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Gates released her debut album, Order of Events, in 2020, followed by additional EPs. Her 2022 project, Universe Wrapped In Flesh, featured tracks that garnered attention from music publications and digital platforms.
In 2023, Gates expanded her online presence through platforms like TikTok and YouTube, showcasing a vintage style that complemented her laidback music. Her major label debut, Elite Vessel, in 2024 solidified her place in the music industry.
“[The album] is just me conforming to the industry and being this character of value in my field,” she says, reflecting on her music journey and industry expectations.
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Gates’ latest album, Elite Vessel, delves into themes of solitude and past relationships, showcasing her growth as an artist and individual.
Gates continues to navigate the music industry as a signed artist, learning and adapting to the changes that come with mainstream success.
As she embarks on a tour to promote Elite Vessel, Gates reflects on her musical influences and aspirations for the future.
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Gates draws inspiration from her first concert experiences and aims to emulate the stage presence of artists who have influenced her.
Amidst her rising success, Gates explores new experiences and focuses on personal growth, leaving behind past vices and embracing a newfound appreciation for financial stability.
FAQs
Q: What inspired Lexa Gates to pursue a career in music?
A: Gates’ upbringing and personal experiences drove her to channel her emotions and creativity into music, leading to her musical journey.
Q: How has Gates’ music evolved over the years?
A: Gates’ music has evolved from reflective and personal narratives to a more polished and confident sound, reflecting her growth as an artist.
Q: What are Gates’ future plans in the music industry?
A: Gates plans to continue touring, creating new music, and expanding her reach as an artist, aiming for impactful and transformative experiences through her work.
Credit: www.rollingstone.com
