Exclusive | Leeta Lauxkeyy Talks Staying True To Her Music and Setting Her Own Trend
By: Omar Cook
This week's "Who's Hot?" Artist of the week is Bahamas singer, Leeta Lauxkeyy! Originally from The Bahamas, this vibe setter has been been living in Orlando since 2013. Leeta came to the states for school where she attended Full Sail University in Florida and majored in Recording Arts & Engineering. She credits her school experience to giving her the extra push to engineer her own music. Leeta has an original sound with a playlist that is full of vibes! This up and coming singer is sure to put you in the mood with her laid back tone.
We talked with Leeta Lauxkeyy in an exclusive interview, check it out below!
QUESTION: How long have you been making music and how did you get started?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: I’ve been singing and performing since I could walk, alongside my older cousin Grier. We’ve been doing covers before “covers” even existed. We sang everything from Paula Abdul to Kirk Franklin. Like most artists, I did grow up singing in the church choir and for different functions. Rolling into adolescence my family moved around alot, and any church we decided to call home, my sisters and I were heavily involved in dance and the youth ministry. I didn’t start making my own beats until about 2011 when I began to learn about digital audio workstations, and get my hands on different software.
QUESTION: Musically, who has been your biggest influence in helping you along your journey and who are your favorite musicians?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: These days I’ve become my own influence. I used to get so discouraged when I’d see other artists/friends that I’ve helped out numerous times, not even think of me. I realized I have to look within and push myself if music is really what I want to do.
QUESTION: What artists would you like to collaborate with and why?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: Missy Elliott, Pharell, Chris Brown.. They’re the greats. Need I even say more?
QUESTION: What do you feel is your best song/project ever released and why?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: The song “Cheerio” from the joint album Water Weed & Fruit with my brother Jeri Newton. Several people have come back and told us that that song makes them feel like their in an underwater trans. I always want people to feel like they can escape in my music.
QUESTION: What projects can we look forward to in the near future?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: I have an EP coming out spring 2019, for now, it’s untitled.
QUESTION: How do you generate new ideas for your music?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: That’s the easiest thing to do, because I literally talk about my own life. I write almost every day, so I never run out of material.
QUESTION: What motivates you and how do you define success?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: Life itself is the motivation, and being able to enjoy it. Success is really in the mind. I’m as wealthy as I feel… Try telling that to my bills though, ha!
QUESTION: How do you describe your music to people?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: Sultry and sexy with just the right amount of Hip-Hop.
QUESTION: Do you believe there is a formula to being a successful artist?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: There’s no formula, some people are becoming famous just by luck. I just have to keep telling myself not to be discouraged, and don’t give up.
QUESTION: In your opinion who is the most influential and successful artist in your genre today and why?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: I would have to say H.E.R. she’s the epitome of R&B talent. I look forward to her music all the time.
QUESTION: Which emotion more than any other, currently dominates your music? Joy, sadness, anger or passion etc. , and why?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: A lot of sadness to be honest. I tend to write the most from heartbrakes and family issues.
QUESTION: What sacrifices have you had to make, to make your dream a reality?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: The biggest was leaving my entire family in the Bahamas and pursuing my music here. Back home, there really isn’t much artist support. I wouldn’t have gotten as far as I have if I hadn’t left.
QUESTION: What aspect of the music making process excites you most, and what aspect discourages you the most?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: I love a great studio vibe with close friends. I feel safe and free to express myself. The way I form my lyrics are sometimes difficult when I think of music today, and what’s “hot” but then I remember that I have to like my own music, and set my own trend.
QUESTION: Where do you see yourself and your music in 10 years?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: In 10 years, I actually wouldn’t mind becoming a songwriter, I don’t really need to be in the spotlight, as long as my family and I can live a comfortable life.
QUESTION: What advice would you give to other up and coming artists or people looking to break into the music industry?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: Yes, everyone else is doing what you’re doing, trying to make it in the industry, but none of them are you.
QUESTION: Is there anything else you would like people to know about you or your music?
Leeta Lauxkeyy: You can find me on any platform! Listen when you meditate, listen when you medicate, listen when you’re sad, happy, or hungry, and just let the music take your mind where it wants to go, it will. Only if you let it.
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