After introducing herself with her stunning initial singles 'Save You Back' and 'One Horse Town' in recent months, which have since garnered tens of thousands of streams, Portland-based artist Rexford is back once again with her emotionally-charged new offering 'IDTYK (How To Love Me)'.
Lifted from her forthcoming debut EP, which is due out in the coming months, 'IDTYK (How To Love Me)' makes for a wonderfully bright and shimmering listen. With her rich and passionate vocals layered across a progressive alt-pop production throughout, she is quickly cementing herself as one of the more captivating names on the rise right now.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has inspired her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with would be my voice. My mom always says, “I could sing before I could speak”. I was always very shy growing up—but found confidence in singing. I was more comfortable on stage—on stage, you can be whoever you want to be.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up listening to a lot of James Taylor, Fleetwood Mac, Britney Spears (I’m a 90s baby), Blink 182, Taylor Swift, and anything played on kink 101.9 (Portlanders, YKTV).
What was the first album you remember owning?
“…Baby One More Time” by Britney Spears (1999). I was 5 years old.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
“I Will Always Love You” by Dolly Parton Or “Both Sides Now” by Joni Mitchell (from her album “Both Sides Now” 2000).
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
My songs usually start as poems or journal entries. I am consistently writing hooks and verse ideas in my “notes” on my phone. I meditate daily. Meditation allows my mind to go into a state of serenity and sit still with myself. In those most vulnerable moments, I find inspiration of what I still need to work through/write about. Songwriting is the best form of “free” therapy. I bring those stories to a songwriting session, usually with George (Twin Shadow) and Sara Diamond, my little song bird.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Bon Iver, Tallest Man on Earth, Ryan Beatty, Morgan Wallen, Radiohead, Sade, Drake…to Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles, Eric Clapton, Fleetwood Mac…my music taste changes depending on my mood. But every morning, I turn on “Jazzy Morning” playlist on Spotify.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Olivia Rodrigo would be a dream. I would also love to go on tour with a DJ, like Odesza.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When someone reaches out and says they connected to your songwriting/song. There is no better feeling. I really got into music to help people heal and feel through my music—just how writing these songs have been so healing for me.
And what is the most frustrating part?
Being an independent singer/songwriter, sometimes I feel like I am throwing darts at the wall with a blind fold on. It’s hard to break into the industry. But, I truly believe nothing good in life comes easy. And I am so thankful for all of the support I have gotten along the way from friends and family—it makes this crazy journey worth it.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
It’s about the fans. It’s about the audience. We, musicians, wouldn’t be able to do what we do without the support of our fans.
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Rexford's new single 'IDTYK (How To Love Me)' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.