I was cruising around the grid the other day, just kind
of sim hopping with no real objective, minding my own business. I was kind of
floating along, “in the zone” as it were, when my reverie was interrupted by a
captivating melody? Had I strayed over
an Adel Concert, or perhaps some other great soul singer? Or maybe it was the
voice of an Angel? I had to find
out. Following the sound of the music, I
came upon a lovely lady, standing before an audience and a microphone, just
singing her heart out. It turns out, the voice I heard belonged to none other
than this month’s winner of the SL Enquirer Open Mic Songwriters Contest. The lovely and talented - SVOX.
After her stunning performance and the winners were
announced, I asked SVOX if she would agree to sit for an interview, as I was
certain our readers would enjoy reading about this Melodious Marvel. This Wizard of Words. This plucker of guitar strings and of
heartstrings. And she said “Yes”.
Josh (Thomas1 Bellic) (JB): So SVOXY,
Congratulations on your win. It
was well deserved. Thanks for agreeing
to chat with me. To begin with, how long
have you been performing your music, and what sorts of venues?
SVOXY: It's been about 2 years. It started at
the Savoy Ballroom and then about a year ago, I joined Simstar. I met the
founders, Darius Anthony and Melly Faith who founded Simstar in 2023. The idea
was to create a community of artists that support each other and since then,
I've been performing at many different kinds of venues. Anything from beach
cafes to large Latin style venues to big stage events. Charity Events like
" Scare me silly" for diabetes Awareness Team.. "Relay for Life
" American Cancer Society.. And at the Savoy Ballroom they collect for the
research of Parkinsons.
Simstar has helped me explore and broaden my exploration of
different Venue’s
I choose to do 1-2 sets a week on SL maximum so I can keep
exploring and listening to other artists.
JB: Who were your music idols, and
those who most influenced your musical style?
SVOXY: I love all
kinds of music so there's no specific influence I can state. There are some
amazing 60’s soul singers like Etta James and Aretha Franklin, there are awesome
70’s composers, 80s style and pop, 90’s Grunge and ROCK scene. BBKing from the
blues scene and Erika Badu from the RnB Jazz world.
JB: What was
the inspiration for the song you sang at the contest, and why did you choose
that particular song?
SVOXY: When at a
new venue I just grab for the newest things I've worked on to display if it be
at an open mic. I chose my latest song “Just the way it is” because of the high
energy and relatable story behind the lyric… at some point every one meets and
connects with someone that can sweep you into a whirlwind of excitement.
My second song being called “one way” is more of a
reflection of life, your choices pave the way of life path. You can always be
kicked back to the start again but you often need to endure and learn, so that
song is about being strong and empowering yourself to make the choices you need
to make.
JB: How would
you describe the brand that you now represent? To really stand out in the SL
Music scene, you have to have something special about your performances. How do
you define your music style?
SVOXY: I strive to represent myself by keeping true
to the journey in life. I am not sure it is a brand or if it makes me stand
out. I am just being me in the world, gaining and sharing experiences and then
telling those stories through lyrics; if it be about connectivity and love or
just fantasy. So, I think what I try to make special is sharing the stories
with the listeners and that lets us all feel connected as people during the
live sets.
The other thing is I keep the music organic. We play and
record everything you hear with real instruments and microphones and I think
(hope) that comes across as relatable and engaging. I love talking to
listeners, laughing at mistakes and having fun together so we all feel good at
the end.
JB: What are
your landmark performances? Best
Memories performing both in RL and in SL?
SVOXY: In SL, it
would be sharing the stage with Dorian Dragon at the Renaissance Fair 2023 for
the American Cancer Society. I truely love supporting other artists. I consider
us all on the same path to sharing our talent. In RL, I have great memories of
a world tour I did many years ago as part of a live stage production, singing
to lots of people in so many different countries.
JB: How did you
take the news when they first announced your name as the winner?
SVOXY: Overwhelmed
and surprised. A friend, Samuel James, sent me a link to jump in a check it out
so it was a surprise to be competing and a bigger surprise to win. It's very
humbling and I'm so thankful to everyone involved. It's a true honour.
JB: What does
it take to be a successful musician these days?
SVOXY: I think
it's the same as it has always been and that is to really connect with people.
If you create the music you love, it will eventually find it's right audience
and the connection will happen. Of course, you need to learn how to create the
music and make it sound good which can be very challenging, but once you get to
a point where it's ready to share, then you find your listeners one by one.
Just like they did decades ago, you hit different venues to find your audience
except now we are doing it in virtual venues and not in a touring van haha. It
feels like the real success is finding people that you can enjoy the experience
with.
JB: You’ve been
on the grid for over 17 years now What advice could you give to someone who
wants to be a songwriter?
SVOXY: We all love
stories so focus on telling a story through lyrics and melody. And tell the
stories that you enjoy yourself. Life and experience is the best inspiration
for relatable stories and remember there are lots of people out there with
similar tastes to you so if you feel connected to what you've written, others
will too. Once you have some stuff written, then be brave and share at open
mics. Enjoy the journey and be patient with your songs finding their audience.
JB: Do you have
any social media sites that folks can visit to see more of you and your work?
SVOXY: I mainly
use one focal point for social media:
Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/selaperforms
JB: Do you post
your performance schedule for anyone who wants to catch one or more of your
gigs?
SVOXY: I have some
regular gigs that I do each fortnight or month. The easiest way to see them is
on the SIMSTAR Website: under artist SVOXY you can access my Calendar to catch
my show information - date and time. You can also join my Svoxy group so you
get notified when I'm hoping on for a live set.
https://simstarsl.com
JB: Is there
anything else you would like to share with our SL Enquirer Readers?
SVOXY: I send greetings and Happy, Happy Holiday
Season
And so there you have it folks. Direct from the Singer’s mouth to the written
word. As you can see, SVOXY is a
multitalented musician, composer and performer. For those of you who enjoy the
finest in live entertainment in SL – and you KNOW who you are – make it a
special point to catch SVOXY Live, in concert. Go to the website above and
check it out. Believe me when I tell
you, you do NOT want to miss this Lady.
And by the way…when you do….Tell ‘em Josh sent ya. You’ll be glad you did
Be there! Aloha!
JB
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