Fashion Gxd Magazine - Erwan Alexis. "Selfish" - Entrepreneur Cover PRINT ISSUE NOW AVAILABLE
Written BY: Samantha Cee
SOCIAL MEDIA OUTLETS: Spotify // Instagram - @erwanalexis // Tiktok - @erwanalexis
This issue we sat down with Erwan Alexis. He was born in the United States to French parents who continuously exposed him to music and dance and together with his own creativity, he flourished as a bold and sincere musical artist. Growing up in NYC, Erwan dealt with the hardships that face an inner city youth. Though he sings much about love and heartbreak, his upcoming album also deals with the internal and external battles that a multiracial youth may fight everyday.
The inspiration behind this song is the question "Is it selfish, that I want you - I can't help it I didn't want to". These are the words Erwan asks in the chorus, and they come as a revelation in a song about infidelity and a woman with multiple suitors. Erwan realizes that he's selfish in his pursuit of this woman in a happy relationship; But the words, "You can't have your cake and eat it too".Written by Alexis in late 2019, “Selfish” came to fruition during a trip to Paris. Alexis collaborated with Felix Sabal-Lecco for the single. The musical giants emerged themselves in the studio and the Cameroonian producer added his signature sound to the track. Take a look at the exclusive cover story with the rising brand,
SONG CREDITS: Produced by @felixsaballecco // Recorded by @greg_recchia_productions // Mixed by @achobaz // Mastered by @chrisgehringer //Post prod by @james36963
FGM: Its an honor to sit down with you all. Tell us a little about your brand and how you've come to this vastly successful peek in your career .
Answer: Through consistency, through hard work. On the surface, my career has just begun, but it’s really been the proverbial “10,000 hours” behind the scenes. Trials and errors, working with the right and wrong people that have gotten me here. Above all, it’s a passion and dedication to my craft that have got me to this point.
FGM: Who are the clients/what are the projects that you most enjoy working on?
Answer: I think what I enjoy most is working on a new song. It’s is the foundation and the one element of being a recording artist that mean the most. Press runs, music videos and photoshoots are part of the process, but when it boils down to it, writing and recording a record from start to finish truly bring out the best of me.
FGM: How do you feel you make a difference in the world?
Answer: Through the music, I am able to offer my perspective and my two cents to the larger public. I think we have a responsibility as artists and individuals with a platform to reach out to the global community and let them know that their concerns have merit. Relating to others and offering a perspective to spark conversation or even give a solution is a key part of why I chose this path.
FGM: Tell us about a time when you showed determination to continue as an entrepreneur
Answer: Every day, waking up and knowing that nobody will do the work if I do not do it first. I can look back to last month, I had to juggle the costs of recording, marketing and publishing two music videos. I was unsure of how I could afford all of these things, but entrepreneurship says: “Take the leap of faith, and worry where you land after”. It worked out, and so far it always has.
FGM: Give me the three best qualities of your brand
Answer: I think the brand is relatable, it is marketable and it puts forth a standard of excellence. Those who spend their time and hard earned money to come see me perform, or purchase music and merchandise will always get what they paid for. For companies looking to do business and endorsements, they have a brand that is consumer friendly and professional.
FGM: Give me an example of when you worked irregular hours?
Answer: Overtime and irregular hours are part of the music and entertainment industry. From performances to networking, there will be days where the work will take us there. I’ve tried to maintain a healthy work life and rarely work in the middle of the night and early hours of the morning if I do not have to. I think singers can’t really afford to do this because we have to get some sort of rest for our vocal chords.
FGM: Being a entrepreneur is a 24/7 job, how did you get ready for that?
Answer: New York City got me ready for that ! My mother taught me that. I grew up around self employed and free lancers. I also learned to hustle on my own in my teens, it’s second nature to me and I welcome the challenges that come with it.
FGM: How did you acquire the ability to work under pressure to beat meet deadlines as a entrepreneur ?
Answer:I think that when you know that your future depends on your readiness to meet opportunities, you have no choice but to work under pressure. Pressure is just another chance to earn more stripes, gain more experience and gather more knowledge.
FGM: What is your favorite inspirational point, place, to develop new brand developments?
Answer: Vacation. There’s nothing like a trip somewhere far away. It puts me in the moment, centers me in the now and allows space for new ideas.
FGM: Which current public figure, are you inspired by or appreciate the most?
Answer: I’m really into Alexandria Ocasio Cortez, I find her fascinating and she inspires me. As for my peers, I also really look up to The Weeknd & Bruno Mars. Those guys are professionals, total mastery.
How do you handle stress ?
Answer: I don’t attempt to suppress it. Stress is just an emotion that comes from inaction. If you are stressed, it's because you haven’t resolved the issue. Once you do, the stress is gone. There are ways to get your mind off of it, if the issue isn’t ready to be resolved: Going to the gym, finishing other projects, spiritual or intellectual stimulation. Those are some of my techniques.
FGM: What are the three qualities you feel an entrepreneur must have ?
Answer: Dedication, consistency and tenacity. I could describe these three as love for what you do (dedication), hard work and work ethic (consistency) and never giving up when you fail (tenacity).
FGM: Where do you see your business in 10 years ?How do you plan to get there ?
Answer: I will be the biggest music act on the planet. I plan on working my way there. Right people, right timing and a little bit of fortune.
FGM: It was a pleasure speaking with you thank you for joining us
Answer: Thank you for having me
By Pilar Scratch in Entrepreneur cover for Fashion Gxd Magazine
30 pages, published 6/18/2021
