The series “Young LA” captures a certain something about the youth in LA with Lexee, Joya and Ryan. In the interview they talk about nowadays social media, music and the creative process.
Interview and photography by Keitaro Cloward
Keitaro: I’ll start off by introducing everyone. This is Lexee Smith, Stylist, Dancer and Influencer, Joya Jackson, Dancer and Choreographer and Ryan Trey Music Artist (New album currently up on Spotify)
Keitaro: So how did everyone meet?
Lexee: Well , Joya and I met on a music video set. But we only connected way later and now were like best friends.
Joya: Awww…
Joya: Ryan and I connected through Instagram, I saw he was friends with some of my friends and hit him up and then we connected and after that we hung out now we’re just a flowerpot of friendship, haha.
Keitaro: So what are your thoughts about social media and how it affects us?
Ryan: I feel the multiple platform aspect is dope since it gives artists, especially musical ones, a chance. Since you have Apple Music or Spotify you can get you music out there without having to filter or commercialize it for the industry and in that way the music is a lot more personalized.
Lexee: It is good way to market yourself, you don’t have to rely on other people marketing you how they want to, and definitely like Ryan was saying it helps you personalize it.
Joya: It´s an easy way to express yourself and connect. I feel like, before it was strange to meet online, now it´s normal. Since you are able to see a well rounded image of the person and their personality and not just a user handle in a chatroom.
Keitaro: Joya , how do you go about the creative process when you choreograph?
Joya: I have to feel the music first, it has to inspire me and then I also get a lot of inspiration from my friends and watching them, Lexee inspires me.
Lexee: Awww.
Joya: And just being around people that are on the same wave as you, and feel the same way.
Keitaro: Lexee? Where do you get your inspo when you style a mood or create a dance?
Lexee: Well first also, have to be vibing with the music. Then I get a lot of inspiration from just walking down the street seeing things, hearing things and also hanging out with the right kinda people.
Keitaro: Ryan, what’s the story behind the new album you released and tell us about the creative process?
Ryan: A lot came through the feelings I’ve been through relationship wise, and its a something a lot of people can relate to.
Keitaro: What do you think the future has in store for us?
Lexee: I feel like we are going to see technology and us with technology evolve more and more.
Joya: Besides the certain Zombie Apocalypse. I feel like social media will continue to connect us but at the same time make us more and more distant. For example, in the future I see myself having a lunch with my friends but all through social media or the phone and none of us actually in the same place. So it does open a lot of opportunities but does also seclude us in its own ways.
Keitaro: What’s do guys usually do together in your down time?
Ryan: Food, it’s never not about food.
Joya: Food and Music
Keitaro: Like?
Joya: A little J. Kole or Rihanna at Roscoe’s or Bryson Tiller at Wendy’s after midnight .
Ryan: Don’t forget Korean BBQ, they hooked me on that.
Keitaro: One thing guys wanna leave us with?
Lexee: Find your own wave, bruhhh, never listen to anyone else’s plan for you.
Joya: Don’t wait for anyone’s validation gotta keep it moving, gotta get that coin.
Ryan: If you feel like you deserve the world, give it to yourself.
