Meet LXVE AFTR of XVTC in Midtown

Today we’d like to introduce you to LXVE AFTR.

LXVE, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born in Boston, then I spent the next three years of my life in Tiburon, Haiti. Haiti is where my first musical experience took place. I remember playing the drums and singing under the stars which are still one of the most beautiful experiences of my life. Atlanta has been home ever since I returned from Haiti and that’s where my musical career started. My father, who was an artist at the time, bought me my first drum set and I will always be thankful for him investing in my dream because music has always been a key factor in my life. I used to watch my father play the drums in Little Five Points and all over Atlanta. Watching my dad sing inspired me to pursue music. While in school, I joined the chorus, played the Harp, Drums, and made beats for my friends back in middle and high school.

What has fueled my musical drive outside of playing the harp and drums has to be hunger. That feeling of hunger you get when you haven’t eaten all day is the same feeling I get when it comes to music. When you are hungry you are motivated to find something to eat and you will not stop until your stomach is satisfied. My stomach is never satisfied, so I am always looking for new ways to elevate musically and grow. My burning desire for success is what drives my consistent work ethic, and willingness to experience new adventures. Having an open mind has helped me reach new heights.

In 2018, I rebranded my image, starting with the release of my debut EP “Scary Timing Right Now.” My team and I released a promo clip of “Bullet Anonymous”; a reinvention or reimagination of Sade’s “Bullet Proof Soul” on Instagram and the reaction was amazing. People were messaging me asking where to find the song; it was one of the first times that I felt my music connect to a larger audience. This inspired me to release my first EP. I began to gain a buzz around Atlanta and my online presences grew dramatically. Honestly, what got me to where I am today is the love I have for music. How supportive I am to anyone chasing their dreams, networking, putting out quality music & art, marketing and being true to who I am.

Has it been a smooth road?
Life is about perspective, from my perspective my life has been smooth, mostly because I have learned valuable lessons along the way. I have been blessed to be surrounded by people who support me. I am proud of myself because I have consistently overcome obstacles I never thought I could have overcome. I can look back at the growth I have experienced from building a team, improving my sound quality, creating an effective marketing strategy, and expanding my fan base. The level of professionalism and preparation that I put into my work makes the journey smoother. Regardless of the work I put in, I am aware that the journey will never be perfect consistently. I’ve felt the feeling of rejection, embarrassment, and failure. The rejection I have faced proves that this journey cannot always be smooth sailing. I’ve been criticized about my voice or my appearance in the past. I can recall countless moments where I considered giving up or was too afraid to perform. Everywhere I turned I had people saying I was too shy to be an artist. The road is not easy when you can go on social media and see the success of others and you look at your work questioning what’s wrong with it? You are going to have your good and bad days, but I am grateful for every situation I face. It feels good knowing that I’ve had more good days than bad and I’d like to keep that going for as long as I can.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the XVTC story. Tell us more about the business.
The name of the label is XVTC which stands for Visions That Cure. X can have various meanings. I choose to believe that it means Loving, Creating or Supporting. When I ask fans why they wear XVTC merchandise they often say “because I am creating Visions That Cure.” At XVTC our mission is to help people actualize their power to create Visions That Cure. Whether that vision cures cancer or brings laughter into the world, we want you to know that we believe in you.

I created the company in 2018, our goal is to generate a following of artists who are relentless in the pursuit of their dreams. The logo is a broken heart. Many associate the symbol with heartbreak. Our meaning is deeper. The broken heart represents a lack of love in the world. Racism and greed are destroying the world, we are polluting the Earth with our toxic habits, and materialistic concerns. Until we heal, the heart of XVTC will remain broken.

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
Great question, it is kind of tough to answer because a business can go anywhere. XVTC is a label and we promote quality music. Creating music that is not mainstream trap music is difficult. My music is emotional, complex and blends RnB with hype music. If someone were to start out opening a label and branding themselves by gathering dope artist, then I think that would be easier. Being an RnB artist in Atlanta is more difficult than it may be in other cities. Regardless of where you are, create your Visions That Cure!

Within the next 5-10 years, I am striving to make XVTC a top competing record label. I want to compete with Quality Control, OVO, Interscope, etc. I want XVTC to be highly respected in the Arts much like Dreamville and TDE. At XVTC we want to go against the trend so heavily that we create the trend.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.xvtcapparel.com
• Phone: 4045132445
• Email: clothing@xvtcapparel.com
• Instagram: instagram.com/xvtcapparel and Instagram.com/lxve_aftr

Image Credit:
shotbyxayclark, Essence Ransome

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