Our 'ON THE SPOT ' interview series highlights individuals throughout the creative community for their contributions to art and culture. Putting these artists "on the spot" we created a space where creatives and innovators tap into the conversation to uplift and continue to inspire the creative community. Next up is...SBX.
In the labyrinthine of artistry, where creativity and innovation dance on the edge of convention, there emerges an enigmatic figure named SBX. This is no mere artist; this is a conjurer of ideas and a weaver of narratives, a virtuoso who traverses the realms of music and cinema with an audacious disregard for boundaries. SBX's artistic style is a tapestry of the uncharted, a constant exploration of the unbounded. A creative force that knows no confines and charts its own course. But what fuels the relentless fires of SBX's imagination? It is the yearning to narrate their own story and, more significantly, to be the resonant voice for others, to offer them visibility and a resonant echo through their music.
SBX is not merely an artist; through her series of EP’s namely “These Songs Are About You,” “These Songs Are About You Too,” & “Now That It’s Over” led by singles like “4 U,” “Dues” & “Cycles” SBX exstablishes herself as an alchemist of emotions, a conjurer of conversations, and a custodian of transformation. Her journey through the intermingling realms of music and cinema promises to be a saga that will leave an indelible mark on the annals of artistic expression.
The crucible of SBX's creativity is a place where inspiration ignites and transmutation occurs. A specific tale emerges, intertwined with the cadence of exceptional beats. But what distinguishes SBX is their renunciation of limits, their commitment to art's untamed wilderness. For them, art must flow, unhindered and unrestrained. Cinema, the crucible of storytelling, is an iridescent muse for SBX. They draw from the visual symphonies of contemporary movies and TV shows, where innovation knows no bounds. HBO's "Euphoria" has etched its mark on SBX's recent visual endeavors, cementing the symbiosis of music and visual narrative.
As we await the unveiling of SBX's future opuses, one thing is certain: their artistry will continue to transmute the mundane into the extraordinary. In this On The Spot installment, we plunge into the crucible of SBX's creative process, unearthing the inspiration, the alchemy of influence, and the profound aspirations that fuel their artistic enterprise.
Watch "4 U" Here:
How would you describe your artistic style?
My artistic style is unique, constantly pushing the envelope and most importantly, free flowing.
What inspires you to create art?
What inspires me most is the need to tell my story and wanting to help others feel seen and heard through my music.
What is your creative process like?
My creative process usually consists of getting inspired to share a specific story and then putting it on paper, usually with the help of a really fantastic beat. I don’t like to put any limitations unto my work and how I tackle a song or the creative direction of a music video. For me, it’s about trying to allow art to be art.
Which cinematic period do you find most inspiring?
I really love the movies out right now, I feel like people are more open to pushing the
creative envelope and talking about issues that otherwise wouldn’t have been part of movie plots in the early 2000s. I am also obsessed with the current aesthetics and get a lot of inspiration from current TV shows and movies.
What film or television show has influenced your artistry?
Euphoria has been a great influence on the direction of a lot of my recent visuals. I think I’m
aesthetically inspired by The Idol too which I think will show in some of my next visuals.
Tell us about your last binge-watch...Have you recently watched something that's a must- see?
Last binge? Probably, Never Have I ever on Netflix. Absolutely love that show.
Which character from the world of cinema or television do you relate to the most? And, importantly, what is it about this character that truly speaks to you?
Maddy from Euphoria is literally me in so many ways. Good and bad. Her romantic relationship is a big point of the show and like me, my romantic relationships get played out in my music and although, there’s this negativity surrounding said relationships, theres still a strong and confident energy that I think both me and her possess effortlessly. Irrespective of what our relationships bring out of us.
In your opinion, how do you think the film industry influences society?
I think any art can have a great influence on society simply because its what we, as people, consume. It can affect our thinking, ideals and what we want out of life. It could be a conversation starter in regards to more taboo topics. Most importantly, it can be a great source of inspiration for artists.
Who's in your thespian Hall of Fame?
Leonardo DiCaprio. Meryl Streep. That is all.
Take us back to your first project, how did that moment prepare you for where you're currently in your career?
My first project is my baby. But I do think it was a very naïve project in comparison to how my writing has developed now. Even my visuals and marketing has grown since. However, I think that project was important because it introduced me into this world of music making and showed me that I could create something out of it.
How do you approach the technicality of your work, both from yourself and others?
Contrary to what people may think, I am involved in a lot of the creative and production process of my work. And I am learning on the job too. Everything is intentional and I am constantly looking for ways to top myself. Its kind of made me a perfectionist.
Watch "Dues" Here:
Are you a bit of an overthinker or do you like to let the art take the reins?
Abit of both for sure. I naturally overthink but I try my best to let art be what it is. Flaws and all.
What's the body of work you're most proud of?
All.
Embracing criticism and negative feedback is an essential part of growth and improvement. How do you handle criticism or negative feedback on your work?
I take it in but I don’t let it get to me. I’m already my own biggest critic, I don’t think there’s
anything else that someone could say that can affect me cause I probably already know. I
think it’s important to not let negativity keep you from creating though. There’s nothing perfect about art. The whole point is to cause conversation, good or bad. I always try to keep that in mind.
How do you feel the Internet and social media have impacted cinema?
I think cinema, in it’s self, is an extension of the internet or social media. Whether it’s the aesthetics you see or the online discourse. You either see it play out in film or because of film, the conversation starts online.
Finding the perfect harmony between your artistic style and the collaborating teams' preferences is an art in itself. How do you find the balance?
I'm lucky enough to collaborate with people who understand me artistically. So it’s usually us
just feeding off of each other than butting heads.
Can you tell us about a particularly difficult project you’ve worked on, and what you learned from it? The most unforgettable line from a movie. What's that one quote that lives in your mind rent-free? How do you handle rejection or not getting chosen for a project or opportunity?
Lots of questions at once! I think my most recent project for me, I learned a lot. Not just as an artist but also just things about the industry. I was definitely tested in more ways than one whilst creating “Now That It’s Over”.
Watch "Cycles" Here:
Most Unforgettable quote from a movie? Anything from Mean Girls.
With rejection, I’m grateful to have a great and present support system so regardless of whether I feel sad or slighted by something, I can never give up and stay down about it too long. Unfortunately in this industry, you will hear a lot of no’s before that 1 big yes. So you gotta keep going or you might miss out on your moment.
We all face those pesky creative blocks and moments of self-doubt from time to time. How do you effectively navigate creative blocks and moments of self-doubt?
Creative block, for me, is easier to deal with because I just give myself time off to recharge. But self doubt is a big one, it’s tough cause it happens in moments and sometimes happens when great things are happening then you get one random moment of imposter syndrome. It’s hard. But it’s important to navigate that with grace. I try to be patient with myself during those moments.
Managing the entrepreneurial aspects of being an artist is crucial for success. How do you handle the business side of the industry?
I am learning it as I go or as I grow. And I try to trust my intuition as much as possible. I believe everything functions on frequency and energy. But I also allow myself to say no to certain things, trusting that what’s for me will be for me. It’s a long game.
With SAG-AFTRA and the WGA on strike in their labor dispute against AMPTP. We're curious to know your take on the current state of the entertainment industry? What message would you like to send to AMPTP?
It's simple: pay them, give them suitable work environments. It’s not up for debate.
What do you envision for the future of cinema? And where you place yourself in the conversation?
The future of cinema will continue to push the envelope and I will either aid in telling those stories as a singer, actress. Or I will tell those stories as a director. Stay tuned.
Connect With SBX
X (Formerly Twitter): sbxmusic_
Instagram: @sbxmusic_
Facebook: @sbxmusic
Tik Tok: @sbxmusic_
YouTube: @sbxmusic