Get ready for R&B sensation 20Xll (Twenty-Twelve) is back with a hit! Fresh off the release of her latest single, “Locked In,” the talented artist is ready to spill all the juicy details about the making of this catchy track. From collaborating with ATL native Destin Laurel to working with acclaimed producer Farro Jarro, find out how 20Xll’s journey led to the creation of this must-listen to hit. Don’t miss out on the inside scoop as 20Xll opens up about her inspirations, challenges, and what’s next for her music career. This is one interview you won’t want to miss!
HI 20Xll, WELCOME TO ABOUT INSIDER! THANKS FOR TAKING THE TIME TO CHAT WITH US! CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE BIT ABOUT YOURSELF? WHO IS 20XII IN YOUR OWN WORDS?
Thank you for having me, 20XII is an innovative artist that creates to relate. I like for my music to just make people feel good no matter what the genre is. I was born and raised in Atlanta GA, where I would steal my moms heels and the broom and put on concerts for my stuffed animals. My mother then found a solution to keep her heels and put me into a performing arts school where I was trained to sing, dance, and act. At the age of 9 they put me into a girl group and by the age of 12 we put out our first cover on youtube that blew up. From there I would record music and write in my own time so by the time I was 18 and decided to be a solo artist I felt more comfortable on my own. With 12 being the age I started in this industry and 20 being the age I almost gave up, when I rebranded I decided to incorporate those significant numbers making 20XII.
WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND YOUR NEW SINGLE “LOCKED IN,” AND HOW DOES IT REFLECT WHERE YOU ARE IN YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW?
The Inspiration behind “Locked in” was just testing my limits and not overthinking. I wanted to make something fun and simple. I feel in life that’s also where I am, I’m in my girls just wanna have fun mindset and not be so hard on myself.
HOW DID YOU COME ACROSS BRAZILIAN FUNK AS AN INFLUENCE, AND WHY DID YOU FEEL IT WAS THE RIGHT SOUND FOR THIS TRACK?
How I came across Brazilian funk as an influence for “Locked in” was scrolling on tik tok. Some of the most used sounds are Brazilian funk beats. Instantly I knew that it would be just right for anyone and everyone.
CAN YOU DESCRIBE THE CREATIVE SYNERGY BETWEEN YOU, DESTIN LAUREL, AND FARRO JARRO DURING THE MAKING OF “LOCKED IN”?
Being in the studio making this record with Destin Laurel, Farro Jarro, and hymn Logic was all good vibes. Everything flowed, even while Farro Jarro and hymn Logic were producing we were all excited and hype.
YOU’VE HAD A BUSY YEAR WITH PERFORMANCES, INCLUDING OPENING FOR SOME ICONIC ARTISTS. WHAT WAS IT TO SHARING THE STAGE WITH LEGENDS, KEYSHIA COLE,AND THE GAME?
Being able to share the stage with Keyshia Cole was truly a blessing! I had an incredible time performing for Tacoma and can’t wait to go back. I of course fangirled while watching Keyshia Cole perform. Her energy and vocals are always on point.
HOW DOES “LOCKED IN” REPRESENT YOUR GROWTH SINCE REBRANDING FROM MADOX DESTYN TO 20XII?
How “Locked in” represents my growth since rebranding from Madox Destyn to 20XII is truly just me finding more of myself and pushing my limits. I feel like now I can separate myself when I need to for my mental health. there times for 20XII and then there’s times for Madox.
WHAT CHALLENGES HAVE YOU FACED WHILE REBRANDING, AND HOW HAS YOUR AUDIENCE REACTED TO THE NEW DIRECTION IN YOUR MUSIC?
The challenges I faced while rebranding was definitely getting used to hearing everyone call me 20 for short lol. I am still so used to hearing people call me Madox. My audience’s reaction to my direction in my music was truly magical! Seeing how everyone can either be in the mood for “Think About Me” or “Locked in” is dope! I want people to have variety from me and to just feel.
WITH TWO SINGLES OUT THIS YEAR, WHAT’S NEXT FOR YOU MUSICALLY? CAN FANS EXPECT MORE RELEASES SOON?
What’s next for me is definitely one more single and then I want my EP to come out before the year is over. One of my obsessions in life is stars and planets. They all look so cool but they’re all so different. I am the same way with my music. You’ll see me play around with genres and get different planets from me in my EP that’s coming soon.
HOW DO YOU STAY MOTIVATED AND KEEP PUSHING BOUNDARIES IN YOUR MUSIC, ESPECIALLY DURING MOMENTS OF DOUBT OR CREATIVE BLOCK?
How I stay motivated and keep pushing boundaries in my music is by just living life honestly. The more I experience or see, the more inspiration I receive. If I am having a creative block I just go on my phone and scroll and I might see something wild enough for me to write about.
WHERE CAN OUR READERS FIND YOU ONLINE?
You can find me on all social media platforms @20XII20XII
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