Exclusive to NWN, Willow Caldera covers SL's burgeoning live music scene
There's something flirty about the breathy undertones of Lexie Luan's voice, and that something is hypnotic, like woodsmoke over a sugar cane. A long-established real-world artist, her career began in the 80s with rock band Fifty/50, appearing with a wide range of artists that included Robert Hazard and the Heroes and The Hooters. Today she relies on the strength of her solo voice and original songwriting, combining blues and rock.
Video shot by Toxic Menges (see her newest machinima here!) at Nat's Cafe.
Philadelphia born and bred, Lexie was singing by the age of three in local talent shows, studying drama and dance at school and performing through her teenage years in theatres, choirs and college bars. And that deep love, and long history, of performing feeds into her Second Life shows: an artist so comfortable in their considerable talent, taking such enjoyment in sharing it, is impossible not to enjoy.
"I started singing at a very young age, but I didn't start writing music until I learned how to play the guitar, (age 13)," says Lexie. "I chose the guitar cause it was easier to take to the beach than a piano. I don't think making music was ever a choice for me, it just was. I think it of it more as a given, what I was born to do and meant to be - it's what I do."
"I would describe my music as original, acoustic, honest and edgy at times. It all comes from my heart. I think I would describe my shows the same way. I tell people, I don't blog, I write songs, if you wanna know what I'm thinking, what's going on in my heart, come to a show, I will sing to you all about it."
Lexie originally came to Second Life a few years ago, but left very quickly. "I thought, this program is way too complicated for fun," she explains. "I have been playing music on Second Life since last March. What brought me here was surgery, I had surgery last year, came here for amusement purposes and discovered some really excellent live music. As a musician, I wanted to try it out. I have made some amazing friends, strong influences... SL is always a growing experience for me."
Lexie uses a Behringer xenyx1204fx mixer, a Sure Beta 88 mic and a Hohner acoustic electric guitar for her Second Life performances.
"I do think Second Life has influenced my original music in real life. I have had to raise the bar on my songwriting in order to keep it fresh and new. My originals are tight, rehearsed and I am in a real comfort zone when I play them, and I totally thank Second Life for that. Also I'm able to reach an audience in Europe that I couldn't do in real life on a daily basis. I am working on a tour of Europe this May (hoping it works out) and I have been inquiring about house concerts, mini tours on the East Coast, Mid-west and southern states."
More about Lexie Luan:
What live music groups should Willow Caldera cover for New World Notes? Suggest groups and performers by contacting her by IM or at [email protected]
Her taste in music is somewhat eclectic, ranging from Kings of Leon to Frou Frou and Disturbed to Lady GaGa and Avenged Sevenfold.
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