BEYOND THE NOTES
Photo courtesy of Alix Page
May 7, 2025 | Hailey Benzvi
For indie rock singer-songwriter Alix Page, the path to self-expression is anything but straightforward. From navigating the emotional weight of sharing deeply personal stories to managing the challenges of being an independent artist in today’s digital world, Page has learned to balance vulnerability with the need for privacy. Her musical influences and the experience of opening for artists like Gracie Abrams have profoundly shaped her along the way.
That delicate balance is woven throughout her music, known for its emotional depth and raw honesty. Her lyrics touch on the complexities of relationships, heartbreak, and personal growth, which are topics she often draws from her own life. But as her fan base grows, so does the challenge of managing what to share. "I’ve definitely been thinking more about privacy and what that means for myself and for the people I’m writing about," Page says. "There’s a certain point where you realize some things are better left unsaid or kept for yourself."
Her instinct to write with such openness stems from the artists who influenced her storytelling early on. "I grew up listening to Taylor Swift, and she was my introduction to writing songs and playing guitar," she shares. "Phoebe Bridgers opened up a whole new world for me with her sharp, smart writing, and Bruce Springsteen’s big anthems and emotional depth always inspire me."
Opening for other artists, especially Gracie Abrams, has also been formative. Page reflects on Abrams’s tight bond with her audience, a connection that left a lasting impact on her own approach to performing. "Gracie is such an inspiration to me," she says. "Watching her perform, I was struck by how she truly connects with her fans. The way she engages with the audience and makes them feel seen and heard—it was really beautiful to watch."
However, sharing those pieces of herself with the world hasn’t always been easy. Performing her most personal songs like "Stripes," "How Could I," and "Pulling Teeth"has become increasingly emotional for her, particularly as her fanbase connects more deeply with her work.
"It can be really hard to sing those songs every night," she admits. "There was one rehearsal where we did 'Stripes,' 'How Could I,' and 'Pulling Teeth' all in a row, and I was crying. It’s a lot to relive those moments again and again."
Still, the response from fans keeps her grounded. "It’s crazy to see how many people relate to those songs, and that makes it easier to share them, even when it feels hard for me."
As an independent artist, Page faces the unique challenge of managing much of her career on her own. While the creative freedom is rewarding, the demands of self-promotion and constant engagement in the fast-paced world of social media can be overwhelming. "It’s a lot of work to do everything yourself, especially on platforms like TikTok,” she reflects, “If your videos don’t go viral, it can feel like shouting into the void."
Despite these challenges, Page sees the benefits of independence. "The pro is that I own everything. I get to make the decisions. And when something does go well, it’s incredibly fulfilling to know that I did a lot of it myself, with my team behind me, of course."
At the heart of Page’s journey is the ongoing process of balancing self-expression with personal boundaries. While her lyrics reflect deeply personal moments, she’s learned that not everything needs to be shared. "There’s definitely a learning curve when it comes to figuring out how much to share and when to keep things for myself," she says. "I used to be braver about sharing everything, but now I’m more protective of certain parts of my life."
As she continues to evolve, both as an artist and a person, Page remains focused on staying true to herself while connecting with those who find pieces of their own stories in her music. "The journey is ongoing, and I’m learning more about myself and my music with every step."
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