ICYMI: LilPixie B - Infocus ft. AJ Hargreaves prod.Zenflex
Earlier this week, Bristol based vocalist LilPixie B dropped her debut music video for a new, R&B/hip-hop inspired single called ‘Infocus’ featuring Rutland rapper AJ Hargreaves. Two rising talents, the Infocus single is the first of multiple collaborations between these artists expected to drop in the future. However, Infocus is listed as a single off LilPixie B’s independent debut EP, ‘Glass Ceilings’ set for release later this year. In case you missed it, Wordplay caught up with LilPixie B & AJ for exclusive insights into the Infocus single and more that the duo have in store.
The producer of Infocus, Zenflex is a close friend of AJ’s from schooldays, whereas LilPixie B discovered Zenflex through his music. They decided to collaborate after meeting and appreciating each other’s vibes. “It was great to meet someone that could envision and understand the music I wanted to create, who also really believes in me,” beamed LilPixie B, speaking about Zenflex. “I think it’s always so important to have people that fully back your vision around you while working creatively.” After recording the basis for Infocus, Zenflex introduced LilPixie B to AJ, impressing with his lyrics which resonated with her. “When I sent LilPixie B the demo I wasn’t sure what she’d think but she was so gassed and supportive,” recalled AJ. “When I came down to Bristol to work with Zenflex for my EP he introduced us and while working on Infocus, she laid down the hook to one of our other releases, ‘Rise Again’, which was insane.”
Underpinned by a mellow R&B melody, the lyrical themes of Infocus centre on self love after emotionally draining experiences, and in doing so learning to appreciate yourself again. In AJ’s own words, “The meaning of the track is about focusing on yourself and focusing on goals, coming back from anything that brought you down in the past and carrying on after if things seemed difficult.” LilPixie B revealed how her lyrics express the love she found for herself and the inner strength she regained over the process of a break up. “Sometimes we are better off from our losses as we are able to grow from them,” explained LilPixie B. “In most teachable situations you are not able to learn or see the bigger picture until you’re out of that situation, the mist clears and you’re back in focus - when you break it down, this is the main context of the song.”
To help encapsulate the emotions of Infocus visually, AJ & Pixie B enlisted Jonah from Parallel Media with assistance from a choreographer called Bethany. The video was released on LilPixie B’s independent YouTube channel on May 1st, 2022. “One of the key ideas behind the video was the dancers,” said LilPixie B. “I felt it was a brilliant way to show the story within the song and I must say Bethany the choreographer created a beautiful piece, which her and Styli both performed perfectly.” Alongside the dancing there are isolated scenes of LilPixie B and AJ performing the song, enhancing the mood with intricate special effects; snow which provides a cold, realistic feel as well as red roses to evoke the senses of love and warmth. “They definitely have an eye-catching feel,” added AJ. “It brings light to some of the words that me and Pixie speak about. I think Jonah filmed and edited these visuals very well, and definitely got the feel of the song intertwined with the shots.”
“Infocus is also part of my upcoming EP ‘Glass ceilings’ which will be out later in the year,” continued Pixie B. “The main focus of the project is about self love and overcoming barriers, especially when it comes to women - hence the name ‘Glass ceilings’. I will be dropping one more single from this, which I will be announcing soon and then the full EP will follow.”
LilPixie B, AJ Hargreaves, thank you for your time.
Photography by Who’s That Jack
Stream Infocus - HERE
Words by Evo