Jemma Pixie Hixon – Pull Fear From The Inside (2022)
Inspired by diverse artists ranging from Britney Spears and The Smiths to No Doubt and The Cure, singer-songwriter Jemma Pixie Hixon is a melting pot of sound. Embracing performing arts as a toddler, Hixon could often be found copying dance routines on TV while singing aloud. Alright, many toddlers dance and sing, but Jemma Pixie Hixon was taking on complex material with a determined passion. At 13 years of age, Hixon made her first appearance on live TV when appearing on and winning BBC 1’s The Saturday Show competition.
Reputed for energetic and engaging performances, Jemma Pixie Hixon is viewed as a confident performer; however, behind the scenes she dealt with anxiety and panic attacks which has led to severe agoraphobia. The thing is, while she is fearful of crowds, she continues to build a large following of her strong live presence – all through the internet. Amassing over 17 million followers on YouTube, her conversation about mental health and dealing with it is reaching audiences across the globe. I could carry on about her videos and featured pieces on MTV, Kerrang and the BBC World Service, but I want us to take a gander at her debut single ‘Pull Fear From The Inside’.
Born from a desire to vocalise what living with a mental health condition feels like, ‘Pull Fear From The Inside’ touches on anxiety, vulnerability, inner conflict and human fragility. Using a combination of synths, electronic beats and dynamic guitars, Hixon navigates these overwhelming emotions in a mind-bending musical journey. Tossing you into a whirlpool of sound, ‘Pull Fear From The Inside’ sends you spinning from the first beat. The interesting thing is how the symphonic textures represent different emotions, but as prominent as each emotion is the mental experience is wrapped in a kaleidoscopic whole.
While the melodic arrangement can hold its own as a representation of living with mental health, Hixon’s vocals insert an intimate intensity into the single. Using a personal narrative, she is able to connect with audiences on a deeper level. The transition from hushed to raised tones not only demonstrates her versatility but also the individual push and pull of dealing with mental health conditions. Yet, while the combination of vocals and instrumentation is a sonic expression of what goes on in this person’s head, there is an empowerment as she pulls fear from the inside to deal with the situation.
For more from Jemma Pixie Hixon check out her official website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Spotify.
