Born to russian parents in Germany and relocating to the UK at 15, NXKXTA initially harboured dreams of becoming a designer however when lockdown hit she began to pursue the musical journey she was destined for. Collaborating with acclaimed producers Will Vaughan (Universal Music) and Steven Graham Ansell (Blood Red Shoes), NXKXTA embarked on her remarkable journey to craft a visual album which explores uneasy and crucial themes including consent, eating disorders, attachment styles and the complexities of breakups. Set for release in March 2024, NXKXTA’s debut album is more than just a collection of songs – it’s a powerful statement of empathy and understanding; just accompanied with deep guitar riffs and ethereal vocals. 

The fourth release of her album “EPHEBOPHILE” delves into a topic that demands our attention within the music industry. Through its lyrics, this song discusses the normalisation of the sexualising of adolescence in the modern world, with a particular focus on the long term effects on the survivors. NXKXTA’s music is an unfiltered window into the human experience, no matter how uncomfortable that may be. Her lyrics and voice serve as a beacon in a generation where many voices are stifled. “EPHEBOPHILE” is a haunting musical exploration which features deep guitar riffs and hazy vocals. The result is a sound that is as alluring as it is unsettling – a reflection of the complex subject matter at hand. 

“I repeatedly would stumble across disturbing conversations about artists I admired and their conduct with teenagers. So, I couldn’t help but look into the topic further, and I was stunned to find out that ‘teen’ is the number one searched word in pornography worldwide. It made me realise just how normalised grooming and sexualization at a very young age was in my own adolescence and how it shaped me and the teenagers around me.“

What NXKXTA brings to the forefront is a pervasive issue. She passionately explains, “It is especially prevalent in the creative industries due to either the lack of laws and regulations or due to the multitude of loopholes that hinder the protection of children and adolescents. We are finally seeing this topic gaining traction in mainstream media, with more individuals opening up about their experiences. However, it is still not safe for survivors to come forward, and they currently pay a steep personal price for doing so. I believe that as a society, we really have to work towards changing this.“

NXKXTA’s “EPHEBOPHILE” is a step towards that change and through her music she is opening a long overdue dialogue in the music industry, addressing issues that have lingered in the shadows for far too long. Her work is not just a sonic journey: it’s a call to action. In a world where artist’s normally shy away from the uncomfortable, NXKXTA is a breath of fresh air and we’re proud to showcase her journey here on The New Age Mag. Keep an eye out for the rest of her debut album to be released in March 2024.