Peruvian-born singer-songwriter, producer and multi-instrumentalist Monica Velasquez, working under the name Rexxy, has developed a distinctive musical identity through atmospheric synth-pop, nostalgic electronic textures and imaginative storytelling. Since her debut in 2013, she has built an independent catalogue that combines intimate emotional expression with an increasingly ambitious creative vision.
Her latest single ‘Could Be You’ is taken from her concept album 'Futura', which follows a girl from another world travelling to Earth in search of love. Set against the backdrop of a karaoke bar, the track captures a pivotal moment of unspoken attraction, exploring longing, emotional uncertainty and the mysterious desire for human connection.
So with the new single out now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
I guess it would have to be the bass guitar. I sang to myself as a kid, and my aunt taught me a little piano when I was six, but the bass was the instrument that really captured my attention.
I was around ten or eleven. My stepdad was really into salsa music then, and he kept maracas, a conga, a güiro, and a Peavey bass in his closet. He’d play Willie Colon and shake the maracas, and the whole room would be bumping. I’d wait until he and my mom went out, then sneak into their bedroom and pull the bass out of the closet.
I had no idea how to play, but I was intrigued and determined. There was something about the deep sound and the thicker strings that felt so different and cool. I still love the sound of the strings, and bright strings on a bass are the ultimate cherry on top for me.
I taught myself to play later, I like to play bass with a pick too. As a teenager, I heard Peter Hook play bass, and I was hooked, no pun intended. I’ve spent the last twenty years chasing that sound he’s so famous for. There’s pure magic in it. It feels surreal, like the bass can talk and that doubler chorus sound of his bass can carry an emotion, a continuous moving expression of the heart.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
I grew up in Lima, Peru so as a toddler I listened to the boleros my family played at home: Julio Jaramillo, Los Tres Ases, and Los Angeles Negros. Then there were the old ballads by Jose Jose, Juan Gabriel, Jeanette, and Daniela Romo, which I still listen to today. After that, I got into Spanish synth-pop like La Union, Hombres G, and Los Prisioneros.
When I was a young teenager, we moved to the States, and I got into grunge and alternative music. I loved Smashing Pumpkins, Stone Temple Pilots, Nine Inch Nails, The Cure, Deftones, and more.
Music was such an obsession for me. I’d sit in my room, read lyrics, and try to feel and understand the emotions in the songs. I did that a lot with Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness. I’d listen to “Lily” and “By Starlight” and read the lyrics like they were pure poetry, which they really are. The words and music would make me cry. I love how deeply music can move you. A certain note, a change of key, and my eyes would fill with tears.
As a teenager, I was a little embarrassed by how sensitive I was to music. Now I see it as a superpower. Being able to feel music so deeply that it moves you like that is something special.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first album I bought with my own money was The Cure’s 1993 live album, Show. I didn’t know it was a live album at the time, I just wanted to hear “Friday I’m in Love” and “Pictures of You.” But I didn’t care, it was a great album anyway. I may still have it somewhere at my mom’s place. I should go look for it.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Wow, that’s a hell of a question! I’ve actually never thought about it before. One song that feels close to my own musical world is “Blurry Moon” by Charlotte Gainsbourg. The first time I heard it, I thought, “Wow, this is so beautiful.” Some of my music can be pretty dreamy, but Charlotte took that dreaminess to another level. It’s hauntingly beautiful. I love that song. <3
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I meditate more intensely. When I need to focus or get into the right headspace to write, meditation helps me release emotion and connect with my inner feelings and ideas. It’s a way of looking inside yourself and picking up on things that are deep within.
I believe we all have a melody, or a group of melodies we feel comfortable writing in. Meditation helps me get closer to that melodic part of my soul, capture the feelings, and translate them into ideas that can become music, art, or whatever creative project I’m working on.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
I recently discovered a band from the 90’s called Snake Corps. They have a cool 80’s and 90’s alternative new-wave sound, but they’re pretty unknown. They’re definitely a gem of a band.
I also listen to a lot of old B-sides and obscure unreleased projects. I really love “Never Never” by The Assembly. I recently went down a Vince Clarke rabbit hole and found that song. It’s so beautiful.
I’ve also been listening to Rabito’s 1973 album “Amarte, Amarte una Vez Mas y No Me Marchare”, which I picked up in August at a record shop in central Lima.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Honestly, I’d love to open for Peter Hook & The Light. I saw them live this past September at the Paramount in Brooklyn, and it was an incredible show!
Opening for him would be amazing, not only because I look up to Hooky so much, but because he’s had such a huge influence on my musical journey and my bass compositions. I wrote him a letter a while back, and he wrote back. He was so sweet and supportive. He’s been a big inspiration to me, so opening for him would be the cherry on top of all the cherries!
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
The most rewarding part is when people come up to me and tell me how much one of my songs means to them. I played a show recently, and a guy came up afterward and told me how much the songs connected with him. It also means a lot when friends tell me how much they enjoy my music.
And the best part is getting to create from the heart, to put what’s inside me, inside my soul out into the world and share it with others. I’ve had a little trouble connecting with people in the past. I’m not much of a social butterfly or an extrovert, so when I can connect with someone through my music, and they can understand me through it, I appreciate that so much.
And what is the most frustrating part?
I guess my least favorite part is social media and creating content. I can communicate through music, but creating content, getting likes, and building a community of fans has always been a struggle.
Like I said, I’m not an extrovert, so being social has always been a bit tough for me. But it’s something I’m working on because I do want to get better. Even if I don’t always know what to say, maybe I can find different ways to connect with the world. Who knows…
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
I don’t remember where I heard this, but I’m sure we’ve all heard some version of this. Make music because you love the act of making it, because it makes you feel complete and fills you with love, purpose, and magic.
Do it to fill your soul and your heart, and to find peace within yourself. Music is such a beautiful outlet, and the process of making it feels sacred to me. Like a prayer, or a kind of active meditation. Music is love, music is art, so love what’s in you!
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Rexxy's new single 'Could Be You' is out now. Check it out in the player below.