Lexi Lemonade Releases “Cinema: Directors Cut” and We Connected with the Artist to Uncover the Magic Behind the Track
- STAFF
- Aug 13
- 10 min read
By: Staff
“Cinema: Directors Cut” is a stunning masterpiece that effortlessly blends raw emotion and cinematic brilliance.
Get ready for a bold and captivating sonic experience. "Cinema: Directors Cut," the latest track from the visionary artist Lexi Lemonade, is here, and it’s nothing short of cinematic.
This track blends grungy violins, lush harmonies, and deep bass undertones, setting the stage for a powerful and commanding vocal performance. The journey from bedroom demo to a full-fledged cinematic piece took years of transformation, and now, it’s ready for the world.
We spoke with Lexi Lemonade to get an inside look into the creation of this highly anticipated release. From her first encounter with the song's raw emotional energy to the challenges of self-production, she took us through the personal and artistic evolution behind the track. What started as a feeling is now an anthem of confidence, vulnerability, and mythic storytelling.
In our conversation, we dive into everything from her process of blending visuals and sound, the influence of mentorship, and what it really means to embrace your inner "main character." Lexi opens up about the late nights filled with doubt, the unexpected techniques that shaped the song, and the pivotal moments that led to this powerful release.
Read on to uncover the full story behind "Cinema: Directors Cut," a song that redefines what it means to truly create and share your art with the world.
Here’s how it went:
Begin Interview:
Hello Lexi Lemonade, we’re thrilled to have you here for this interview! We've had an amazing time exploring your music and diving into your creative journey. Now, we’re even more intrigued to get a deeper look into both your brand and your personal and professional inspirations.
Q. Omg WOW! We went crazy when we heard this: “Cinema: Directors Cut’s” opening with grungy violin that mixes in with your harmony vocals and the bassy undertones were a perfect red carpet moment for your lead to come in and crush it. The gentle flow introduced your powerful commanding vocals that we fell so hard for. Your cadence and tone were absolutely exhilarating. When did you first discover your voice, and what moment in your life shifted it from being something personal and intimate to recording with the intention of sharing it with a worldwide audience, setting the stage for the powerful and viable career we’re witnessing now?
A. Wow, thank you so much! It definitely took me a while to find my voice. When I was younger, I sang all the time, but as I got older, I sort of put myself in a shell. I got tired of making myself small. When you do that, you’re not doing yourself any favors you end up holding back the best parts of yourself and your creativity.
Around 24 or 25, I decided to stop hiding, but it’s really been since completing my Saturn return that I’ve stepped fully into who I am. My twenties taught me what I didn’t want, and now I’m going after everything I do want.
I’ve always carried this dream inside me, but for a long time I was too afraid to explore it. Now, I’m doing it for my inner child and for anyone who’s ever been afraid to follow their dreams. I want them to know it’s okay, it’s safe, and it can be fun to go after what you love. We only live once might as well make the best of it!
Q. You mentioned the song was born out of a ‘feeling.’ What specific emotions or moments in your life were you channeling when you first wrote the demo?
A. When I create, I always approach it experimentally nothing is ever really planned. It’s more of an intuitive process. Cinema grew completely naturally from that space. The cinematic elements, the edge all of it just emerged as I followed the feeling.
It made me feel sexy, like a femme fatale, and that energy became the core of the song. It wasn’t something I set out to craft in a calculated way it was about letting the music lead me and trusting where it wanted to go.
Q. Your artwork and visuals are a huge part of your creative identity. How do you approach the visual elements of your projects, and how does the cover art for Cinema: Directors Cut tie into the themes of the song?
A. For this project, the visuals actually came first I crafted everything around them. Growing up, I admired both actresses and musicians, and I always wanted to merge those worlds. To me, music and movies go hand in hand.
Whenever I make music, I see it as if it’s a movie scene playing in my head. Cinema has always been a huge part of my life I love going to the movies, watching films, and getting lost in those worlds. I think it’s such an incredible talent to create an entire universe and make it feel real on screen. This project was my way of showing respect for that art form, and bringing that same world-building energy into my music visually.
Q. Mentorship played an important role in the development of this track. How did @Hommynav’s guidance shape the final outcome of Cinema: Directors Cut, and what does mentorship mean to you in your artistic journey?
A. When I was making Cinema: Director’s Cut, I decided I wasn’t going to wait for the “perfect moment” to record I took matters into my own hands. That meant the initial version was literally me recording myself at home. I made the first demo using BandLab… and honestly, I had no idea what I was doing 😂.
That’s where King Virgogh came in. He helped me shape the initial sound and gave me priceless tips on properly recording like how to avoid clipping, distortion, and other issues that can mess with your track. As an artist I am always learning and I am never against it. I think staying open to learning is how we grow as artists and people in general. He shared so much valuable insight, and I recommend him to anyone working on music independently. He also offers mixing and mastering services, so if you need that extra polish, he’s the guy.
Q. The concept of being the "main character" is central to your work. How do you hope your listeners engage with Cinema: Directors Cut—do you want them to feel like they're watching your story unfold, or do you want them to see their own narratives reflected in it?
A. I would definitely love for listeners to see their own narratives in it. Even though I’m singing from my perspective, I believe we’re all the main characters in our own lives. I want people to have fun with it to feel sexy, empowered, and ready to take on the world.
Cinema is that song you put on when you’re feeling yourself, getting dressed up, and fully owning your moment. It’s about knowing the world is in your hands and not being afraid or ashamed to love on yourself. When you celebrate yourself, you actually show up as a better person in the world and you can celebrate others, too.
Q. You mentioned sitting on this track for almost five years before releasing it. What was it that made you finally decide it was time to let it speak for itself?
A. Part of it was just divine timing I wasn’t ready for the track when I first created it. Sometimes I’ll go back and listen to my old demos of unreleased music, and this one really struck a chord with me. It was so different and stood out from everything else I had. I think I just got that little nudge to finally release it… and the rest is herstory.
Q. You started this track in your bedroom, then collaborated with engineers like David L. Martins and John Burke. What was the most challenging part of producing this track on your own, and how did collaborating with professionals shape your vision for the final version?
A. My main issue was mixing — getting the volume and clarity right, especially with vocals recorded at home. Every time I tried recording, I ran into technical problems like feedback, which got really frustrating. I must’ve recorded the song over 50 times 😂.
Fortunately, I was able to secure time at DLM Studios with David, and the vocal quality improved tenfold. That really saved the song!
Then John Burke stepped in to add the finishing touches, shaping the final sound and bringing everything together perfectly.
Q. Can you tell us how you landed on the title Cinema: Directors Cut?
A. The original CINEMA was actually an instrumental I made back in 2021, which I released separately on streaming. It only has like two vocals on it 😂 it’s really the soundtrack to all your main character moments.
DIRECTOR’S CUT is the full version my official take, with my narrative and the complete vision brought to life. (All I need now is a fire music video 😂🍿). I felt Director’s Cut was the perfect title because I produced, wrote, co-mixed, and sang the track myself. The song is literally a creative extension of me.
Q. As a teaser description, what would you tell someone about this song to intrigue them about its meaning if you only had 1 sentence to get them interested in listening to it?
A. Think of it like movie scenes for your imagination, cinematic alt-R&B with a touch of magic
Q. Let’s build a summer playlist around Cinema: Directors Cut. What three other tracks absolutely need to be on it, and why?
A. Oh shit, I just came across songs like Main Character by Chxrry, CUNTY by Maleigh Zan, and of course not new but Beyoncé’s Partition. They all evoke that sexy, bad bitch goddess energy — like different scenes from the same movie where the main character is absolute cinema 😉.
That’s exactly the energy I’m channeling with my music owning your power and living your story like you’re the star of your own film. Making the playlist right now as we speak !
Q. What do you want Cinema: Directors Cut to say about you as an artist right now?
A. I’m stepping fully into my power and what makes me Lexi Lemonade. I’m not afraid to be different or explore the unknown. I’m as experimental as ever and most importantly, I’m having fun doing it.
Q. What is the most unexpected sound or technique you used in Cinema: Directors Cut that listeners might not catch at first?
A. Definitely the karate chops 😂😂😂 bringing that cinematic flare, literally. And just so you know, I’m not playing around! We’re fully committed, putting everything into this.
I’m tapping into flow not really singing or rapping, just letting my voice do whatever it wants naturally. It’s raw, real, and I think that edge really brings the song to life.
Q. You mentioned late nights filled with doubt. Was there a specific moment during this song's creation that really tested your faith in the project, and how did you work through it?
A. When I tell you recording at home kicked my butt, I mean it. I had to record at all kinds of odd hours — like 2 AM, 3 AM — whenever my kids were asleep. Some takes I even did in my car during work breaks, literally using my phone’s microphone. It wasn’t easy.
At one point, I seriously thought about scrapping the song. But I made a promise to myself to finish and not overthink it. And here we are now — we did it, lol!
Q. Your self-production on this track is an inspiring leap. How do you feel about being a hands-on artist in every aspect of the song’s creation—from writing to production to the visual design?
A. It all feels so natural to me and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way. My goal is for my sound to truly sound like me. I don’t want to sound like anyone else.
Production plays a big role in that, but I know it can be hard because people don’t always know how to categorize me. They recognize it’s different, though, and I think that’s where the magic lies.
That’s true for visuals too. Everything I create, I want it to feel natural and authentic to who I am.
Q. We’d love to dive deeper into the story behind your artist name, “Lexi Lemonade.” Now that we’ve had a chance to experience your music, it’s clear that your fans will be equally curious about the meaning behind the name that accompanies your sound. How does ‘Lexi Lemonade’ connect to the music you create, what significance does it hold for you personally, and what is the origin or backstory behind the name?
A. Lexi Lemonade definitely came from my actual love for lemonade lol. I got the nickname before I even knew I was going to be an artist and it just stuck with me.
With my debut Flavors, I really started exploring the different sides of myself. I’m a multidimensional person, and that’s something I love bringing into my music and art.
Q. And finally, what’s next? We can't thank you enough for sharing these intimate details! Can you give us the inside scoop on your upcoming projects and what fans should be excited about? We'd love to be the first to share the news!
A. I definitely have two projects and some exciting collaborations already lined up I can’t wait for them to come to life and share that energy with everyone. But for now, I’m inviting everyone to really dive into Cinema: Director’s Cut and experience this chapter of my journey. There’s so much more coming, and I’m just getting started!
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PS: we also heard that it is available for order on VINYL August 12! - please tell us more about this and how to get it!!!!
I’m really excited to share that Cinema: Director’s Cut is now available on vinyl. In today’s digital world, I wanted to create something tangible a physical artifact that preserves this moment and this chapter of my artistry forever.
This vinyl, Cinema: The Artifact, includes not just Director’s Cut, but also Orion House of Bellaire, a private message, and one of my very first songs, Drip. It’s a way for me to connect with listeners on a deeper level and offer them a piece of my journey in a form that feels lasting and special.
The release is limited edition, + comes with a booklet, so I hope fans will grab one before they’re gone. It’s truly a labor of love and a celebration of this era of my music.
Get it on my website directly at lexilemonade.com or via elastic stage
Lexi Lemonade, thank you so much! We appreciate you taking the time to talk to us.
End Interview
We’re happy to have shared Lexi Lemonade’s exciting journey with you and uncovered such inspiring insights about their creative process.
