Mexx Heart doesn’t play by the industry’s rules. Raised in Memphis, with a dad spinning Green Day and Van Halen records daily, she’s been carving her sound and story since the early days.
Her latest single, “Deceptive Intentions,” is the kind of dark, haunting track you’d expect to hear as credits roll on a thriller. And that’s exactly where it lands: closing out the Ripp Entertainment film Deceptive Intentions. Heart also had multiple extra roles, including a waitress and an EMT.
She’s no stranger to the film’s director, Robert L. Parker. Since 2017, Heart has worked with Parker as an extra, but she didn’t just stop at acting. She ensured he knew about her music, sending over her material and, eventually, pitching a song for the film. “I wanted to capture that moment when someone realizes they’ve been deceived,” she said in a recent interview with Medium, “and are forced to face harsh truths.”
It's a theme that resonates deeply, especially for those in Memphis, where the story of Vanessa, the film’s protagonist, reflects the real-life struggles of many women.
With her debut album Paper House already racking up over 200k plays on Spotify, Heart is well on her way to indie fame. Releasing music all on her own, Heart has her sights set on a Grammy nod for “Best Song Written for Visual Media,” hoping the song gains enough traction to make it a contender in 2026.
From Memphis to the big screen and back again, Mexx Heart is carving out her unique spot as an artist. And if this is the beginning of her next chapter, we’re in for a ride.
Your career has been a journey of independence and self-discovery. How has stepping away from traditional industry norms empowered or challenged you as an artist?
It's been challenging for sure. I am optimistic, however. In these times, it's very much needed. The music industry is not what it was ten years ago, twenty years ago, or even fifty years ago. The rise and surge of social media have shown that artists can make it without labels. I have a new sense of confidence, knowing that putting my heart, soul, blood, sweat, and tears into something I am passionate about will pay off. Recently, I have been working daily on new music and helping other artists with their goals.
Writing for a film brings a unique kind of pressure to capture someone else’s story. How did you navigate making “Deceptive Intentions” deeply authentic to the film’s storyline while staying true to your voice?
It helped that I had a hand in looking at the script and understanding what the storyline was about. I also saw the film when it came out. If anything, it was a privilege that I'm very proud to have. Some people might not identify with Vanessa or her storyline, and that's okay. Some people can, however, empathize with dark places, mental health and doing whatever you need to do to survive and make it through until the next day. I also kept songs in a style of music that I know that my voice is comfortable in and that I'm personally comfortable in, and it ended up working with the film as well.
“Deceptive Intentions” tackles the moment someone realizes they’ve been deceived. Have you experienced a similar revelation in your life, and how did that experience find its way into this song?
Deception is a funny way to describe it. But I think it's easy to figure out if you know how to navigate people's habits, body language, etc. I've caught numerous former friends talking about me behind my back, and I've grown to be confrontational and calling them out.
Personally, I wouldn't take it to the extreme, like in the film, and just of them, even though I'm sure that would have made things easier, haha. I think what hurts most is genuinely believing that somebody is in your corner and has your back but realizing they never supported you in the first place. That's where the devastation is. I've even given people 2nd chances, believing that person may have grown and changed over time, but I was grossly reminded that I was wrong.
Ultimately, it's knowing that by walking away from that, we'll be stronger than ever. Those feelings are shown in the lyrics, specifically, I think, the chorus. When you believe that everyone is deceptive and out to get you or has ulterior motives, do you trust anyone other than yourself? How do you live like that?
You’ve recently gone independent again after selling the distribution company you worked with for Paper House. How has this impacted your approach to making and releasing music?
Easier, for one. I quickly learned that that distribution company didn't have my best interests in mind, and I've been working for a long time to try to get out of it. Until maybe 2 months(?) ago, "Paper House" didn't belong to me. It belonged to them. I always hate when a small business goes under, but when you've been doing shady practices, it's inevitable. I wish all the luck in the world to the other artists under them who went through the same thing, and many thanks to my current distribution company, who helped me get my album back.
Paper House marked a significant milestone in your career, with over 200k plays on Spotify. How does it feel knowing that so many listeners are connected with it?
Unbelievable. There's no other way to describe that feeling. It's completely unbelievable. I'm honored, I'm grateful, and so many other emotions. To those who connect with it and share the album. Thank you times a million. I wouldn't be here without you, so thank you.