Lexi Todd Shares Jazz Pop Single 'Complacent' for Domestic Violence Awareness Month

In support of National Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, Brooklyn-based singer-songwriter Lexi Todd will be rolling out tracks from her forthcoming EP Maria, Immured, which chronicles a close friend's abusive relationship from Lexi's perspective. The EP tells the true-to-life story of Maria's harrowing journey as she goes from rationalizing her abuser's actions to ultimately gaining the courage to leave him. Lexi's goal is to artistically and thoughtfully spread awareness of the different aspects of abuse-whether physical, verbal, emotional, or sexual-while also inspiring survivors to find their own voice. The first track from the 3-song set, "Complacent," was released yesterday and featured by the feminist music and culture blog, Audiofemme. "Complacent" finds Maria in a relationship defined by serial cheating, lying, blame, and manipulation, yet she continually convinces herself to accept and be satisfied with the situation. Lexi offered to Audiofemme, "I thought it was important to write 'Complacent' from my point of view for a few reasons. Mostly, because that's how I experienced it, so by writing it from my perspective it kept it honest. I wanted to lend a voice to survivors of domestic abuse who may find it difficult to find their own voice, and to encourage all people - not just those directly impacted by [domestic violence] - to speak out in solidarity." "Complacent" will be followed by the second track in the series, "Open Wounds," later this month, which highlights the harmful effects of constant emotional abuse.

As a singer, songwriter, and soul-searcher, Lexi Todd fuses her contemporary influences-such as Hiatus Kaiyote, Emily King, Lake Street Dive, and Phoebe Bridgers-with her go-to icons from childhood-Amy Winehouse, Joss Stone, Fleetwood Mac, and pretty much all of Motown. The result is a sound that she calls "jazz pop," with soulful vocal delivery and a hint of rock-n-roll. She is a dedicated yogi, self-help enthusiast, and women's rights advocate, and often writes about the people close to her in her life, both from their point of view and her own, in hopes of bringing the healing power of music to those around her.

50% of all proceeds from EP sales to be donated to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV). Show your support by sharing the "Complacent" video clip via Instagram (download here). Sample message: October is National Domestic Violence Awareness Month! Help give survivors a voice by supporting the @ncadv #SurvivorSpeaks initiative. Music by @lexitoddmusic. Video by @hearinko.

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