Dumb Blonde Podcast Episode Summary: Alexandra Kay: Never Look Back

Host: Bunnie XO (Bunnie)
Guest: Warren

Introduction to the Episode

In this episode of the Dumb Blonde Podcast, hosted by Bunnie XO, the spotlight shines on Warren, a dedicated musician navigating the tumultuous waters of the music industry. The conversation delves deep into Warren's personal and professional journey, highlighting his resilience, growth, and the lessons learned along the way.

Early Life and Background [04:12]

Warren opens up about his roots, sharing insights into his upbringing and family dynamics.

• Place of Origin:
  "I was born in Missouri, Southern Illinois, so I'm, like, right on the border."
  (04:21)

• Family Ties:
  "I have two sisters, and I'm the middle child, so I'm, like, best friends with both of them."
  (09:46)
  Warren emphasizes the close-knit relationship with his sisters, forged through shared experiences like competitive softball, which played a pivotal role in shaping his determination and work ethic.

Musical Beginnings and Early Challenges [13:21]

Warren reflects on his first foray into music, intertwining it with personal struggles during his formative years.

• First Love and Trauma Bonds:
  "My first boyfriend was from 13 to 18... he was very heavy into drugs, and it became a physically abusive relationship."
  (14:19)

• Turning to Music as a Coping Mechanism:
  "I started writing, like, just diary entries, and those turned into poems. And then I just started hearing melodies, and I just started writing songs."
  (16:17)

Warren candidly discusses how his tumultuous first relationship led him to channel his emotions into songwriting, laying the foundation for his future career.

Navigating the Music Industry [22:12]

The conversation shifts to Warren's initial steps into the music business, highlighting both successes and setbacks.

• First Record Deal and Creative Struggles:
  "My creative freedom just completely went out the window with that deal... I had no creative control."
  (25:17)

• Reality of Record Labels:
  "I've never seen any money from them. They still own everything. How is that legal?"
  (26:22)

Warren exposes the harsh realities of signing with record labels, sharing his experiences of losing creative control and not benefiting financially from his work.

Rise Through Social Media [57:00]

Warren attributes a significant portion of his resurgence to strategic use of social media platforms.

• Viral Success on TikTok:
  "I posted 'I Kind of Don't' and it became my first number one on iTunes... labels started sliding into my DMs."
  (59:37)

• Strategic Posting:
  "I started posting just little clips of me singing here and there, playing a little guitar. Nothing happened, of course."
  (62:05)

Through persistent posting and leveraging TikTok's algorithm, Warren revitalized his music career, turning viral moments into tangible success.

Personal Growth and Relationships [46:52]

Warren delves into his decade-long relationship, its challenges, and eventual dissolution.

• Enduring a Long-Term Relationship:
  "We were together for, yeah, 11 years... we grew apart."
  (32:18)

• Strength to Move On:
  "I was not in love anymore, so I wanted him to go find love and be happy."
  (52:03)

This segment highlights the emotional toll of ending a long-term relationship, emphasizing the importance of personal happiness and growth.

Building a Supportive Network [71:40]

The importance of a reliable support system is a recurring theme throughout the episode.

• Founding Team and Trust:
  "We work so well together... 12 people on one bus, and we are literally family."
  (76:28)

• Meeting Manager Beth:
  "Beth checked me out and then became my manager... we just became best friends."
  (72:05)

Warren underscores the necessity of surrounding oneself with trustworthy individuals who share the same vision and work ethic.

Future Endeavors and Continued Growth [83:25]

Looking ahead, Warren shares his aspirations and plans for furthering his music career.

• Second Record Deal:
  "I'm working on my second record right now... it's got a lot of pop going on in there."
  (82:09)

• Expanding His Team:
  "I'm really excited to take that step and expand our team... they believe in me and my music."
  (82:25)

Warren is poised to evolve his sound, integrating country with rock and pop influences, while also seeking fair and artist-friendly partnerships.

Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The episode concludes on a positive note, celebrating Warren's achievements and steadfast determination. Bunnie praises Warren's integrity and the authenticity he brings to his work, ensuring his listeners appreciate the depth of his journey beyond social media fame.

Notable Quotes

• On Overcoming Early Struggles:
  "We were just always traveling, so... it's what made me ready for this kind of lifestyle because it was just work, work, work."
  (11:41)

• On Resilience:
  "If you wouldn't have gone through that first record deal... you wouldn't have known to stand up for yourself then."
  (42:06)

• On Teamwork:
  "We are literally family. We do everything together."
  (76:28)

• On Personal Growth:
  "Now I'm around for a while... you've earned your stripes."
  (81:58)

Where to Follow Warren

For listeners looking to connect with Warren beyond the podcast, follow him on:

• Instagram: @AlexandraKmusic
• Facebook: Alexandra K Music
• TikTok: @AlexandraKmusic
• Twitter: @AlexandraKmusic

Don't miss out on Warren's latest projects and live performances as he continues to make waves in the music industry.

This summary encapsulates the essence of the "Dumb Blonde" podcast episode featuring Warren, providing listeners with a comprehensive overview of his inspiring journey.