Multidisciplinary Chicago artist and indigenous activist, PHNX, radiates light to us all through the perseverance and confidence in her art. She proudly represents the strength her Lipan Apache, Guachichil Chichimeca, Afro-Indigenious, and Mexica roots have ingrained in her. Due to this, her vibrance is impossible to ignore.  The trauma of loss and injustice of displacement are deeply rooted in the story of her people, who were the first with a spiritual connection to the land we now proclaim the United States of America, and she is working to make sure this story does not go untold.

For PHNX, her Rough Draft story began on a train that connected the two sides of the city, each one offering a differing perspective of the realities of present day Chicago. Forced to endure a long train ride to visit her separated parents, her time was often spent painting, sculpting, writing, creating musical concepts, and envisioning her future-self. This difficult situation not only built a relationship with her brother and all four of her parents that continues to this day, but also forged a creative foundation that would provide an outlet in years to come.

Bullying, struggles with identity, unstable living arrangements, and a taxing relationship all eventually led to PHNX having anxiety and depression. However, instead of giving in, she used her music, art, and creativity as an internal light and a way to tell her story.

Often unsure of her place in the world as a young girl, the trials she endured throughout her lifetime forged her into an artist and person that truly promotes the value of embracing who we are. As she herself says, “my experience with lack of necessities and displacement really taught me patience, and connected me and reminded me of my ancestors and relations who have and are still struggling”.

During our conversation with PHNX, she mentioned that she’s working with Chicago’s own, Vic Mensa, and said, “I was so honored; it’s crazy working with someone you were inspired by musically”. She also mentioned that while working with someone she admires is great, being able to help the community and fight social injustice are equally as important to her. PHNX’s dedication to social justice can be seen through her work with organizations such as SaveMoneySaveLife and her membership in the International Youth Council. The latter, which was founded in Standing Rock, focuses on fighting against social inequalities on behalf of colored and indigenous peoples, while the former is an organization that uplifts youth through creative cultural expression.

Through her appearance in 93PUNX, Vic Mensa, and Good Charlotte’s “it’s a bad dream” music video, and the time she spends collaborating during studio sessions, her work is beginning to take shape. When asked by Rough Draft Magazine to speak on the value of her rough drafts, she whole-heartedly responded, “my rough drafts are my medicine; this is sacred to me”.

To see more on PHNX, visit her website @ www.phnx.world