Welcome back to our “12-Question Quest” series, where we catch up with past recipients of the Jersey Shore Jazz & Blues Foundation music scholarships. In this edition, we talk with Lexie LaPlante, who received the JSJBF scholarship in 2021.
The 12-Question Quest
Interviewer Joseph Vincent Riggio
J. Riggio: Where are you currently living?
L. LaPlante: Nashville, TN
J. Riggio: What have you been up to since you received the scholarship?
L. LaPlante: Attended college at LIM College in NYC and graduated with a degree in Fashion Merchandising and was Valedictorian of the class of 2024
J. Riggio: What inspired you to pursue music in the first place?
L. LaPlante: Music has always been apart of my life I used to love to dance and to act and I started taking vocal lessons when I was 8 but it wasn’t until I was in college that I realized I wanted to pursue music professionally
J. Riggio: Who are your current musical role models or mentors, and why?
L. LaPlante: I grew up listening to Jewel and I think that she is who inspired me to start songwriting. I love how Kelsea Ballerini and Megan Moroney have brought pop country to a whole new level and I really look to them.
J. Riggio: How have your goals or aspirations evolved since you received the award?
L. LaPlante: When I received the award I thought I was going to go to college for fashion and to do music to make me happy but my career goals have changed since then and I am now doing music as my full time job.
J. Riggio: Can you share a memorable experience or achievement you’ve had in music since receiving the scholarship?
L. LaPlante: I interned with the Academy of Country Music my final year of college and got to attend the ACM awards in texas and I worked with the PR team and was a part of the execution of the red carpet. I then got to hand out the trophies at the 2024 ACM Honors in Nashville, I got to give awards to Alan Jackson, Luke Bryan, and other amazing artists.
J. Riggio: Can you describe a recent project, performance, or collaboration that was especially meaningful to you?
L. LaPlante: I just played the 2025 Barefoot Country Music Festival in Wildwood, NJ.
J. Riggio: How do you balance music with other aspects of your life now?
L. LaPlante: I don’t think of it as a balance, I think that music is my life now not just a career and the best thing about Nashville is is I am fully surrounded by music and people who love to listen and create music.
J. Riggio: How do you plan to use your music to benefit society or inspire others?
L. LaPlante: I just love making people smile with music whether if it’s at a cover gig on broadway or with my own songs I love to make people feel something but I really love when people feel joy from music.
J. Riggio: Are there any current or upcoming projects or goals you’re excited about?
L. LaPlante: I am currently working on new music so I will have some surprises in store later this year!
J. Riggio: What advice would you give to younger musicians?
L. LaPlante: I’d say to just go for it, you will always have time to pivot but while you’re young you should be taking chances, make the move, meet new people, and try new things. You never know how all of that will pay off.
J. Riggio: Where do you see yourself in the next five years, musically and
L. LaPlante: Personally? To be honest I do not really know, I have goals but I am very happy with what I have accomplished so far and as long as I can keep doing what I love and nothing else everything else will just be a bonus!
Instagram: lexiplaplante