Lex Helgerson Rides Again is the musical project of Portland, Oregon resident Lex. Having been born in Oakland, California, Lex was raised in Portland and now lives there together with her husband and collaborator Dean Vivirito, and her dog Tour Okada.
Lex’s dog lays some claim to the song, Richard Prince, because it was written during the fallow period following a cancelled trip to New Orleans. The cancellation was triggered by Toru’s escape from Lex’s mum’s house, effectively keeping her at home whilst she created the record. A chance near-tragedy from which a creation was born…
Inspired by Lex’s time living in New York, Richard Prince is titled in reference to the artist, and a point in her life where she was just realising her sexuality as a young woman. In her words:
“Richard Prince is inspired by my life in New York City. I lived there twelve years ago, yet writing recently it's like everything from that time has been synthesized; my life then is crystal clear now. Every street corner, every kiss. At the time I was just coming into my sexuality as a young woman, feeling powerful but not really sure how to use and handle that power. It was confusing. Experience has taught me that one's sexuality is something to delight in, and to share, to care for, in a way.”
There is a glassy-eyed emotional weight to Richard Prince, Lex’s over-dubbed vocal betraying some sort of duality, as it sways, alluring and threatening, amidst the slow-keyed melody. There is a jazz-like looseness to the performance, both instrumentation and space coming together to create a sound that is full of tense drama.
Check out Richard Prince below: