Have you heard of Xana? Well, now you have! Check out her music and give her some love! Let’s see what she has to say in her interview!
First off, What’s up with your name? Is there a story behind it?
Xana is my legal birth name! My mom wanted to name me Oksana, which is a Russian name, but my dad wasn’t sold, so they tweaked it to Xana.
Tell us about your musical past, would you tell us about your early years?
I always knew I wanted to make music and be an artist, so when I was 5 I started violin and music theory lessons, and when I was 10 I started singing lessons. My parents always supported and nurtured anything artistic and creative which I feel so grateful for. I started writing when I was in middle school, but never shared it with anyone. I had a couple little high school bands, but I really started writing for my solo project near the end of 2018, and recording at the beginning of 2020.
How would you describe your sound?
I usually describe my sound as anti-pop or dark pop. I like all genres of music so I tend to dip my toes in different pools of sound with my songs, but they’re all rooted in pop.
Which artists have the biggest influence on your sound?
Taylor Swift and Halsey have had the biggest influence on me in terms of songwriting and what I stand for/strive to be as an artist. Other artists that I’ve drawn inspiration from over the years would be artists like Ryn Weaver, Lennon Stella, Lana Del Rey, Dermot Kennedy, The 1975 and the 80’s/90’s rock music my dad would always play when I was growing up.
What’s the last song you listened to?
I’m currently listening to a playlist of all my favorite songs & artists as I’m writing out these answers, and the song playing right now is “Knew You” by Kailee Morgue. I love her and her music.
What’s your source for hearing new music?
Usually on Spotify, I like to sleuth through new playlists or radio playlists for certain song/artists I like, or if my friends share music/playlists with me, but also social media like tiktok, youtube etc.
Who is your dream producer?
Jack Antonoff. Aaron Dessner. Jennifer Decilveo. Kito. Pink Slip.
If you could collaborate with anyone, who would it be?
Taylor Swift. or Fletcher. or The Killers.
What led you to music, and what motivates you to keep making it?
I always had music around me since I was a baby so I feel like I was always meant to pursue music, but Avril Lavigne was a huge inspiration for me from a very young age and very much made me realize that I wanted to be a rockstar like her when I grew up. Then I just continued to be mind blown by other artists, and my love for music, writing and performing just continued to flourish. Now, I don’t know what I would do with myself or how I would function if I couldn’t make music. It’s less of a choice, more of a necessary means of survival at this point.
Tell us about the songwriting process. How does it all come together?
Songwriting is still such a mystery to me. Sometimes I don’t write anything I like for a couple weeks then out of nowhere I write my new favorite song. Sometimes the faucet stays on and I can’t stop writing, other times it’s like a drought. But usually it starts with a lyric, or a melody and then it flows from there. And I’m always in the mindset of “how can I make this song the best it can possibly be?” It’s always a curious process.
How do you connect with your audience? What is the easiest way for them to connect with you?
I interact with my fanbase quite often, on as many platforms as I can. Obviously with the way the music industry is these days, I try to stay as active as I can on tiktok, but twitter is honestly the easiest platform for me to engage with my audience because we can have conversations all together, and I love creeping them and seeing what they’re talking about/enjoying these days. My fans are also the funniest people ever and they kill me with all the memes and jokes they make. They make fun of me a lot. Keeps me humble.
https://linktr.ee/xanaofficial
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/5Ui0TOcqUVmXQORMMkMaD3?si=lfoNnTk9RGK7t4dcWyyctw
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xanaofficial_/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/xanaofficial_
TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@xanaofficial
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/XanaOfficialx
Merch Store: https://xanaofficial.com/shop-pd/
Official Website: https://xanaofficial.com/
Bet You’ll Get Off On This Spotify Playlist: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/7cI87iBQQ7CTLHy4XvEEH9?si=6a2191ffe3274e3b
What’s next for you?
I have a handful of singles coming out in 2023 that I’m really excited about! And I’m so happy to be making music full time now and building this second album! So far it’s been a really fun process and I’ve learned a lot with Tantrums, so I’m excited to improve and challenge myself further. I will hopefully be playing more shows and touring in 2023 as well which is what I’m most looking forward to. I can’t wait to see everyone’s sweet faces screaming my songs back at me.
Bio:
Xana is an emerging pop powerhouse. Her command of pop music keeps her songwriting enthralling, and her powerful vocals glide across the most intimate storytelling and worldbuilding with intoxicating vibrance. Encompassing themes of LGBTQ romance, female empowerment, sex positivity and self-reflection, Xana is one to watch.
