Xana – bet you’ll get off on this

By starrymag | February 7, 2023

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound?

 

A) Although, I like to try something new with every song I make, it’s all rooted in pop, and I guess you could say my genre is anti-pop. I like making weird sounds out of non-traditional instruments and I do whatever I can to bring as much emotion into my music as possible. It’s something to not only be listened to but felt.

 

Q) Who are some of your musical influences?

 

A) Taylor Swift and Halsey are my top girlies, for sure, and also artists like Ryn Weaver, Dermot Kennedy and Julia Michaels for both their sound and songwriting.

 

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “bet you’ll get off on this.”

 

A) “Bet you’ll get off on this” is about realizing you were wrong about someone that you’ve loved and defended for so long and finally seeing a side of them that just doesn’t sit right with you anymore. It’s the moment you see things for how they really are and as disappointing as that may feel. It’s also closure.

 

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

 

A) I think everyone can sadly relate to loving someone who doesn’t treat you the way you deserve. Sometimes you recognize that and you still love them anyway. But the moment their grab on you no longer has any effect, it’s a very relieving and freeing feeling.

 

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it?

 

A) I spent a lot of time alone during that relationship; reflecting, writing, trying to be better, waiting for texts, waiting for calls, waiting for them to be better, overthinking, etc.…So, the video is exactly how that experience looked from the outside in. Existing alone trying to make a one-sided relationship work and the ease of walking away from it once you’re ready to.

 

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics?

 

A) It’s different all the time but usually I start with lyrics and build the music from there! Sometimes, like with “Kitchen Light,” I had a little loop of music that I wrote to. Music first or lyrics first can bring out a different side of songwriting altogether, but as long as it comes naturally, that’s what’s important to me.

 

Q) You’ve been working with Liam Moes and Shane Stephenson as producers, but how much of a say do you have in the production of your music?

 

A) I have complete say in every aspect of my music, thankfully. Shane and Liam are so good at capturing my vision and we work extremely well as a team, so all ideas are welcome. Even if one of us thinks we should do something differently, we make our case and by the end of it we’re always on the same page. I’m really thankful to have found two brilliant and talented producers that care about my art just as much as I do.

 

Q) Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) Halsey or Upsahl would be an absolute dream collab!

 

Q) Will there be a full album or EP coming in the new year? 

 

A) I’m currently working on my second album, but until that time comes I have a handful of stand-alone singles coming out in the meantime. [smiles]

 

Q) What album/band are you currently listening to and why do you dig them? 

 

A) I just dove into Ethel Cain last week, specifically her album Preachers Daughter, and I’m just blown away with how brilliantly executed that album is. I’m a huge fan of concept album and I’m just so impressed with her storytelling, lyricism, production – all of it.

 

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

 

A) Especially since I haven’t toured yet (soon, I promise!) social media is the main tool I have to connect with my fans and our relationship is so important to me. The artists I have felt the most connected to prioritize their relationship with their fans, so you really felt like you were part of something special, a community, and I’ve always wanted to be able to provide that to my people. Especially since the majority of my fans are queer, it’s so important to me that they feel seen and heard and valued. By me connecting with them via social media, they’re also able to connect with each other and it’s such beautiful experience.

 

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work?

 

A) That I appreciate every single person who listens and shares my music, from the bottom of my heart. Thank you. I see you because you see me.