As those warm summer evening approach we look to energetic music to keep us going into the those summer nights. June’s Zone’s Band of the Month, XANA, is the soundtrack to those nights.
Victoria’s XANA [Pronounced EX-Anna] is genre-blending artist that takes inspiration from pop, rock, electronic, and alternative sounds to craft something uniquely her own. Xana’s approach to songwriting is fearless and unapologetically personal. Her music encompasses themes of LGBTQ romance, female empowerment, sex positivity, self reflection, and discovery.
On a blustery mid-May evening, Rocktographers got together with XANA for a windswept stroll through Victoria’s scenic Beacon Hill Park to chat about being an emerging artist in the midst of a pandemic and the creative process.
Rocktographers would like to thank our good friend and collaborator Adam Lee from Victoria Music Scene for filming our shoot and interview with XANA. Watch the video here, or below, right after the interview!
Tyson Elder: Welcome to the Band of the Month, Xana.
Xana: Thank you!
TE: It’s been a long road and you’ve been working towards this for the last little while. You’re a fairly new and emerging artist in the Victoria scene but you’ve created a lot of content in the last couple months, and your second single, Pray, is going to be your Band of the Month single. When I listened to the song I found it very open, honest and raw. I felt that coming through in your lyrics and your songwriting. Could you speak a little bit more about your single, Pray, for The Zone’s Band of the Month?
Xana: I really wanted to make a song that was everything that a woman is and that loving women is like. It was very like edgy, badass, honest, and very kind of delicate in its own way. I really pride myself on writing very openly and honestly, and being very vulnerable.
TE: It’s not an easy thing to write like that in any form. Whether it is writing essays or music. What makes you want to write more emotionally honest songs like that over fictionalized situations?
Xana: I think that the music I’ve strongly connected with in the past usually tends to be very vulnerable and personal songs and experiences. It’s just what makes sense to me to write about and it comes very easily. I probably overshare a little bit too much in my writing but that’s just what it is for me.
TE: I like to say you’re open and honest, but your songs are still… fucking bangers. [Both laugh] Every time I’ve listened to any of your songs, I am immediately hooked and tapping my toes. You don’t often find those connections from such high energy songs and such open and honest lyrics. I know I keep saying honest, but that sort of songwriting can be difficult and I have to commend you on that.
Xana: Thank you.
TE: You’ve shot a couple of music videos and done a lot of work with one of our founding members of Rocktographers, Lindsey Blane. Could you tell me a bit about your music videos? Again, I feel they follow that your songwriting trajectory and very much depict what you’re singing about in your songs. Could you speak on your process of making your music videos? Do you come to Lindsey with ideas?
Xana: Yeah, usually either while I’m writing I can kind of get an idea for a video or a story in my head. Or while we’re recording a song and I’m spending like hours and hours listening to it over and over again. Then I take my ideas to Lindsey and we see what we can do and figure out how to make it work… especially in COVID times. She’s been like so good at taking all of my crazy ideas and making it happen.
TE: That’s Lindsey. She can do anything. She’s amazing.
Xana: She’s a baller.
TE: There’s some striking imagery in those music videos and in particularly, Pray. It was a wonderful music and it’s very cinematic to watch and follow along with your song.
[Editor’s Note: Stop what you are doing and watch Xana’s video for Pray right now!]
TE: What’s the future like for you?
Xana: Well, I just started a new era if you will. I had the Goddess/Prey debut and I just put out a new song in March called, Tipsy. Which is still a very high energy track while still very honest and vulnerable. Then I have another song called, Yellow, coming out June 4th. That one is a whole new kind of side to things that we may not have heard already but I’m really excited for that one. It’s gonna be a thing.
TE: Now because of COVID and everything I personally have not seen you perform live. How much live performance have you done in the past? Obviously this is a new project and your own project, but did you perform with anybody beforehand?
Xana: Yeah, before this project I was in a band for a couple of years and we did some live performing. We toured across Canada and that was really great. I think that ended in about 2017 or so, so it’s been a long time since I’ve been on this stage and I don’t know when I’m going to get back on the stage, but hopefully soon?
TE: Are you excited?
Xana: Yeah, I have so many ideas and plans. It’s really exciting to think about.
TE: I’m sure with your music live it’s going to bring a whole new energy to everything. I’m very excited.
Xana: Thank you. Me too!
TE: First and foremost, we’re concert photographers and to see stellar local performances is always something we cherish.
Xana: I’m just really excited for the rest of the year, because I have a lot of upcoming projects and exciting projects coming. I wish I could tell you more, but you’re gonna have to wait a little while. [Laughs]
TE: Suspense is great. Well, thank you so much for taking the time to do the shoot on this cold and windy night [both laugh] and for chatting with us at Rocktographers.
Xana: Thank you for having me. It’s been a pleasure.
Listen for Xana’s single, Pray, all month long on The Zone @ 91-3. You can find two more songs on her Band of the Month page as well as her new single, Yellow, out June 4th, 2021.
Rocktographers is a proud supporting sponsor of The Zone’s Band of the Month program.