Check Out Xenia ’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Xenia .

Hi Xenia, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I started singing professionally in 2011 after being nominated for NBC’s The Voice. I had recently turned 16 years old and decided to try out for the 1st season of The Voice. I auditioned, thinking I would gain some experience and try something brave for the first time, but little did I know that day would change my life forever. I ended up placing 2nd on Team Blake and getting signed by Universal Republic Records. In just a matter of months, my entire life looked different. I went from being some shy, awkward girl living life afraid to a less shy but still awkward girl who was finally allowed to pursue the dream she once thought was intangible. I released an EP titled “Sing You Home” with Universal and shot my first music video the day before my 17th birthday. The year after, Universal and I decided to part ways, and I became an independent artist. I toured with my Team Blake-mate Dia Frampton and Scars on 45 (from the UK), featured on Jon Mclaughlin’s album, and toured with him. I also featured on Blake Shelton’s Christmas album. We sang “Silver Bells” together. Blake became one of my closest friends and amazing support. As the years went on, I continued to perform, write, and collaborate with artists and musicians and audition for commercials/tv shows.

I began sending in songs for TV placements in 2016 (Pretty Little Liars, Coupled, Stitchers, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Party of Five) and just kept writing writing writing. I began getting pretty overwhelmed because, as amazing as my life was, I wasn’t happy anymore. The constant pressure and anxiety you experience working in the music industry can be incredibly crippling. It takes a specific person to bulldozer through the obstacles and challenges. I underwent huge trials and was forced to face myself and the reality of my heart and desires. I took a break and began focusing on things that were going on internally. I moved from California to Tennessee, married, and had an amazing baby boy. I went from living the “LA/Hollywood” life to becoming a wife and mom in the south. Such a drastic change! Haha! I love music, which is part of me and who I am. But it isn’t all that I am. I love my life now and who this experience helped me become. I will never forget it, and I will cherish it forever. I’m Xenia, a singer-songwriter who loves Jesus and her family. And I will keep writing and singing until the day that I die.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It was not a smooth road. There were a lot of ups and downs. The music industry comes with much disappointment, but there are also a lot of amazing opportunities. Sometimes I didn’t feel good enough, pretty enough, tall enough, skinny enough, etc. As a young girl, there was so much pressure to be and look a certain way. I think the comparison is a huge hindrance as an artist. You can’t look at what anyone else is doing. You need to focus on what you are doing, or you’ll trip and fall trying to stay ahead.

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a singer-songwriter. I write, sing, and record my music as a completely independent and self-published artist. I’m known for being “the shy girl who can sing” from the very first season of The Voice. I’m proudest of all the music I’ve been able to release, regardless of the difficulties that come with being an independent artist. I’m proud of all of my songs and how I have grown as a person and singer/songwriter. I don’t know what would set me apart from others, but I know I write what is in my head and heart. I don’t think about trends or formulas. I write because I need to. I write because there’s the truth I need to share. I write for people who can’t express what they’re feeling or going through and need to feel known, seen, and heard.

Is there any advice you’d like to share with our readers who might just be starting?
You can’t know the future. All you know is right here and now, so worry/anxiety won’t change anything. So focus on the present and the reason you sing and write. Focus on your “WHY,” and don’t look at anyone else. You are the only ‘you’ who exists, so be who you are.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Xenia.Music
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OfficialXeniaMusic
• Twitter: https://twitter.com/xenia

Image Credits
Dia Frampton and Blake Shelton