We recently connected with Xan Hughes and have shared our conversation below.

Xan, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Do you feel you or your work has ever been misunderstood or mischaracterized? If so, tell us the story and how/why it happened and if there are any interesting learnings or insights you took from the experience?

I have experienced my entire life with schizoaffective disorder as young as 5 years old. Doctors call this a childhood-onset version of my diagnosis. Schizoaffective disorder is like a combination of schizophrenia and bipolar. I’ve never quite been understood by others my entire life. Especially as a musician.

The music I perform, compose, and improvise has an intention to innovate ideas and solve problems. I’m already considered quite an outsider with the instrument I play most. It’s called a theremin! One of the world’s first electronic musical instruments invented around 1919 by a Soviet-Russian physicist of the name Leon Theremin. Played with two metal antennas that are controlled by nothing but your hands in thin AIR!

My music is a reflection of my mental illness. Abstract, strange, experimental. One day I’ll perform a beautiful classical piece and some days my music can be quite dark and obscure. Being different has taken a toll on how I socialize with other musicians too. Not always do other musicians understand how I explain musical ideas and visions. The schizoaffective disorder can make it difficult to explain ideas in words.

Sometimes, I just like being alone. Composing and improvising music. Or brainstorming new ideas for a future album. It’s sometimes really hard to progress my musical journey with obstacles such as depression or having bad days. Each week has its ups and downs constantly. That might be the bipolar side of my condition. The mania and depression.

I want readers to be aware, not all schizophrenics are violent and criminally insane like shown in the media and film. I’m chronically stuck with this condition, so why not use my mental illness as an advantage to see and hear music in a different POV? I am very inspired by Brian Wilson, who also had the same diagnosis during his lifetime. He used his obstacles as a way to compose and create his musical vision. That’s how we got Pet Sounds!

Xan, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

When I was a teenager, I asked the universe for a musical instrument that was similar to a fretless bass but more melodic. I had no clue two years later I would get a reply. When I bought my first theremin, I was overwhelmed by it’s difficulty. It wasn’t until 2019 during a trip to the beautiful Grand Canyon, was I inspired to dedicate my entire life to the theremin.

I started live streaming my theremin progress online. It was my way of an encouragement to practice. At first, I was experimenting with my technique. But then over the years with constant practice I improved drastically. Many of my viewers got to see me level up on theremin as the months went by!

I’ve been an online live broadcaster ever since I was just a teenager in 2013. I started broadcasting fun ideas like playing guitar, chatting with my viewers, and playing video games. But around the time I decided to dedicate my life to the theremin, that’s when I really started taking my theremin craft seriously.

The next phase was performing at local open mics. And boy, did people react! It’s like magic. The theremin is played with nothing but your hands in THIN AIR! It was a different experience in person than it was online. Many open mic audience members got to try the theremin for themselves!

Today, I provide services such as engaging live theremin performances at parties and events. I do freelance work via Fiverr. I still live stream theremin music weekly on YouTube & TikTok!

We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve always been hard on myself. To the point where it disrupts my schedule and flow. I’m discovering that there is an alternative to grinding your way to get all the things you need to get done. Especially for folks with mental health issues, maybe give yourself a less demanding routine with smaller goals. Even those small goals can make you feel a boost of confidence when they are completed! Work your way up if you can.

Do you think there is something that non-creatives might struggle to understand about your journey as a creative? Maybe you can shed some light?

Just because an artist is not always making money with their art, it doesn’t mean they are a failure. I think many musicians and artists including non-artists like to think making money is always the success. It’s sometimes the people you show your art to. Those who appreciate your craft and create core memories.

For me, it’s when I let others to try my theremin. I aim to create meaningful memories others can cherish forever! I’ve had some seniors tell me they’ve heard the theremin in old 1950s horror/sci-fi films but have never actually tried a real theremin before. This goes for the younger generations too. When people try the theremin for the first time, it’s quite a magical experience you’ll remember for a lifetime. Introducing the theremin to as many people as possible, might help keep the instrument alive for centuries to come. That might be via social media videos, live streams, word of mouth, or in-person performances! I’m not the only one providing these unique experiences. There are tons of other theremin performers and educators on the global scale spreading awareness for the theremin!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://xanhughes.com/
• Instagram: @ThereminFlute
• Facebook: @ThereminFlute
• Youtube: @ThereminFlute
• Other: TikTok – @ThereminFlute , Fiverr – @ThereminPlayer