We recently connected with Xanthe Alexis and have shared our conversation below.

Xanthe , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?

I came from a musical family. The record player was always on and both my parents sang, played guitar and performed together when I was young. It just always seemed like a natural part of life to me. In school I was bright but very different. A loner with a complicated home life. My Father did not end up staying in the home and he and I would write letters. Both my parents are daily writers and poets. I learned to communicate this way and it’s always been writing that has been my core expression. Learning to sing and write my own material and perform was a decades long process. My schools and education were the road, other artists who took time to mentor me and life experience, really. I had the daily draw to writing, which i think is the best education. Having an unforced outlet to just document and play and expand gives me the place from where all my material and my performing arise.
As my career progressed it was environments that became my teacher. I performed and received an artists residency in Brooklyn and drew from the grit and drive in NYC. I learned so much from small coastal towns where an artist arriving was such a rare gift. I traveled to France and learned how to express my art in different cultures. I have been making my upcoming album, Lover’s Mark in Nashville and that city is like a living open workshop of songs and it is endlessly exciting to me.
I dont think I would change how i have learned. Every step seems really necessary to me as i look back on it.
I think any artist who is picking up the instrument and going for it is doing the speed that is already so brave. I think the whole rock and roll lifestyle is probably what slows that down for most of us but it is also part of the initiation of it all too, I think I had young children when I started touring so they kept me as grounded as anyone who chooses music can be.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

I am a singer/songwriter and recording artist based out of Colorado and Nashville. I have been putting out my own original music since 2017. In 2020 I put out a record, The Offering, that received global attention and critical acclaim. It was a really heartfelt work where i drew from my 20 years working at my family’s healing Center in Colorado. That record placed me in an incredible spot where conversations about healing and spirituality happen in my interviews and there is a message in my work that feels authentic to who I am in my life.. I also help run a home concert venue and creative workspace In East Nashville with my best friend Sarah Clanton and her partner Andy Beckey, Cellotree Arts Presents. We host events bringing world class musicians together in the spirit of community.

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

When I get to hear back from people what the songs mean to them and how it helped them feel something they couldn’t express. Nothing can beat that. I have been touring for 15 years but I feel that now more than ever when people gather together with the unifying force of I know a healing takes place at every venue in every town and that feels incredible to be a part of too.

Any resources you can share with us that might be helpful to other creatives?

I feel like it’s too easy for artists to become very isolated. the resource of community has been essential for me. Even if you are in a city with fewer artists, you can find them online. I think being around people who are also striving to bring art into the world is really important for longevity.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.xanthealexis.com
• Instagram: @xanthealexis

Image Credits

1st image-Dennis Nejtek
2nd image- Madison Thorn