We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Xenia Willie. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Xenia below.

Hi Xenia, thanks for joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

The first time I knew I wanted to make music was when I was 11 years old. I always loved to write poems and sing. Music was special to me. But around the age of 11 my brother started listening to some songs by Jon McLaughlin. He had one on his MySpace page (haha!!) and I remember that I immediately knew there was something different. I went to listen to more of his songs and the second I heard his song “Indiana” I knew I wanted to write music that made me feel the way that song did in that very moment. It was a personal story written so simply yet so profoundly. I could feel the ache he felt when he wrote it. That’s how I knew I wanted to write and sing. I wanted to tell people stories that would make them feel something.

Xenia, 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?

I first started working in the music industry when I was 16 years old. It wasn’t really my plan at all. It was definitely a dream i had but figured I would probably never do anything with it. I just couldn’t imagine how I would even start. One day – I randomly heard about a new show that was holding auditions in a few days. It was called “The Voice” and it was a singing competition. There wasn’t too much information on it other than it had to do with singing. I asked my mom if she could take me and we drove to LA that Friday morning, waited in line for 5 hours, and I tried out. I ended up walking away with a second audition and the rest is history! I made it through the show and placed second on Team Blake for the first season of The Voice! I was signed by Universal Republic Records right after and began my journey in the music industry!

For you, what’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative?

I think the most rewarding aspect, for me, is getting to tell stories and helping people heal or be comforted by the words I’m singing. My all time favorite songs are the ones that either I relate to or they make me feel and think more profoundly. Sometimes it’s not the exact story I relate to, but an emotion I didn’t realize I resonated with until I heard that song. Music is an art. It should have a purpose. I love using it, not only as an outlet, but an opportunity to help people feel. There have been times I didn’t realize that I was struggling with something until I hear a song and it makes me cry. Suddenly I realize that there was a lot more going on in my heart than i thought but I just hadn’t been able to express and that song revealed it to me. I love music! It can really do so much for people.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I would say I’m currently in a place where I’m having to pivot in my career a bit. As a mom (of soon-to-be two sons) and a wife my priorities have changed. Music will always be extremely important to me and a part of my life but it’s not my entire life. I’m having to reflect and evaluate what means the most to me and what I want my life and family to look like. It’s hard to balance everything! Everyone is different and some people have the means to do it all! But I think that there is more important work for me to do right now. So my music has slowed down a lot. I just want to share that if you’re torn on what to do or where to go with your career – just know that it’s ok to put things on hold or slow down! Or even change direction lulls completely. People will always love and need art/music. There really isn’t a rush to be the best. It shouldn’t be a competition! Once I realized that I had so much more peace and excitement to make music because I love it. As opposed to trying to race, get ahead of the crowd, or fighting to stay relevant. Do what you need to do. Whatever that may be.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: @Xenia.music
• Facebook: facebook.com/OfficialXeniaMusic
• Twitter: @Xenia

Image Credits
Cole Criske Blake Shelton Dia Frampton Ian Flanigan