We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Xsa R.. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Xsa below.
Xsa, appreciate you joining us today. We’d love to hear about a project that you’ve worked on that’s meant a lot to you.
One of the most meaningful projects I’ve started was SwapDC, a creative recycling company. When I first started it was just me and a few friends, now we serve the entire DMV are with a community of over 400 people. The most rewarding project has been my DJ career. I started with traktor and now enjoy spinning vinyl and producing music.
Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.
Xsa is a DJ, music producer, cultural cultivator and a multidisciplinary artist. Over the past few years, she has made a name for herself as one of the most prolific cultural curators in DC. She is an environmental advocate who uses her fashion background to bring awareness to the consequences of consumerism on our environment and culture. She utilizes her skills as both a strategic community influencer and event organizer to secure and host some of the most influential events in the metro area. Her goal is to continue to pave the way to educate the many ways to reduce waste through environmental literacy. She has also curated activations for cultural institutions such as George Washington University, The National Museum of Women in the Arts, Anacostia Community Museum and Eaton workshop. She is a resident DJ at one of the top 50 bars in DC, Allegory and has DJ’d for brands like Fendi and Versace. Recently she has partnered with another DJ, Ajamu, to recreate a south African House inspired music series.
In your view, what can society to do to best support artists, creatives and a thriving creative ecosystem?
Pay the artist directly and attend events curated by artists. As far as the music industry, streaming platforms only pay the artist a small percentage, little to nothing. Don’t get me wrong, streaming matters for artist but they don’t make lots of money from it. So it’s best to donate directly to artist and pay for tickets when they perform. I think if more people support local acts and businesses, it could help them be sustainable. Don’t wait for an artist to “blow-up” to support them. If you like an artist’s music, art or business, spread the word, repost their business and support however you can. Give people their flowers while they can still smell them.
We often hear about learning lessons – but just as important is unlearning lessons. Have you ever had to unlearn a lesson?
No one’s journey will be like yours, so stop looking at others for your motivation. I used to see what other people were doing and try to mimic what they did. Big mistake, I learned thats the quickest way to loose yourself. I’ve learned from others but I had to learn my journey is my journey so the only way to succeed is to stay true to myself and my visions. Working in a male dominated field, I had to learn how to remain gentle to myself so I can be gentle with others. I thought I had to become someone else to be recognized in the DJ field. I quickly learned to authentically me so I can align with the right opportunities.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: xsameria
- Twitter: djxsa
- Youtube: xsa_refreshed
- Other: https://www.mixcloud.com/XsaGrooves/ https://soundcloud.com/xsa_grooves
Image Credits
Lisa Brown (the photo of me holding the record)