Toronto, ON-based singer-songwriter, Zoe Xandra released a live video for her single, “Blah Blah” on April 1st, and now she’s releasing her second live performance video. This time for the track, “Air” from her debut EP, TMI, which was released in February 2020. The video, which was recorded in Joshua Tree, features Zoe along with Bennett Yuhas (percussion), Everett Wood (guitar), and Bryan Vos (guitar).
Check out “Air” below, and find out more about Zoe via our Five Questions With segment.
Care to introduce yourself to our readers?
Yes! I’m Zoe Xandra, a singer/songwriter from Toronto. I released my debut EP, TMI, in 2020 and have enjoyed working with fellow musicians and artists throughout the process. I really enjoy the songwriting process, and I am excited to share a new live performance that I was able to record in Joshua Tree, CA. I have reached so many milestones already in my new musical career and am so blessed by all the people who have enjoyed everything I’ve released and helped me achieve my goals to this point.
Tell us a bit about your music and writing style.
I try my best to write music that is honest. I find that in my writing the more vulnerable I am, the more creative I become, lyrically and melodically. Most of my songs were first conceptualized by me just sitting alone at my piano. Once I feel that I’ve created a strong authentic concept I really enjoy bringing it to other people. I love seeing how different people can relate to my concepts and bring them to life in ways that I never would’ve thought of by myself.
How have you been keeping creative during the Pandemic?
Like everyone else, I’ve definitely had some extra time on my hands. I think in a weird way the Pandemic has been helpful for my writing because I’m forced to slow down and stay home a lot more. I try to be intentional to either play the piano or write at least 5 days a week. I think I’ve written more in the Pandemic than I ever have before. Hopefully, other people will be able to start hearing my new music soon 😉
If you were asked to suggest only one of your songs for someone to hear, which would it be?
That’s so hard! I feel like each song on TMI represents a different part of me. But if I had to choose I think I would say Tokyo. I worked with my producer, Michael Schlosser, and Sarah Boulton on it. I had some of the best times writing this song. I love the world we were able to create, writing a song about a fantasy. I think it’s really relatable too, because to an extent everyone’s felt like they don’t “belong” at one point in their life— and everyone’s wished at some point they could be somewhere else. The song is fun and easy-listening. When I sing it, it always makes me feel like going on a road trip with my girlfriends or doing something adventurous and exciting.
Canadian Beats is all about Canadian music, so who are your current favourite Canadian bands/ artists?
I think especially in the last few years Canada has so many exciting artists coming out with incredible music. I love Charlotte Cardin from Montreal. Her voice is so gritty and all her melodies are beautifully unique. I’ve definitely been listening to her new album on repeat. I’ve also been listening to Dylan Sinclair a lot. The chorus of his song “Ask Me” gets me every time. And I can’t forget Elio. All her songs are super fun and clever. The energy in her music has helped keep me upbeat throughout the Pandemic.
Connect with Zoe Xandra:
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