Getting To Know... Zoe Xandra

After establishing herself with her stunning breakthrough debut EP 'TMI' in 2020, Toronto-based artist Zoe Xandra has now returned to deliver her powerful new single 'Land Of Dreams'.

Bringing back more of that bold and vibrant alt-pop direction she has cultivated for herself, 'Land Of Dreams' makes for a wonderfully rich and dynamic return. Filled with bright and soaring energy, pulsing production, and her own shimmering voice at the helm, we can't wait to hear what she has in store for us again in the months to come.

So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with her to find out more about her origins and what has been inspiring her most recently.

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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?

Piano was the first and only instrument I really fell in love with. My Grandpa taught me how to play Chopsticks and I’ve never looked back since.

What kind of music did you love when you were younger?

I’ve always been a pop girl, from old school Rihanna to Avril Lavigne. Growing up, I loved anything I could sing along to. Hips Don’t Lie by Shakira was the first song I downloaded on my first mp3 player.

What was the first album you remember owning?

I think the first album I ever owned was one by a band called ZOEgirl. I remember seeing their CD in the store and saving up to buy it even though I knew nothing about them. I thought it was the coolest thing in the world that I had the same name as a band.

What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?

First Time Ever I Saw Your Face by Roberta Flack. Her vocals are so beautiful and emotive, and she paints such a clear picture lyrically. I love that this song leaves space for emotions. The production is so simple that it feels raw and honest, which draws you in.

Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?

I used to have a lucky pen that I strictly used to write all my songs. Then I realized my computer is much more practical to write on. I think a songwriter is only as good as their next idea and the pen (of course) had nothing to do with it haha. Now I’m more fluid with my writing: Whatever creates the best ideas in the moment works for me, so my process is always different now.

Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?

I’m a big Lennon Stella, Muna, and Maggie Rogers fan. I love listening to female artists who play crucial roles in their music creation process. I am also listening to Harry Styles’ new album on repeat, as is the rest of the world.

If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?

Wow, this is so hard. I would have to say John Mayer because he is my favourite musician of all time. However, I know our music is completely different genres so I’d have to say Lennon Stella or Bazzi.

What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?

I love when you can connect with people through music and shared experiences. I write from a very personal and vulnerable place so I think it’s incredible when people reach out or comment saying they can relate and that my music speaks to them. I think the world can feel like such a big place and it’s nice when you find little things to build community around.

And what is the most frustrating part?

I think the most frustrating part is that you can work so hard, and even have certain amounts of success, but you can’t quit your day job. I would love nothing more than to co-write all day and play gigs all night, but someone has to pay the bills.

And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?

I think the best advice I have received is that artists need to keep growing and working on their craft. As an artist, it’s easy to get caught up in the creative and emotional side of music and songwriting, which is totally necessary. But I’ve been taught that it’s equally as important to grow your skills. I try to ask myself: What have I done throughout the songwriting process to make my song better? Have I worked on my vocals, my lyricism, my piano composition, etc.? If I release music without focusing on personal growth, I am firstly doing myself a disservice. It’s also more difficult to keep people engaged when you’re stagnant, because they are pursuing growth themselves.

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Zoe Xandra's new single 'Land Of Dreams' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.