Canadian artist Xana takes a glance again on previous relationships in her new single “babyblue” and reminisces on what as soon as was.

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Stream: “Babyblue” – Xana

Canadian pop artist Xana has a knack for creating whimsical worlds for her listeners, protecting them really beholden to all the things she does. Her newest single “babyblue” is obvious of simply that, with the Victoria born, Vancouver primarily based artist permitting individuals deeper into her universe, as she opens up about a few of her sincere, and intimate ideas. It’s her authenticity and vulnerability that enables her to attach along with her followers, giving uncooked and relatable materials via storytelling lyricism and themes of feminine empowerment, LGBTQ romance and the on a regular basis experiences of navigating life.

“babyblue” particularly touches on fading relationships, specifically with these of outdated childhood associates. Xana speaks concerning the passage of time and the way as we grow old, the issues that we as soon as held so near us, steadily drift away.

Xana shares, “It’s concerning the nervousness that comes with the passage of time, wanting again on these crucial teenage years with nostalgia and longing, hoping that everybody who you really liked, who formed and held you in your youth, is doing alright on the market with out you.”

The emotional observe is a tear-jerker, sure to get you in your feels. Her vocals are clear and very actual, mirroring the concept that she is studying pages straight from her journal.

Atwood Journal spoke to Xana concerning the new single, how she copes with nervousness and her upcoming plans.

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A CONVERSATION WITH XANA

Atwood Journal: Firstly, congratulations on the discharge of your new single “babyblue.” The music particulars the passage of time and the way we naturally drift from our childhood friendships. Was there a particular state of affairs that impressed you to jot down this music?

Xana: It wasn’t only one state of affairs, I feel it was an accumulation of many, plus spending a number of time wanting round at my life and reflecting on what has modified, the place I used to be at that second and the place I needed to be. I discovered myself considering rather a lot about these childhood/teenagehood friendships and the way we’re all grown ups now and simply how bizarre that’s to consider. There are such a lot of chapters we’ll by no means be capable of get again to, they usually is probably not utterly misplaced, however they’re completely different now. I additionally expertise fairly a bit of tension across the passage of time, rising up and issues being right here one second and gone the following, and though I’m slowly making peace with it, once I wrote this music these ideas have been continuously on my thoughts. Birthdays have been rather a lot these previous few years. However these emotions simply went hand in hand with lacking my associates who had moved away or I’d drifted aside from.

How have you ever handled the nervousness you expertise surrounding this subject and are there any ideas you’d give to readers who’re struggling equally.

Xana: For myself, making music/noise out of my anxieties is like making the tablet simpler to swallow. Inventive expression makes the struggles really feel value it, like the thought of strolling away with one thing tangible and constructive that got here from the nights I spent laying awake freaking out about rising up makes it simpler to place to relaxation. It’s a closure factor, I suppose. However I feel an essential factor to recollect is that we’re at all times going to look again and miss one thing or somebody, and for that cause it’s so essential to be as current as we will to take in all the things round us and luxuriate in the place we’re proper now in life. I’ve been much more conscious of that since writing “babyblue” and it’s helped a lot. Inform your folks you like them and also you’re joyful you met. Savor this second as a lot as you may, so you may relish in it later.

Your music typically explores themes of LGBTQ romance and feminine empowerment. How do these themes intersect with the narrative of “babyblue,” and what message or expertise are you making an attempt to convey to your listeners via this single?

Xana: Somebody commented that “babyblue” sounded a bit too homoerotic to be about platonic friendships, and that made me snicker as a result of I really like my associates a lot that generally the traces get blurred, and “babyblue” is a mixture of platonic and romantic relationships/friendships however regardless, it does really feel like a breakup music. Friendship breakups are a distinct type of breakup demon. I really like the road `Inform me the way it feels now that you simply acquired my youth behind your closet, consider me with my face in your locket’ as a result of it completely encapsulates these friendships that almost cross the queer bridge to romance land however not fairly. I feel it’s so widespread and relatable for queer youngsters to have friendships like that. They weren’t fairly extra, however they weren’t much less both. Now we maintain them in lockets and closets and hope their life’s alright with out us.

The observe could be very emotional and sincere. Do you’re feeling it was cathartic to jot down and would you say you typically use songwriting as a type of remedy?

Xana: “babyblue” was undoubtedly therapeutic to jot down. I lastly discovered a spot to place these emotions and anxieties, and that’s often how writing music feels for me. I discover a place to place it down, I can go to it and really feel it once I must, however I don’t at all times have to hold it once I don’t must. And performing it reside is an entire different type of remedy. I really feel like my whole physique is bursting on the seams whereas I sing this music. That feeling is the place the heavy therapeutic kicks in. I in all probability flip to songwriting as remedy greater than precise remedy, which I’m certain will catch up for me sooner or later however up to now so good child!

You’ve talked about how “babyblue” takes a way more polished sound compared to your album, Tantrums. Do you see future releases moving into a sure course and may you give us any perception on what we would be capable of anticipate?

Xana: I’ve a really clear imaginative and prescient for what the following album will sound and appear like, and “babyblue” was a child step in that course, nevertheless it goes manner past that. Each music I make seems like I get higher and higher at it, which is thrilling trigger I’m so obsessive about all the things I’m creating proper now, but additionally so curious as to the place that may lead me after. It’s an ever unraveling journey of development and exploration. I’m undoubtedly chasing that “bursting on the seams” feeling although. I do know what i like, and I do know what my listeners like, and I do know what they WILL like, even when they don’t but know that they prefer it. Buckle up, is all I’m saying.

You labored with producers Liam Moes and Shane Stephenson on “babyblue” and the observe even incorporates a snippet of Moes’ canine barking. Are you able to inform us extra concerning the behind the scenes of making this observe and the collaboration along with your producers?

Xana: I really like working with them a lot. We’ve got such a magical stream and we’re continuously pushing and supporting one another to take issues to the following stage. We first began engaged on babyblue throughout a week-long session shortly after Tantrums got here out. We have been so pleased with that album and with how the discharge was going, that we couldn’t wait to get again within the studio and begin creating once more. I used to be nonetheless dwelling on Vancouver Island on the time, they usually came visiting and we arrange somewhat makeshift studio in my cabin and began banging out demos for the following album, and “babyblue.” Liam’s pet Luna, an cute goldendoodle, got here to “assist us out” for a few days. She was extra of a distraction than a assist, she’s an consideration suck identical to me, however we made it work. She saved whining and barking for our consideration so somebody lastly mentioned “Report her! babyblue feat. Luna”, and she or he made the reduce! Loads of that session particularly was going round my home and yard and recording samples of us making all kinds of noise with family objects, industrial instruments, my voice, and our pets. Then we flip them into loopy sounds for a singular factor to the manufacturing. I feel I’ve some recordings of my cat Billie’s meows someplace, so maintain an ear out for his visitor look sooner or later!

You’re primarily based in Vancouver, Canada. Are there every other native artists that you simply suppose we must always try?

Xana: My buddy Adam Mah has his debut album “Yr of the Canine” popping out later this June which I had the pleasure of becoming a member of in on some gang vocals for just a few of the songs. That was a number of enjoyable and I can’t look forward to his music to hit extra ears. I’ve additionally just lately met a gal named Kate Yahn who is an outstanding vocalist and firstly of what I really feel can be a really thrilling journey. Present them some love!

If “babyblue” have been a taste of ice cream, what wouldn’t it be, and why?

Xana: Mint Chocolate Chip. I don’t even like mint chocolate chip, however I used to order it once I was with my associates as a result of it’s what they appreciated, and I needed to belong with them. Now Mint Chocolate Chip simply jogs my memory of being a child in the summertime with individuals who I assumed have been absolutely the coolest, even when that they had horrible style in ice cream.

Lastly, what’s subsequent for Xana? Can we anticipate extra music, or any reside reveals?

Xana: Extra music is at all times within the works, however there are some actually thrilling reveals arising that I can’t wait to speak about extra. So quickly!!! Like, this yr quickly.`

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Stream: “Babyblue” – Xana

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