XHOSA is a multifaceted artist born and raised in New York influenced by a hip-hop and post-punk generation. Having just released her video single Feel Real off of her upcoming EP MISSLEADING, XHOSA shares with us her vision and ideas for the future. Directed by Crying Connor, this spirited bubbly video beckons you into her psychedelic daydream. The video features prominent fellow New York artists Green Jellyfish, Katie Cercone, and Rain Love. Feel Real is a refreshing summer track fueled by nuanced trippy feels and an unapologetic femme presence.
“The title MISSLEADING (purposely with 2 S’s) is a play on words that critiques what people believe I’m capable of as a young woman while solidifying my presence as a leader.”
Can you tell us about your track Feel Real and your upcoming EP release?
When I first wrote Feel Real, it started off as an eery song I played with piano. I spent more time developing this song than I have any of my others, so it felt very right for it to be a single on my EP. It fully represents my growth as an artist and I’m glad that the song has evolved into something more effervescent and positive. The EP as a whole is a testament to my growth having self-produced the project. The title MISSLEADING (purposely with 2 S’s) is a play on words that critiques what people believe I’m capable of as a young woman while solidifying my presence as a leader.
I read in a previous interview that you first wrote Feel Real when you were 15, experimenting with psychedelics. How have these experiences informed your songwriting/production? Do you feel connected to psychedelic themes as symbolism in your work?
I think before experimenting with weed and other psychedelics I was writing a lot more straightforward singer-songwriter type songs. I was also writing a lot of songs based on what I thought sounded good based on other pop songs I’ve heard. Having these experiences helped me be present and more in-sync with my inner voice. It also helped me realize how much of our lives are based on our perception and how real our fantasies could be. I’m very connected to psychedelic themes because I want my art to help me create my fantasy while helping others see and feel the world with a totally new mindset.
Has writing songs about something that you have experienced given you more clarity after production is complete?
Weirdly enough, I feel like most of my songs are written from a subconscious place, and later on in life I realize that I was trying to tell myself about something I was experiencing at the time. So I do gain clarity, yet probably too late after the fact.
The video for Feel Real was a collaboration with friends, and you spoke before about how important community has been to you while you are still figuring yourself out as an artist.
Community is extremely important to me because I am interested in our collective growth as a society. Having close friends and family who have helped, supported, and taught me along the way has made all the difference in my life. And in turn helping and supporting my friends has been just as beneficial for me as it has for them. A lot of people are afraid to lose something if they give to others, still when you have boundless love in your heart, you are never the one to lose. The goal is to have a global community where we all inspire, teach, nurture, and heal one another. The exciting thing is that in our current technological state that is extremely possible.
Where do you draw your influence and inspiration from?
I think that my love for 80s music is abundantly clear in my sound. Basically, everything I grew up listening to is embedded in my sound library forever. I try not to get overly influenced by anyone or anything in particular. I get inspired by nature, technology, and universal concepts. Things that seem ancient and new all at once.
Your EP was entirely self-produced, it’s clear you have an innate need to keep learning and evolving as an artist. Can you tell us what’s next for XHOSA?
I’ve been thinking of doing a mixtape using mainly other people’s beats and mainly rapping to explore different skill sets. Also, rapping brings out a different side of me that is super fiery! So it’s always really fun to perform.
For more information please visit xhosamusic.tumblr.com. You can also follow Xhosa on Twitter and Instagram.
