Diandra Interviews XYLØ: Recording The Pretty And Sad of Life

XYLØ has been through a lot, and her new EP, Pretty Sad, wraps up how she feels unwrapped. Life has a way of pushing your boundaries, but, in that, XYLØ has found she is limitless. In our interview, she discusses how going solo helped her see what she wanted for herself in life and music.

Diandra: What is the “pretty” and the “sadness” of your new record?

XYLØ: It was about my last year and these new experiences I was having being on my own and growing up. All of that stuff can be so stressful and the world can be so f**king stressful. But, at the same time, there is something really beautiful about going through that stuff and finding yourself.

Diandra: In having more creative control over your music, what did you discover it means to rely and guide your self?

XYLØ: Definitely! It was a defining moment in being a solo artist. I was going to put it out regardless of who thought I should and shouldn’t. I had to really believe in myself in that one and do what I wanted and felt in my gut. A lot of people did not believe it had “hit songs,” but I was like “F**k It!”

Diandra: It must have been hard separating from your brother?

XYLØ: It was a hard time going through this break-up with my family and it wasn’t smooth.

Diandra: Do you feel closer to them now that you have gone through it?

XYLØ: Definitely! I think they see that I am really doing this and I am serious about doing it. They have become supportive of me going solo. It really is just me; so my family understands how serous and passionate I am about my project.

Diandra: What about your past situations and relationship dynamics do you feel this record helped you heal?

XYLØ: Yeah… hmmm…. I think I was able to let all the past s**t go. This EP was me putting out my insecurities into songs, and it was very therapeutic. You go through so much and make a song out of it, and it feels like you are closing the book on it. Like in “Miracle,” it was me accepting that I am not going to change and accepting and loving myself through my insecurities and issues.

Diandra: What about the things you most love about yourself or have grown to love thanks to this record?

XYLØ: I think, before, I was this girl that really didn’t know what she wanted or how to choose. Now, I know I can. I can make an EP in my apartment and create the artwork. I know what I want and do it for myself. I don’t really need anyone else to do stuff for me. It gives me confidence to put out this music and see people’s reactions. I just put out songs that I like and are 100% my vision without asking anyone what they think.

Diandra: Would you say you are going through a self-discovery of sorts?

XYLØ: 100% This whole record is reflective. It is about me trying to discover myself and figure out who I am: figure out life. I am still figuring it, and I don’t have it figured yet. But I want to put out what I think of it and how I feel about it.

Diandra: So how do you balance being vulnerable versus being too forthcoming?

XYLØ: Definitely! Something that Lee, who produces everything, says to me, “You don’t want to be too miserable. You don’t want people to think you are miserable in every song.” I don’t know. It is just easier to write what I am struggling with in the moment.

Diandra: You know it is not only you. I have interviewed so many artists that say the same thing.

XYLØ: It’s funny because I was just hanging out with my friend and she said, “You know you are not really a sad person.” And I was like, “Yeah I know.” For some reason, when I am making songs, it is just easier to tap into my struggles. When you are in your twenties and figuring s**t out, I find it is easier to relate to people on what you are trying to figure out because, once you figure it out, it stops being so interesting. (she laughs). You always are trying to be a “better version” of yourself to people, but music is about escape.

Diandra; So how would you describe being a twenty -something?

XYLØ: It can be really fun. The most fun of your life, but it is also the hardest. It is stressful financially and figuring out if or should you go to college. Unless, you have the most AMAZING job, it is rough. And then you have relationships and trying to be “professional.” It is this huge rush and you have to learn so much.

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