xanah operates as an interdisciplinary artist predominantly active in sound and performance and is currently based in Berlin, Germany. Coming from a rather traditional musical background and later on finding their fascination in electronic music and experimental art forms, xanah finds comfort in blending the best of both worlds. Their music combines modern tech perfection with the nature of basic humanflaws and irrepressible thoughts and emotions.
xanah is part of the Amplify Berlin creative development program for emerging musicians at ACUD MACHT NEU during February 2021.
FACTS:
1: “The influence of social media has created a perspective in artists that they need to produce masterful quality works in a large enough quantity so that they can be shared on an almost daily basis. This is an impossible standard that forces artists to create uninspired work. Issues resulting in lack of depth, emotion, personality, and sincerity. The impossible turn around time on production results in a disconnection between the artist and their work.”
2: Social media is not reality.
3: Social media is not reality.
QUESTIONS:
1. What is the biggest inspiration for your music?
To surprise and break the norm.
2. How and when did you get into making music?
I was writing world hits as a toddler. I could have been a pop star by now, instead I became an avant-garde artist. :-)
With sweet sixteen, from a little town and pretty much a club-kid, I got drawn into the world of experimental electronics and all that weird stuff and had this glorious idea to move to Berlin and explore the realms. Three years later, and so I did…but unfortunately, no producer I worked with understood my vision. So after realizing I don’t need no-one, I taught myself the production tools I needed in order to independently make the music I envisioned. Over time, I fell in love with the process of learning and discovering myself. I am nowhere near where I want to be but working towards a goal is as valuable as reaching it.
3. What are 5 of your favourite albums of all time?
Sevdaliza – Ison
FKA Twigs – MAGDALANE
SOPHIE – OIL OF EVERY PEARL’S UN-INSIDES
Kai Whiston – No World As Good As Mine
Amon Tobin – Foley Room
Linkin Park – Minutes To Midnight
Rihanna – ANTI (Deluxe)
James Blake – The Colour In Anything
Billy Talent – Billy Talent II
Yung Hurn -1220
(Sorry, can’t count)
4. What do you associate with Berlin?
Too much techno and questionable fashion.
5. What’s your favourite place in your town?
Tempelhofer Feld on a Wednesday morning.
6. If there was no music in the world, what would you do instead?
Slowly decompose.
7. What was the last record/music you bought?
Eterno Retorno by DMITRIEVNA & Piercing Touch, a Compilation by Unguarded.
8. Who would you most like to collaborate with?
Tommy Cash and The Kilimanjaro Darkjazz Ensemble.
9. What was your best gig (as performer or spectator)?
Best gig so far at “Ghost, I x No Start No End: Black Hole/Let There Be Light“, a Night Embassy Berlin event in September 2019.
10. How important is technology to your creative process?
Yes.
11. Do you have siblings and how do they feel about your career/art?
It’s Me, Myself and I.
Photo © xanah
