Today we’d like to introduce you to Xio.
Xio, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I’d had a stint as a radio DJ in college – mostly I’d broadcast weekly playlists and dance around in the studio. It wasn’t until last year that I gathered the courage to play in front of anyone. One night in November 2018, I struck up a conversation with DJ Ell is Well (@parliamentfunkadelliot on IG) after his set at The Flat. I asked him if he could know how I could play there, so he introduced me to DJ Yisel SMNS (@yiselsmns) who handled The Flat’s booking at the time. I bought my first DJ controller the day after I was booked! One month later, I played my first live set at The Flat. I definitely never thought I’d get booked for another set, but I’ve been taking on gigs ever since.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Yes and no. I’m grateful that I’ve had an exciting and eye-opening journey so far. Houston’s creative and queer communities have been supportive of me – especially local collectives like Body Drip, Love Tempo, and CRIM. Every DJ I’ve played with or met has offered either encouragement or knowledge. It’s a true testament to how tight-knit the Houston creative community can be.
I’ve found that my main obstacles have been much more personal. I struggle often with performance anxiety! I try to look at every gig or opportunity as another blow to my fear of failure. It’s still difficult sometimes to let go and let every set be what it is, but when I do, the experience is incredibly rewarding.
Overall, I’m learning how to build a solid creative process. I never thought I’d do another set after my first one, nor that I would be this comfortable sharing my art, so I’m still learning what that process looks like for me. I’m learning how to trust my own instincts and vision while working around my inner critic.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with your work – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of and what sets you apart from others.
I’m a conceptual artist and DJ. My conceptual work currently explores themes of self-determination and internal power. I work with many mediums but am drawn to text-form commentary. My DJ sets are often a whirlwind of high energy dance music, mostly disco, electronica, hip-hop, ballroom house, and funk. I center black and/or queer artists in my sets, regardless of genre.
I create each set with intention. I visualize emotions or experiences I want to evoke in others: power, healing, feeling grounded, etc. I’ll then create a set based on what I think that feeling would sound like. Ultimately I want people to enjoy being in their bodies and in the present moment when I spin. I think music – especially drums or bass – can be very grounding and healing. I want that genuine moment of joy: when they hear a good transition, or a favorite song they haven’t heard in a minute, or a new song they need to hear again – whatever it is. When that happens, I’m at my happiest.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I have so many experiences I manifesting currently. I want to play a runway show, a festival, a Boiler Room set, a set in an art gallery, go on tour. In the meantime, I’ll be preparing for an appearance at Axelrad with Love Tempo on June 28th, Mystic Stylez Productions’ SECOND COMING experience on July 13th at Rockerfellers, a local benefit party for Planned Parenthood (TBA), and my first Austin appearance on July 27th (TBA).
I’m always excited for every gig I book, but I’m also looking forwarding to honing my craft. I feel like I have so much more to learn about DJ-ing – not just with techniques, but stage presence, promotion, and the business aspects of it.
Pricing:
- Custom mix with full publishing rights (for brands, magazines, etc): $300 flat rate
Contact Info:
- Website: https://soundcloud.com/hyperfemme
- Phone: 832-736-7711
- Email: xiotheterrible@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hyperfem.me/
- Other: hyperfem-me.tumblr.com
Image Credit:
designsmj.com
Getting in touch: VoyageHouston is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition, please let us know here.
