Today we’d like to introduce you to Xiya D.
Hi Xiya, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Hello!
My name is Xiya D and I have been writing songs since I was 7 years old. Prior to last summer, I would stash them in a purse in my closet. Last summer, in the midst of the pandemic, like so many other people I realized I needed an outlet to deal with all of the uncertainty. At the time, I was a stressed-out graduate student overwhelmed by long Zoom lectures. I reached out to a friend from college who is a producer and asked him about the baby steps I could take to begin recording my music. I followed his instructions and have been sharing verses that I have written on Instagram. Fast forward to October 2021 and I released my debut EP Thankful Carols a multi-genre holiday album for Thanksgiving.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
This entire journey has been tough, but very fulfilling. Starting off small comes with its own challenges. Pouring your heart into content that gets 10 views is tough. Getting mixed feedback about your art is tough. Finding time to be creative and also learn more about making music is tough.
During the recording process, I was helping to take care of a family member who was diagnosed with cancer. At the end of August they passed away, and so I had to finish this happy holiday album while mourning one of my favorite people. The experience helped to inspire my song “Without You” because I know a lot of people are grieving, and so I wanted to make a song that honored their experiences too.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I am a songwriter, singer, and rapper. I am very proud of my debut EP Thankful Carols because this project has always been something I hoped for – but now I have actually made it happen. One thing that makes me unique is I experiment with different genres, and I LOVE corny jokes.
Most of my videos on social media promoting my music are cheesy or funny in some way. I specialize in making “moody music” – after listening to 30 seconds of my songs you know exactly what I am trying to convey.
We’re always looking for the lessons that can be learned in any situation, including tragic ones like the Covid-19 crisis. Are there any lessons you’ve learned that you can share?
1. Have at least 15 minutes of fun every day. It is something that I heard in graduate school and it has made a world of difference.
2. Dream big, act small. Do the little things that help make your dreams come true, and those will eventually get where you need and want to be,
Contact Info:
- Email: xiya.content@gmail.com
- Website: https://xiyacontent.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xiya.content/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Xiya.Content/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqfFPALGkhbZPDg28B3D97g
