Blending melodic tech house, catchy vocals, and slick beat drops, DJ XIE’s EP, ‘Kick Drum Heart’, is the sound of the summer. All we need now is a yacht and margarita, and DJ XIE will bring the party. We caught up with the LA-based Singer/Producer/DJ/Icon to learn more about her multifaceted talent, her energetic lifestyle and vibrant sound…
Broke Magazine: ‘Kick Drum Heart’ has just been released – how have crowds responded so far to these tracks?
DJ XEI: I’m so happy with how this group of records turned out, each with their own specific vibe within the world of ‘Kick Drum Heart.’ It’s been fun seeing how each track reacts differently, and what people say or gravitate to within each of them. ‘LOVE LANGUAGE’ came out the gates strong, (released on Valentine’s Day)..it’s just so groovy and people love love! ‘Siente El Ritmo’ was a part of Lady of The House UK’s Latin compilation and brought a different flavor to my EP with it’s percussive drums and ANGE’s vocals, I think it might have surprised people to hear my diversity of sound. And to finish with ‘Kick Drum Heart’ felt j ust perfect..it’s got a little darker vibe and hits hard with a very tech house track.
Broke Magazine: As a Chinese-American creative, how do you find your identity influences your art?
DJ XEI: I’ve always had a crazy work ethic especially from my Asian influence so that’s been really valuable to me in the studio with long hours producing, editing vocals, and working on mixes & sets etc. Also as someone of mixed race, I feel like it somehow lends itself to being flexible and fitting in many boxes, which definitely is the case in my musical taste.
Broke Magazine: ‘LOVE LANGUAGE’ is soothing, melodic and groovy – everything you want from a tech house track. What inspired this one?
DJ XEI: It started with the vocals on this song..the hypnotic delivery and pairing it with lyrics that portrayed my infatuation with house music. I wanted to create a world in the record where the only thing that matters is the music..the feeling of it being the universal language – sometimes the best way to communicate or be heard.
Broke Magazine: ‘Siento El Ritmo’ is a real party starter, and you worked with ANGE on this one – what’s it like to collab with other creatives, and how does it help your craft?
DJ XEI: I loved working on this track with her beautiful vocals! When I’m using someone else’s voice it almost feels like a remix in the sense that there’s a separation between myself and the song. That lends to focusing on the track in a different way so I’m super happy with how it all came together. I wanted to make a really catchy track that highlighted her voice and the song’s translated meaning “feel the rhythm.”
Broke Magazine: The title track, ‘Kick Drum Heart’, features a brilliant build-up in the second verse – when producing tracks, do you have a particular mood and energy in mind you want to create? How does this play out when playing tracks in front of a crowd for the first time?
DJ XEI: Playing out songs live is always such a great indicator of how happy you are with a track. I’ve been able to perform ‘Kick Drum Heart’ quite a few times and it sounds pretty banging in loud main speakers. It really conveys the idea of the lyrics, “I gave my heart to the kick drum / just need that beat let me get some.” Every great song has a very specific vibe and energy so yes – that is always my aim – to be purposeful in my choices and create unique vibes for each track.
Broke Magazine: Outside of music, you’re doing it all – charity soccer tournaments, a former D1 athlete – are there any energetic / artistic crossovers between creating tracks and being on the pitch?
DJ XEI: We LOVE footy!! Definitely when I’m performing! I’m a very active DJ so fitness and being able to perform with great energy is really important to me. If you liken music production sessions (4-6 hours at a time) to a game, then there’s a very direct correlation..putting focus and energy into a song, sometimes losing then getting back into it and turning it around, and never quitting!
Broke Magazine: Your sporty, relaxed, football-shirt-but-still-glam style is amazing – and we’re a big fan of that look here in the UK! How important is fashion in your personal or artistic identity?
DJ XEI: Aw thank you! I really just love being comfortable and wearing what makes me feel confident, what that means fashion-wise fluctuates day to day. For me it’s always under a tomboy/streetwear aesthetic umbrella. I’m also a big believer in ‘never stop growing’ so who knows what I’ll be wearing next, I like to try new things but right now it’s all about football jerseys, oversized shirts and biker shorts, jeans and sporty crop tops, hats, fun hairstyles & accessories and as always – GLASSES galore 😉
Broke Magazine: What’s next for you, DJ XIE?
DJ XEI: More new music! And shows this summer in some of my favorite places like Miami. Releasing this EP with Lady Of The House UK has been amazing and I can’t wait to keep sharing these other new records across the world so stay tuned!
Broke Magazine: What’s one artist you think everyone should be listening to this summer?
DJ XEI: PAWSA, his musical taste is just so fresh & unique and I really appreciate his style of production. His new one with Malachiii – “BANG BANG” is fire.