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EVOKEDThe Artist Focused Podcast Author: VibeSociety
Music and Art are an expression of an artist's perspective on life. They shape our world and should be appreciated for their inherent beauty. Connect with creatives of every nature to understand and deepen your appreciation of their talents. Language: en Genres: Arts, Performing Arts, Visual Arts Contact email: Get it Feed URL: Get it iTunes ID: Get it |
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Xochi: From Chicago’s Southeast Side to Musical Empowerment
Episode 28
Monday, 9 December, 2024
When you grow up on Chicago’s southeast side, survival is an art form of its own. For Xochi, a musician and creative force, the struggle wasn’t just about making ends meet but finding her voice in a world that often dismissed artistic dreams. Raised in a historically industrial neighborhood, Xochi saw firsthand the devastation that followed the closure of the steel mills. These challenges shaped her worldview but never broke her spirit.“My family, like so many others, had to navigate a world of loss—jobs, homes, even loved ones,” Xochi shared. For her, these losses planted the seeds of resilience. Raised in a household that celebrated music and art, Xochi found an outlet in creativity. Her father’s punk rock band, Dead Still Mill, was not only a tribute to their community’s struggles but a beacon of expression.Yet, the road to becoming an artist wasn’t simple. “Growing up in South Chicago, saying you wanted to be an artist was almost laughable,” she said. Expectations leaned heavily toward stability—school, work, and financial security. But Xochi’s determination to create never wavered. Her music became both a sanctuary and a platform, allowing her to process personal trauma and societal pressures.Trauma, as she explained, wasn’t just an obstacle but a wellspring for her art. “I didn’t want to be defined by what happened to me,” Xochi said. “Instead, I wanted to take control and tell my story on my terms.” Music offered her that control. Whether it was processing the pain of losing loved ones or navigating the complexities of identity and belonging, Xochi transformed her experiences into melodies and lyrics that resonate deeply.Her journey back to music wasn’t linear. After stepping away for years, she rediscovered her passion with the help of producer Ron. Their collaboration marked a turning point. “In 20 minutes, we created something that felt like a piece of my soul,” Xochi said, describing the first single they produced together.Faith also played a pivotal role in Xochi’s evolution. While she always believed in God, it wasn’t until she embraced her spirituality fully that she found peace. “Giving my pain and control to Jesus changed everything,” she said. This newfound faith not only guided her personal growth but also began to shape her music, infusing it with themes of redemption and purpose.Her advice to aspiring artists? Create without fear. “There’s no wrong way to make art,” Xochi emphasized. “Whether it’s for an audience or just for yourself, art has the power to make you feel whole.” This sentiment is a cornerstone of her life’s philosophy and one she hopes others will embrace.Xochi’s music defies easy categorization, blending hip-hop, ska, R&B, and house influences. But beyond genres, it’s her authenticity and willingness to be vulnerable that set her apart. Each track is a reflection of her life—unpolished yet profoundly beautiful, much like the southeast side of Chicago itself.Today, as an award-winning artist with a management deal and a growing audience, Xochi remains deeply rooted in her community and committed to uplifting others through her work. Whether it’s encouraging someone to pick up a paintbrush, write a song, or simply find their purpose, her message is clear: “Your story matters, and your art is your voice.”
