From an Ukrainian village to the global dance floors. Meet Xenia, a rising star of techno

Xenia’s remarkable journey embodies a tale of success, showcasing the power of determination and hard work in conquering the challenging realm of electronic music. Originally from a village in western Ukraine, Xenia’s passion for music blossomed early, prompting her to learn about music and enroll in a music school miles away, a neighbouring village.

At 18, she relocated to Kiev, diving headfirst into the city’s vibrant nightlife as a DJ. Her career escalated when she debuted on Radio Intense, where her sets and videos got millions of views, attracting a daily growing army of fans. Beyond DJing, Xenia established herself in Barcelona where she found advantageous for her career as an artist who frequently travels for performances. “The city’s location and excellent transport connections make it a hub for music and creativity. This was one of the main reasons why I chose to settle here”, she explains.

After growing and evolving her fame as a music producer, headlining big events worldwide (she is part of Analog, one of the world’s biggest management agencies for electronic music artists) and collaborating with many esteemed labels, Xenia also has plans for an exclusive merch collection, a record label focused on vinyl releases and even throwing her own events around the planet.

We caught up with the hard techno rising star to learn more and share the story in our latest issue of the magazine.

Read on an exclusive interview done while she was in Brazil for a tour that included events at Club Vibe and Playground!

Hi Xenia! Welcome to Mixmag Brazil. You’re from Ukraine, a country that has been suffering with the war seen daily on the news. How do you cope with this in your daily life? Do your relatives still live there? When was the last time you visited the country?

Hi guys! I want to express my gratitude for having me here today. It’s truly a pleasure to engage in this conversation with you!

Coping with the ongoing disaster in my home country has been a challenging journey. To navigate through these difficult times, I’ve chosen to keep myself extremely busy in my daily life, primarily focusing on my job. It’s a source of fulfillment that keeps me alive and brings me happiness.

From the beginning, it was really tough, and I made a conscious decision to refrain from watching the news. Instead, I try to distance myself from the horrible events happening worldwide, including the situation in my home country. While I’ve faced criticism for not talking extensively about the war, I firmly believe that each person has the right to choose what feels best for them. The thought of my family and their well-being in Ukraine already brings immense stress.

Yes, they still live there. My parents and grandparents have spent their entire lives in Ukraine and have made the decision to stay. Fortunately, our hometown is located in the western part of Ukraine, where the situation is relatively less severe compared to some other regions. Personally, I would love for them to move elsewhere as it would alleviate some of my worries, but I fully respect their choice.

On the second day of the war, I left Ukraine and have not returned since. It’s possible that I’m overly sensitive or not brave enough, but the terrifying experience of witnessing the actual war, hearing the alarms and rockets, has made me hesitant to go back until the conflict comes to an end.

Do that impacts and influences the music you make and your professional side as a rising international DJ and music producer?

I’ve never really considered whether the events in my country impact the music I create. However, when journalists at Techno Parade in Paris asked me the same question, it made me wonder if the harder sound I’ve been gravitating towards reflects a rebellious response to the current events. It could be a form of protest, with a part of me screaming and resisting. While that interpretation sounds plausible, the truth is that I’ve been naturally drawn to harder sounds throughout my entire journey as an artist.

Starting from tech house, melodic house & techno, and even deep house, I eventually found my passion in techno and hard techno. This evolution in sound has less to do with specific events happening in my country or the world and more to do with my personal desire for constant growth, seeking something new, different, and better. As for the future, I’m not quite sure how it will evolve, especially since the music I currently play is already quite hard. Nonetheless, I’ve always believed that the harder and darker it gets, the better it resonates with me.

Regarding my DJing and performances, I’ve encountered various situations during the war. Some promoters canceled my shows due to the events in Ukraine, while others chose to support Ukrainian artists and continued working with me. The topic has become less prominent now, with almost nobody bringing it up.

It’s a complex and ambiguous situation, making it challenging to provide a definitive answer on how the war has directly affected my professional life. However, I can confidently say that music and work have become my personal sort of salvation. This is not surprising because they have always served as sources of refuge for me.

In summary, while the events in my country may influence my music to some extent, the evolution of my sound is driven by an internal desire for growth and a constant pursuit of new artistic expressions.

You now live in the beautiful city of Barcelona, a very multicultural place we all love. What made you choose Spain as home? When did you move to the city?

Yes, I do live in Barcelona, and I absolutely love it here. The city offers an incredible blend of coolness and charm, providing everything I need to thrive. Barcelona’s vibrant atmosphere, rich culture, and stunning architecture serve as constant sources of inspiration. I feel incredibly fortunate to call this city my home.

One of the aspects that drew me to Barcelona is its unique and inviting ambiance. The people here possess a warmth and friendliness that is hard to meet anywhere else. The overall lifestyle is laid-back and relaxed, allowing me to feel at ease and embrace a sense of tranquility. Barcelona promotes a culture of enjoying life to the fullest, and this philosophy is what works best for me.

Living in Barcelona is really advantageous for me as an artist who frequently travels for performances. The city’s location and excellent transport connections make it a hub for music and creativity. This was one of the main reasons why I chose to settle here. Also, the comfortable climate and the proximity to the sea add an extra layer of beauty to my everyday life. Living by the sea has always been a dream of mine, and Barcelona has allowed me to fulfill it.

The idea of moving to Barcelona initially came from my conversations with fellow Ukrainian artists Spartaque and Greenjack, who had relocated there a few years before me. They highly recommended Barcelona as a city to live in, especially for its benefits in easy travel within Europe. With their guidance and support, I made the decision to move in late 2021, when travel restrictions related to COVID began to ease, and I had a big number of gigs lined up.

I arrived in Barcelona in November and spent time gathering the necessary documents to obtain my visa. I then returned to Kyiv shortly before New Year to tie up loose ends, unaware that the war was about to break out. The war began unexpectedly, and with a heavy heart, I made the decision to permanently relocate to Barcelona.

With just a small suitcase, a sense of deep fear, and a broken heart, I embarked on a new chapter of my life in this charming city. Despite the challenges and the circumstances surrounding my move, I am grateful for the opportunities that Barcelona has offered me. It has become a place where I can pursue my passion for music and continue to grow as an artist.

Your hard industrial techno has been conquering crowds around the planet! Although we feel like your previous tracks released on labels such as Codex, Stickrecordings and even Numen have quite a different sound from the one that you transmit today. How do you see the evolution of your sound?

I love challenging the rules in art. The key is to follow your heart and create from inspiration. This has driven my artistic journey and helped me grow significantly in my craft. I’m always seeking new experiences and creative growth. When I discovered hard techno, it sparked something deep within me. Its powerful kick and dark vibe resonated strongly. Hard techno became the foundation of my sets, leading to a stronger, unique sound. While some long-time fans may not fully embrace these changes, I’m grateful for the love and support from new listeners who connect with my work.

I’m excited to explore my creativity further, push the boundaries of my sound, and connect with those who appreciate my music’s evolution. Through this journey, I hope to share special experiences and build meaningful connections with my audience.

You have a South America tour in August, but before that you played at Curitiba (Vibe Club) and Sao Paulo (Playground Festival) this month. How do you perceive the differences between crowds from other countries and from South America who attend your shows?

I’m currently in Brazil, and it’s wonderful to be here again! I absolutely love the people—their kindness, friendliness, and helpfulness have made my experience truly enjoyable so far. Yesterday, I had the pleasure of playing at Club Vibe for the second time. The set ended up lasting four hours, even though it wasn’t initially planned that way. The atmosphere was so incredible, and nobody wanted it to end, so we kept going until 6 am.

Today, I’m excited about my performance at Playground. I’ve been told that people actually camp out there despite the cold weather—it’s around 5 degrees at night! I find it unbelievable and can’t wait to witness it myself. After that, I’ll be heading back to Europe and then going on an extensive tour in South America in just two weeks.

The tour will take me to Santiago, Chile on August 3rd, Asunción, Paraguay on August 4th, and Buenos Aires, Argentina on August 5th. Then, I’ll have the privilege of spending a week in Colombia, concluding with two incredible shows. The first one will be at Gate Club in Bogota on Friday, August 11th, featuring amazing artists like Drunken Kong and Ramon Tapia. The second show will be in Medellin at Sonorama club on Saturday, August 12th. I have fond memories of playing there last year, and it was an absolutely unforgettable experience.

The crowds in South America truly stand out, bringing a super high level of enthusiasm and energy to every show. From the moment I step on stage, I can feel their honest excitement and commitment to the music. The connection between artist and audience is so strong that you can basically feel it with every inch of your body. Their energy, cheers, and connection with the music fill my heart with joy. I feel honored to witness their passion for electronic music and see them loving the music I create.

Being part of the music scene in South America is a dream come true, and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to share my music with such enthusiastic and supportive fans. This region has a special place in my artistic journey, and I’m beyond excited to create more magical moments together once again. Let’s make it an unforgettable tour!

Closing THE LAKE (Outdoor Stage) at Verknipt Festival 2023 in Netherlands must have been insane. And there are also shows at festivals like Ikarus and Echelon, the biggest events of Bavarian region in Germany. How it feels to be part of huge events like this?

I would say it feels like I have finally achieved something I have been struggling to attain for many years, something I have worked incredibly hard for. It’s an absolutely amazing feeling, goosebumps-inducing, with an overwhelming desire to jump for joy and scream to the world how happy I am.

I always enjoyed performing at big festivals because it provides an incredible opportunity to meet fellow artists and industry professionals whom you would otherwise only see on social media. For instance, at Ikarus, I arrived six hours before my set, which allowed me to interact with amazing artists and meet many new faces. It was a lot of fun.

Now, when it comes to Verknipt, it was simply unforgettable. In fact, it was my very first gig in the Netherlands, and it felt like a dream to make my debut at such a cool event. I was incredibly fortunate to close The Lake stage, which was located outside and provided a breathtaking view during the evening sunset. The vibe was absolutely stunning, making that set an unforgettable experience.

I had been waiting for that day for months, and when it finally arrived, I was head over heels. By luck, my dear friend from Ukraine, whom I had known for many years and who was with me when I first started exploring the club scene and playing my initial sets at after-parties in Kyiv, happened to be in Amsterdam with her partner. They joined me for my performance, making the evening even more special. We hadn’t seen each other for years, but there was a time when we were incredibly close and shared incredible experiences together. It’s moments like these that remind me why I love what I do and motivate me to keep pushing forward in my artistic journey.

You have an upcoming release on Voxnox in autumn. What can you share about this one? Should we expect a different sound compared to your previous works?

I’m excited to announce that my upcoming release is scheduled for the end of this autumn. It will be featured on a V/A compilation alongside talented artists like AERT, Znzl and many more. This track represents a shift in my sound, incorporating harder and faster elements compared to my previous releases.

At this stage of my artistic development, I find myself exploring new horizons and pushing the boundaries of my creativity. I am dedicated to making music that is not bound by conventional templates or catchy melodies. Instead, I am diving deep into uncharted territories, allowing my inspiration to guide me towards fresh and distinctive soundscapes.

Being chosen for this release on Voxnox is an incredible opportunity. Voxnox is a respected label known for pushing boundaries and showcasing innovative music within the techno scene. Their commitment to quality and their ability to curate diverse and cutting-edge releases is incredible. I’m proud to be part of this compilation, as it allows me to share my evolving sound with a wider audience.

The track I contributed carries a unique energy and intensity, capturing the essence of my current artistic direction. It’s a testament to my growth and exploration as a musician. I’m grateful for the support of my fans and the opportunity to connect with new listeners through this Voxnox release. Stay tuned for more updates, as I look forward to sharing this work with you all.

We heard you are also launching a merchandising collection soon. What items will be available to fans and how can they grab it?

Yes, that’s true, I am currently working on launching my merchandise collection. Many of my fans have been asking where they can purchase official Xenia merchandise, so I have finally decided to make it happen. It’s still in the development phase, and I cannot share the details of how fans can make their purchases just yet. However, I assure you that I am committed to making the process as quick and efficient as possible, and I will share all the information on my social media platforms once everything is ready for sale.

To maintain exclusivity, I want to start with just a few items. I want to understand what people like the most and potentially create variations in different colors. Currently, I have black hand fans with the Xenia logo. These fans are made of lightweight wood and fabric with a special porous material to allow better airflow. I ordered them from the same company that produced a hand fan I have been using for the entire year, and it’s still in perfect condition.

I will also have T-shirts with a minimalist design, created by an incredibly talented artist from Switzerland. I received a T-shirt with his festival logo and a cool design when I played in Lucerne in January. I have been wearing that T-shirt for six months, washing it numerous times, and it still looks brand new! It’s really impressive, so I wanted to have the same quality and a similar design for myself.

This artist kindly agreed to make T-shirts for me, and he also has hoodies and tote bags available, which I believe have excellent quality as well. I am a perfectionist when it comes to the products I offer, so my fans can expect nothing but the best. I am excited to bring my merchandise collection to my fans and provide them with high-quality and exclusive items.

Do you plan to introduce drums - as you’ve been taking drum lessons lately, in coming production and live performances? We also watched a vinyl set recorded in Barcelona last year. Any vinyl-only shows on the horizon? What can you share about that?

Yes, absolutely! Since I’ve started taking drum lessons, it has opened up a whole new dimension to my music production. Incorporating drums into my tracks allows me to create more intricate and unique rhythms, adding depth and energy to my music. It’s fascinating how learning the drums has given me a deeper appreciation for percussion elements and their role in shaping the overall sound.

In my upcoming productions, you can definitely expect to hear the influence of my drumming skills. I’m excited to experiment with different drum patterns and explore various ways to integrate them seamlessly into my tracks. At the moment, I use CDJs for my live performances. However, I dream of incorporating drum machines in the future to take my shows to the next level. It’s a challenging but exciting plan, and I’m working on developing my drumming skills and confidence.

With dedication, I believe I’ll be ready to share my passion for drums and techno with a live audience soon. I’m really excited about doing a vinyl-only mix for a live performance, but I haven’t confirmed the date and place yet. I’m actively searching for the perfect venue to make that happen. I can’t wait to make this dream a reality and share the experience with my fans.

And in addition to what we’ve already talked about, what’s new for the next few months that you can share with us?

I’ve got big dreams for the future, and one of them is to launch and run my very own record label. It’s been a long-standing desire, and now I’m taking the necessary steps to make it happen. All the tracks I’ve been working on throughout the year will be released on the label. And you know what? I’ve got a thing for vinyl, so my label will exclusively offer vinyl releases. I want to give listeners a special and cherished experience with this tangible format. It might be a bold move, but I believe my passion for vinyl will resonate with music enthusiasts, and my label will make its mark in the industry. I won’t flood the market with releases, but I’m aiming to have frequent vinyl releases. There’s something truly magical about holding the music in your hands and sharing it in this way.

But that’s not all! Beyond the label, I have big plans to host showcases worldwide. Initially, I dreamed of owning a club, but performing all around the world has shown me the beauty of diversity. I thrive on embracing different cultures and audiences, so hosting events in various cities and countries allows me to connect with a wide range of music enthusiasts. It’s endlessly fascinating and keeps me on my toes as an artist.

I’ve got some amazing gigs coming up too! As I mentioned above, I am incredibly excited about my upcoming South America tour, and also performing at Input in Barcelona in August is like a dream come true after living there for 18 months.

Lastly, the Echelon Festival in Germany is going to be epic, playing alongside other talented artists and being part of such an incredible event. Each gig holds a special place in my heart, and I’m counting down the days until these unforgettable experiences!

Last: what advice would you give to those artists who are still fighting to find a place in the electronic music industry? What is the biggest lesson you take away from your journey that you would like to share? Thanks!

Throughout my journey, I’ve come to understand the importance of facing challenges and falling multiple times. These experiences are essential for personal growth and artistic development. When we meet obstacles, we learn valuable lessons that shape us as artists and allow us to evolve.

It’s crucial to recognize that ease and comfort don’t always lead to progress. In fact, when things come too easily, we may take them for granted and find ourselves stumbling later on. Accepting the ups and downs of your career will lead to personal growth and a fulfilling path in the music industry.

Therefore, my main advice to aspiring artists is to never give up. Perseverance is the key lesson I’ve learned. Adopting a never-give-up attitude and staying true to your artistic vision are key lessons that will shape your journey as an artist. Remember that success doesn’t happen overnight; it’s a gradual process that requires dedication and resilience.

Staying true to yourself is paramount. Embrace your unique artistic vision, sound, and style. Don’t feel compelled to conform to trends or external expectations. Authenticity sets you apart and attracts a dedicated following who appreciates your genuine expression. Building a strong network is also crucial.

Surround yourself with like-minded individuals and industry professionals who support and inspire you. Networking can open doors to exciting opportunities and collaborations, and it’s essential for professional growth. Taking care of your health is equally important. Balancing the demands of your career with self-care ensures that you can continue creating and performing at your best. Prioritize your well-being!

Lastly, practice patience in every moment of your journey. Success in the electronic music industry requires time, effort, and persistence. Appreciate each step and milestone, celebrating both the small victories and significant achievements.

Follow Xenia on: Instagram | Soundcloud | Facebook

Photos: Andres Cardona Mejia @andrescardonamejia

MUAH: Brenda Sarkissian @brensarkis

Stylist: Paloma Monago @palomamonago

Production: Leche Studio @lechestudiobcn

Assistant: Virginia Stadius @virginiastadius