Welcome to the mesmerising world of XENIA, one of the standout artists from this year’s Primavera Sound Barcelona. From her captivating performance at the Cupra Stage, XENIA once again proved that Cupra is a true tastemaker in the music scene.
Hailing from Valencia, XENIA is a remarkable composer, producer, and performer who has been carving her niche in the underground Spanish music landscape. Since her dystopian debut EP, Esfera, in 2021, she has continuously evolved her sound. Her first full-length album, Ruido-0, released in 2022, showcased a darker pop aesthetic while maintaining her roots in immersive textures, defining her unique sonic identity.
Follow @arxenica / linktr.ee/xen1a
In a fascinating collaboration with Margarita Quebrada, XENIA released Aleación in 2023, an EP blending raw, agitated electronics with deeply emotional melodies and rhythms. The journey did not stop there; her latest album, Cuando las sombras se alargan, unveiled at the end of 2023, boldly defies genres, merging elements of electronica, reggaeton, urban, pop, and drum & bass. This ambitious project explores dreamlike, surreal states, fusing the ethereal nature of dreams with everyday emotions.
Currently, XENIA is at a thrilling juncture in her career, with her new album making waves just this past December. With major festival appearances lined up for 2024 at events such as Tomavistas, Vida Festival, Observatorio, and Primavera Sound, her talent is set to reach even greater heights. Recently returning from a notable performance at SPOT Festival in Denmark, more national and international tour dates are on the horizon.
Exciting collaborations abound, with her latest release “Nanana” featuring Ganges, signalling even more music soon to come. We are passionate about championing emerging artists with strong creative identities, and XENIA is undeniably a voice of a new generation. Highlighting her story on your platform at this pivotal moment would be incredibly meaningful as she continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
Xenia, your recent performance on the Cupra Stage at Primavera Sound in Barcelona was fantastic! How did you feel about the energy from the crowd?
Thank you so much! I felt very welcome by the people who came to see me. Even though I feel that my music naturally fits a more nocturnal context, not just in terms of its meaning but also its style and energy, I was initially concerned that performing during the day might make it harder for the audience to get into the mood to dance and fully engage with the
performance. But I was happily surprised. I’m grateful that people showed up, joined me, and danced with me.
What were some of the standout moments for you during your set at Primavera Sound last weekend?
Sharing the lineup with artists I truly admire was incredibly exciting, so of course I joined the whole festival to go see them perform. Some of my favourite shows were FKA twigs, Beach House, and Salem; they were definitely among the moments I enjoyed the most. But of course, I also really enjoyed playing my own set. I always love performing live, even though nerves are always part of the experience, being present in the moment and giving my best
always takes over.
Can you share how the atmosphere of Barcelona influenced your performance? Was this your first time at Primavera?
Yes! This was my first time at Primavera Sound, and I had never seen the actual festival grounds before. The whole setting was completely new to me. Being close to the sea always has a grounding effect on me, and since the Forum stretches along the port, I appreciated having the water nearby. Barcelona is a beautiful city that I’ve visited before for
other concerts and work, but Primavera Sound has a very special energy. The atmosphere was vibrant and inspiring, and I think that influenced my performance in a positive way.
Your album “Cuando las sombras se alargan” has received great acclaim since its release. What was your inspiration behind this project?
For this project, the inspiration came from the night, dreams, and their surreal nature. The title refers to the moment when the sun sets and night begins. The songs are wrapped in a dark halo that gives them a cohesive form and binds them together. While each track expresses a distinct emotion or moment, the overarching theme, alongside the sonic identity
which has emerged during this phase of my life, serves as the unifying thread that gives the entire work its meaning.
Can you tell us about your latest track with Ganges? What themes or emotions did you want to convey through this collaboration?
For this collaboration with Ganges, I wanted to embrace a more naïve approach and play with both the sound and the lyrics. There’s a more carefree energy to it, maybe it’s the beginning of a new chapter for me, who knows? I was excited to work with her, as I deeply admire her work and the way she writes such visceral and straightforward lyrics. With this song, I wanted to reveal a side of myself that’s still unexplored, one that brings out the sense of playfulness and innocence that my music can also hold.
With a busy festival schedule ahead, how do you prepare mentally and physically for each live performance?
Preparation becomes essential, both mentally and physically. I try to follow a consistent routine that includes warming up my voice and body before each show. Mentally, I make space for a few quiet moments alone before performing. Time to calm myself and focus on my emotions. It’s a very sensitive moment, and anything can easily affect your nerves, so
staying grounded is key.
Being featured in major media outlets must have been a big milestone for you.
How has that exposure changed your approach to your music?
It was a meaningful milestone. Gaining that kind of exposure made me realise that my music resonates with more people than I had imagined. I try not to let these feelings of victory or defeat influence the essence of how I create, but this visibility has given me more confidence to keep going.
You’ve recently signed with Universal Music. What does this partnership mean for your career moving forward?
Being part of Universal Publishing is a great step, and I believe it will bring new experiences and opportunities shortly. I’m still an independent artist, working with different teams across editorial, distribution, booking, and management. So far, I feel I’ve made thoughtful choices, and I trust that my intuition will continue to guide me toward meaningful
and worthwhile experiences.
How do you feel your heritage influences your music and your artistic identity?
My heritage plays a big role in how I understand and express music. I grew up listening to Spanish rock at home and sharing moments with my grandmother while listening to Marisol. Going to local festivals and ‘verbenas’ in my hometown, La Vall D’uixó, and the town of my family, La Gila, in La Mancha. I’ve also been surrounded by the rich musical culture of the Valencian community, where traditional village bands are so deeply cherished. All of these
sounds and memories naturally shape my identity as an artist and give emotional depth to what I create, even when I explore more electronic or experimental styles.
Can you share any upcoming collaborations that you’re particularly excited about?
Right now, I’m focused on my tour and finishing my studies, so I’ve had less time than I’d like to sit in the studio and plan new releases. However, I’m eager to dive back into the creative process and explore a new side of myself that will take me to new places. I’m especially excited to share this journey with artists I admire. While I can’t share any names yet (not
even I know them haha) I can promise that more collaborative music is on the way.
With performances lined up at festivals like Tomavistas and Vida Festival, how do you ensure each show feels unique and personal?
I always strive to make each show special and unique. Connecting with the audience is key. I make music for people, and seeing that love returned through their presence, dancing, and singing along fills me with joy. Every venue or festival has its own conditions regarding stages, so when I can’t bring visuals, lights, or dancers, I focus on highlighting other aspects of my performance to make it shine.
What message or experience do you hope your listeners take away from your music?
I would love for the people who come to see me to have a moment of introspection where they connect with themselves and let go without any restrictions. I want them to shake it off, dance, shout, sing, and express themselves in whatever way my music inspires them to.
Editorial credits:
Dirección @duelodueloduelo
Fotógrafa @luziaorts
Iluminación @_carloscastello
MUAH @mar.ia.lara
Espacio @_albufera_
Estilismo: @mariola.valencia & @martakornelski
@angrydaughter_ @martakornelski
Outfit:
Pantalones de pelo @patequilux
Falda y top @patequilux
