Meet Xochitl Violet | Singer/Songwriter, Director

We had the good fortune of connecting with Xochitl Violet and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Xochitl, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking
Risk taking plays a huge role in every aspect of my creative career. Being a front woman who does all her own marketing, visuals and music is an accumulation of years of risk taking. The fear of failing subsides over time but I very much remember one of the first times I felt afraid I was taking a risk. When I was around 4 or 5 my class had a dance recital and I vividly recall being terrified. Myself and a couple other kids in my class went up to perform and half way through the performance I ran off stage and into my moms arms. Throughout my life I’ve had to overcome similar instances where there was a risk of embarrassment or failure involved and music has always been the light to guide me through those dark moments. My love for music always outweighed the temptation to flee. There are instances when I have to take social risks in other ways such as networking and investing my money without a guarantee of any return. My music is still there in those moments. It’s always in the back of my mind. Every step I take is a step that could take me in the right direction or set me back for a second. Whatever the case is on that particular day, the risk must be taken and I must step with pride and persistence no matter what happens. Fighting the fear overtime has made me more resilient and given me new perspective on the feeling of fear and failure. These feelings are signs of change and growth. Failure is the first step towards success. It sounds corny, I know, but it is so essential to the evolution of the human spirit and the creative mind.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My art is very much multi dimensional. Coming from a very diverse and people oriented background my art has lots of different flavors and influences. I feel that my love of all forms of art sets me apart from my peers. I’ve delved into acting, writing, painting, fashion, modeling, and dance. All of these things combined make me who I am and help me stand out. The art forms that I use most are acting, singing and dancing. I love to act out a character with my voice and accompany it with appropriate movement and personality. I’m very proud of the way I’ve cultivated my brand and individuality while also allowing others to explore theirs. It’s definitely not easy to maintain a sense of self while engaging with so many egos and maneuvering a rapidly changing world. I also feel that, that’s just part of living and getting older. Life gets more and more complex and its a constant climb to grow and be your best self. It’s a constant rollercoaster of up and downs but living with passion helps you get through. I’ve definitely learned that moving with kindness, inquisitiveness and calm makes everything easier. I want the world to know that we are all connected and that I am rooting for them just like I’m rooting for myself. I hope to be a mother figure for those who don’t have it while pursuing my love for music and expression at the same time.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
This is a hard one. I am fairly new to LA but do have a few spots I would go. If a friend of mine was visiting we definitely would be going out to eat and drink. I work in the restaurant industry and am a bit of a foodie. For breakfast we would go to Los Feliz Cafe for a chill, cheap outdoor experience and then possibly head to Malibu for a beach day. For lunch we might go to Bacari Silverlake for the ambiance and open bar. After that we would head to Silverlake flea for a little shopping and go to Bar Flores for dinner and drinks! We might have a little wine date in the house or go to Figaro for Happy hour. I would also take them to El Cid on sunset for a little dancing. As far as anything past that I’m not sure! I think some of the most interesting and fun experiences tend to be with the people you love most in stimulating environments that have art, food and nature.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh man. This is such an important question and conversation. I have been so fortunate in my life to have many mentors, supporters and friends who have helped me get to where I am. I will focus on the people closest to me and my mentors who have helped me cultivate my creativity. I will also include some influences who I do not know personally.

Firstly I’ll mention a few musical and artistic influences of mine.

Among these is Selena. She was, from what I remember, one of the first singers that made me realize I was meant to be a performer. From her outfits to her energy and dancing I was obsessed. I saw Selena and I saw myself, a sweet mellow minded singer with a big ol’ smile always on her face. My performance style has heavily been influenced by Selena. I’ll always see her as one of my biggest influences.

Another big influence performance wise is none other than Beyonce Knowles-Carter. She is the biggest musical influence I have had. Being a perfectionist, her image has always struck me and made me want to be better in all aspects. Her songs have been the backtrack to my life since Destiny’s Child. She has empowered me as a woman and as a creative in a male dominated industry. Her duality of sexual power and independence is so admirable and something I try to pull from.

My next influence is not a musical one but her messages and image aligned with mine in a way that no one else has. I’m talking about Frida Kahlo of course. I remember the first time I saw her. On a matchbox in a “Corazon Del Pueblo” in Oakland. I must’ve been about 8 and I remember seeing her and noticing how much she looked like me. Same mustache and eyebrows and our facial structure was even similar. Then I saw her art. I could feel her pain through all the surreal concepts and colors. She was a free woman just like me. I pull so much influence from all those women and I think it is a tangible presence when viewing my work.

I also would like to thank my parents and my grandfather. They always supported me financially and emotionally in all my endeavors and I would not be here if it weren’t for them. They always put me in creative settings and let me have time to explore the arts. From putting me in modeling classes to just simply singing or dancing with me, they always inspired my childish spirit and nurtured my artistry. They also had lots of different types of people around which helped me maneuver a world full of different mindsets and intentions with empathy, understanding and openness.

I specifically would like to thank my mom for being the best example of what a strong, kind, independent woman can be. She was my blueprint for being a good human being and I’m forever indebted to her for being who she is and in turn teaching me to be who I want to be.

To my father, my papi, mi apa, i want to thank him for being so tough on me and helping me grow a thick skin and a strong character. I gained a lot of my rage and confidence from him and it’s fed my music so well. I also would like to thank him for teaching me to dance, playing the guitar and singing with me. Those memories will be with me always. I realized recently that a big part of me wanting to do music was an attempt to impress and make my father proud. That drive is irreplaceable and I hope he knows how much he has influenced my progression as a person.

To my Grandpa Skinner, I miss you and thank you. He passed years ago but his energy still lingers and will always be there. My grandpa was a thinker, an intellect and a compassionate man. His house was always filled with classical music. He had a little radio in his kitchen that was always on and set to the same classical station. Whenever we would visit him I would spend my days dancing ballet and interpreting the sounds that would come out of that little radio. His house was always so peaceful. I could spend hours sitting outside or at the window taking in the Southern California sunshine. I learned how to be still in these moments and get lost within my own mind and within my music. My grandpa was bound to a wheelchair and sometimes I would sit in his lap while he rode me around the house, always inquiring about me and my interests. He taught me to always ask questions, to keep exploring. His stoicism, constant state of learning and jokes will be with me forever. He had such a hard life but always taught me how to see the bright side and to use that pain to fuel your passion.

Another important figure in my life that I would like to spotlight is my partner Arch Ares. He has also been feature on Voyage if you would like to learn more about him. He has been the biggest support of my lifetime and has played a huge part in my elevation. We both have completely different ways of thinking and expression and his perspective has really helped me round myself out and focus on my direction visually, musically and emotionally. He has been the most attentive teacher, friend and counselor. I attribute my ability to edit and direct visuals to him. During Covid he helped me learn these new skills and I am so grateful to have encountered him on this journey and be able to share the same interests while still pushing each other to new boundaries. He also has the best eye for fashion and details that never ceases to impress and push me. I’m so excited to see where we both go and am so happy to have him by my side through it all.

Lastly I would like to talk about two mentors who will always have a piece of my heart. I have had 2 great mentors in my life, both vocal instructors with a lot of passion and love for the craft.

First up is my private instructor Laura Ahlstrand-Gwin. I started seeing her when I was about 10 and studied with her for about 5 years consistently. She was always so encouraging, patient and punctual with her instruction. After those first 5 years I continued to see her on and off for another 5 years or so. I had many rough years throughout this time and Laura’s apartment was always a safe space that brought me peace during some hard years. She always saw something special in me even when I couldn’t see it myself. I always admired her strength not just as a vocalist and teacher but as a woman. I’m so glad for the opportunity to recognize her because she really was a huge influence on my life and I’ve never been good at letting people know when I truly appreciate them. I haven’t spoken to her in a while but I hope she’s doing well and I am waiting for the day when I can thank her formally. I have always wanted her to be my vocal coach on the road and I hope I can make that dream come true and that she would be willing and able to do so.

Last but most definitely not least I would love to shoutout my high school choir teacher, Mr. Eli Souza. I believe I was in choir all 4 years if not at least 3 years. Mr. Souza was my teacher for all of those years. Choir was always my favorite class because he made it special. His sense of humor mixed with his serious approach to everything he did influenced me as a human and as a singer. Being in his class taught me so much about performance ettiquette, music history and vocal control. Towards the end of my high school years I remember having a really tough period with my family and Mr. Souza began to double as somewhat of a father figure for me. I saw him daily and his guidance and work ethic always helped point me in a good direction even when he was being hard on us. The realization that I would never be in his class again was one of the hardest to grapple with my senior year. I actually had my first panic attack at our last concert that year. At that time I had never heard of anxiety or panic attacks and had no idea what was happening. In hindsight I realize that it was a moment of self realization and deep appreciation for my teacher and this class. That moment helped me heal emotionally and learn how to let go while keeping a sense of gratitude. So I thank Mr. Souza deeply for his love of music and helping me and all his students feel the love as well.

That concludes my recognition of people who have helped me along the way. I hope all those included can feel my deep appreciation for them. I also would like to thank Voyage for this amazing platform and for asking these important questions. Thank you so much for including me and thanks to anyone taking the time to read this.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/xochitlviolet_/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCz734gSwQKutBSiGLiYM5-A

Image Credits
Slauson Ave Activist, Arch Ares, Jamie-Lee B.