Greek DJ and producer Xenia Ghali is certainly one to watch this year.

We introduced you to her last year following the release of her track ‘Places’. The track went on to achieve great success and followed in the footsteps of Xenia’s previous single ‘Under The Lights’ by reaching number one on the Billboard Dance Club Songs Chart.

Now, Xenia is back with a fresh new single called ‘Stick Around’. The track showcases a slightly different and softer side to the artist’s sound, thanks to the heartfelt lyrics and its dreamy opening. However, at the heart of it all, the track is another club banger from Xenia and we predict that it could be destined for even bigger things than her previous releases.

We recently had the chance to quiz Xenia about her new music, working with Sirup Music, the biggest challenges she’s faced in the industry and much more.

Hey Xenia! The last time we spoke to you, you’d just released ‘Places’. How have you been since then and what have you been up to?

Hi! I’ve been very busy actually! I had my busiest summer tour which included headlining 3 festivals and then I jumped back into the studio to work on new releases. 

You’ve just released a great new single called ‘Stick Around’. What can you tell us about the song and the inspiration behind it?

Yes, I’m very excited to have released ‘Stick Around’! I actually did something I don’t usually do, which was to produce the track first and then write the song. I produced a record which combined all my favorite things, bass, melody, harmony and rhythm. The next day I had a writing session and I presented a few tracks I had done in the past which I never released (as options to rework or write a new topline to). I was hesitant to show the track I produced the night before because I felt insecure about it. Eventually, I decided to play the track and that was it. We mutually felt the urge to write to it and so we did! The song is an edgy take on love, making it very relatable, fun but also emotional. 

How long did it take to put the song together?

In total it took me approximately a month. 

You’ve been teasing the music video on Facebook. What can we expect from it and what was it like to film?

I am so excited about the ‘Stick Around’ Official music video! It is something that I have always wanted to do and very different to anything you have seen from me so far. I wanted to go for something fresh, relatable, fun but also artistic. The aesthetic is what I have wanted to do for a long time! It is directed by Xixi Kiwii and her along with the rest of my team (including stylist Fani Polychroniou and designer Boudoir by Dennis P) worked with me on this project to produce something I am truly proud of. We filmed it in New York and to my luck it was during some of the coldest days of the winter season! Despite the cold however, the 3 day shoot gave me an incredible fun and creative experience. Everyone involved in the video has been amazing!

It’s your first release on Sirup Music – how are you enjoying working with them so far?

I was thrilled when EDX himself offered to release the single and the music video through his label Sirup Music. He is an artist that I admire and the label fits me as an artist perfectly! I am very proud to be collaborating with the label and I look forward to future collaborations.

How do you feel your sound has evolved since you first started making music?

I always try to evolve my sound and to do something that is ‘better’ every time. I feel like I am a lot more mature in my production and in my overall sound. With every record I write and produce I learn things! 

What are the biggest changes and challenges you’ve faced in the music industry?

Being a girl producer and DJ of course has been challenging and still sometimes is unfortunately. In the beginning, it was difficult because there was a sense of doubt from other members of the industry, artists and DJs. I overcame this by working very hard and pushing myself to get better. I haven’t stopped working hard and that is the other challenge I face in the music industry! The more milestones you accomplish, the harder you have to work! 

You’ve worked with the likes of Pitbull and Wyclef Jean in the past. If you could pick any three people to collaborate with, who would they be and why?

That is a very difficult question! I would love to work with many artists, producers, writers and DJs! The list would be endless!

What are some of your must-have items for when you’re out on the road?

My USB sticks, my laptop, headphones, my hard drives, a ton of clothes, make up and my Go Pro.

What can you tell us about your plans for 2018?

After the recent release of my single ‘Stick Around’ I will be releasing the Official Music video too. Additionally, I am working on my next releases and collaborations as well as my touring schedule which includes planning the first round of my tour in Asia in partnership with Blow Agency (as part of Ismaya Group).

Thank you to Xenia Ghali for her time. Keep up to date with her on Soundcloud, Facebook, YouTube and Instagram.

‘Stick Around’ is available now.

Let us know your thoughts on Xenia Ghali and her new track ‘Stick Around’ on Twitter @CelebMix

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