song-a-week 6 "Dont Think Twice"

Hi Everyone!
I forgot to post my cover last week, but you can find it here on youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-0ROu2p0S8&feature=related It is a song that Amy Winehouse used to cover, called "Valerie"

This week someone asked me to play harmonica, so I went for it and chose "Dont Think Twice" by Bob Dylan. It's one of my favorite Dylan songs, because of the lyrics. They are sharp, witty, and bittersweet all at once. Here you are!

Song-A-Week 4 "lollipop" by Lil Wayne

I had a great time with this cover! Mind you, it sounds absolutely nothing like the original but I had fun trying to make Lil Wayne sound jazzy. My mom has been calling him "Little Wayne" and refuses to accept that this is not his actual name. =) Hope you like/laugh at this cover.

Tune in next Monday!

love and lollipops,

Xenia

Song-A-Week 3 "Dreams" by Brandi Carlile

Hello everyone!

Hope you have all had wonderful weeks. Lately I have been listening to a ton of Brandi Carlile. She tours with these twin brothers who play bass and guitar for her and I find her and them charming. This song is called "Dreams" and was inspired by sex dreams..which gives you all the more reason to listen to it...right??=) Enjoy! Love, Xen

song-a-week "Drive" by Melissa Ferrick

Hello Lovelies!

I saw Melissa Ferrick in concert on Saturday and she was incredible. What can I possibly say that will do her justice? Well, this was the last song of the night and I am pretty sure if the stage was not guarded everyone in the audience would have thrown themselves at her. In the middle of the song, Melissa went on a rant about vibrators, the tragedy of dead batteries, and her cat. It was inspiring to say the least. She is an amazing performer, and if you ever get the chance, see her live! Her new album comes out on September 13.

Oh yes, and here is the song.

Tune in next week=)
Love,
Xen

Song a Week Series!

Hello all,

The last fews weeks have been crazy. I've been playing tons of shows which has been such an incredible experience. I decided to start a "Song a Week Series" where I post one song every Monday either a cover or an original. So here goes! This is called "Sweet Blindness" by Laura Nyro.

love,
X

Album Release and this Saturday at The Saint

All I can say is wow. Thank you all so kindly for your support, hearts, and hugs on Saturday. It was a day filled with emotions.

Before the album release, I received an alarming amount of phone calls/text messages from people saying that they were not available to make it. In the green room at the Bitter End I was almost in tears. After all, I had been working on this album for two years, and it would be devastating to play for just the bartenders. Ten minutes before my set a few people started to trickle in. Miraculously, at 8pm the audience was filled. I have no idea how this happened, but thank you. The set went incredible, and playing with my bassist Andy Rasmussen and drummer George Robson was a blast.

If you missed it, have no fear! Because I had so much fun, I will be doing this all again on Saturday June 18 at The Saint in Asbury Park NJ. Although my adorable band will not be playing with me, it is going to be a good time. I go on at 6pm. The new album will be available. But if you are itching for it and need it now, it is available on iTunes and a host of various online stores. Hope to see you on Saturday.

Again thank you thank you thank you for your support.

Love,

Xenia

www.xenia-music.net

photo by: Mary Cae Vignolini

Only 3 More Days!!!

Hello all you studly folks! I am writing this email to tell you a few exciting things. Firstly, on Sunday I got home from the Nashville Songwriters Festival. Although it was a hard crowd, it was definitely a learning experience and I feel fortunate to have played it.  Secondly, guess what came in the mail yesterday? That’s right! The first batch of my album copies! I am taking them to the Bitter End for the album release on Saturday, and hope to come home empty-handed.  Finally, there are only 2-3(if you count Saturday) more days until the release! Saturday will be very special to me and I really hope to see YOU.  And all of the people that you love.  Cant wait!

<3 Xenia

Also, take a look at these video clips from Nashville. (Sorry about the poor quality)

Cupcakes, tour, and my album release!

Hello everyone,

I am thrilled to be typing this blog post right now. After spending the past two years in the recording studio I am finally finished with my record, entitled “Way Back Home”. I baked my wonderful producer vegan cupcakes (chocolate with buttercream frosting to be exact) in celebration. I am so very excited to tell you all about the album. It features musicians such as Askold Buk, Andy Rasmussen, Brian Morelli, Elizabeth Smith, and Heather Postel. It has 12 tracks that range from sultry and moody, to upbeat numbers that really folk you up. During the span of writing this album, I have journeyed for a concept of what it means to be home and what “home” entails. The title of the album also comes from a line in the single "Telescope". Recording, although completely tedious, is such a rewarding and challenging process. 

So where and when can I get this album? (you might be asking) Well, I have the answer! On Saturday June 11 I will be playing at The Bitter End in NYC at 8pm with my band. I am excited to be playing with a new and very talented drummer, named George Robson, and my bass player Andy. I am thinking of baking some type of amazing treat, and giving them out to those who purchase the album. I will take requests. The album will be $10 at the release. If you have to come up with a terrible excuse not to show up (your cat ate laced cat-nip or your uncle had a bad reaction to his first back-waxing) you can buy the album on iTunes on June 12, or Amazon or any one of those online sights. 

This summer, I am excited to say that I will be playing a number of shows in cool places. For one, I am leaving for the Nashville Songwriters Festival on June 4 and 5th. I have a number of gigs all over the East Coast lined up, so please check my website for more details. www.xenia-music.net

Way Back Home Record Release Party

June 11 at 8pm at The Bitter End.

147 Bleecker Street, New York, NY 10012 Tickets are $10.

(212) 673-7030

There will be baked goods. And hugs.

love,
Xenia

Photoshoot!

Hi all,

Last Friday I had my first photo shoot with the amazing Shervin Lainez. It was way too much fun. I thoroughly enjoyed attempting to walk in heels. It was quite a scene. I am extremely happy with the turnout, and I hope you will be too! Stay tuned for pictures. And more importantly, the album!!! =)

Oh and please please please take a look at Shervin’s work. It rocks.

www.shervinfoto.com

Also, I will be playing a show this Friday in Tribeca at Cinemart Space 17 at 8pm. Tickets are $10. The lovely Ambyr D’amato and I will be doing a collaboration on one of her songs during her set. Come and hang out!

Cin-M-Art Space 43 (Subway 1, 2,3 A,C,E)

43 Murray Street NYC Between West Broadway & Church Streets

Love,

Xenia

A Cover!

Hey all,

Realized I have not uploaded a video in a while and decided it was about time. This is a song by the beautiful songwriter Ani Difranco called Overlap. Hope you enjoy!

-Xen

Welcome

Welcome to my blog! I will be keeping you updated with tour dates, new releases, and all things Xenia related.