01Profile
A Xaniielle Photo
Xaniielle
Artist — New York
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
My name is Xaniielle. I’m originally from the Bronx, New York.
What do you do?
I’m an artist. I model primarily but have been a dancer since I was four. I also screenprint, draw a lot and write poetry a lot. Anything I feel I can express myself the best in that moment.
Describe your style in three words?
Adaptive. Colourful. Impulsive.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Being on Jimmy Fallon for J. Balvin is the best gig I have ever done. J-Lo, the only other Puerto Rican woman I look up to, was there. Felt surreal to me to stand in the same room as artists who have been paving the way for the Latin community.
If you could put any three bands in history on a lineup?
Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Linkin Park.
Which subculture have influenced you?
I’m 100% Puerto Rican, raised in the birthplace of hip hop. That subculture I think is what made me me. My dad religiously listening to Hot 97 riding to school. Funk playing the oldies like Big Pun and Jay Z. Lots and lots of New York influence: Biggie, Nas, Dipset — you name it. The values of Old School rap. Japanese culture, read a lot of manga it’s what helped me start to draw.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Frida Kahlo. The type of artist to harness her pains as a woman into her art.
What is your favourite live music venue in New York?
RIP Webster Hall.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Alicia Keys. I used to steal my moms CDs and play The Diary of Alicia Keys in the car nonstop it used to drive my father crazy. I was like seven-years-old trying to hit every key of 'If I Ain’t Got You'. Her aura touches everyone. That’s the energy I want to bring everywhere as a woman.
02Playlist
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
Maybe some *NSYNC. I was a big boy band girl. 'Bye Bye Bye' was my jam.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Conspiracy' by Paramore.
One record you would keep forever?
'The Blueprint' by Jay Z.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
“How you gonna win when you ain’t right within?”
From 'Doo-Wop (That Thing)' by Lauryn Hill.
A song you wished you had written?
'Goodbyes' by Jorja Smith.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Super Saiyan' by Lil Uzi Vert.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Never Too Late' by Three Days Grace.
A song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'Cash Sh*t' by Megan Thee Stallion.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
All of 'Kush & Orange Juice' by Wiz Khalifa.
Any new bands you’re into at the moment?
No bands, only New York rappers. Stash, Splash Gordan, Delly, Quelly. I see y’all.
03Interview
Name, where are you from?
My name is Xaniielle. I’m originally from the Bronx, New York.
What do you do?
I’m an artist. I model primarily but have been a dancer since I was four. I also screenprint, draw a lot and write poetry a lot. Anything I feel I can express myself the best in that moment.
Describe your style in three words?
Adaptive. Colourful. Impulsive.
What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Being on Jimmy Fallon for J. Balvin is the best gig I have ever done. J-Lo, the only other Puerto Rican woman I look up to, was there. Felt surreal to me to stand in the same room as artists who have been paving the way for the Latin community.
If you could put any three bands in history on a lineup?
Coldplay, Red Hot Chili Peppers and Linkin Park.
Which subculture have influenced you?
I’m 100% Puerto Rican, raised in the birthplace of hip hop. That subculture I think is what made me me. My dad religiously listening to Hot 97 riding to school. Funk playing the oldies like Big Pun and Jay Z. Lots and lots of New York influence: Biggie, Nas, Dipset — you name it. The values of Old School rap. Japanese culture, read a lot of manga it’s what helped me start to draw.
If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Frida Kahlo. The type of artist to harness her pains as a woman into her art.
What is your favourite live music venue in New York?
RIP Webster Hall.
Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Alicia Keys. I used to steal my moms CDs and play The Diary of Alicia Keys in the car nonstop it used to drive my father crazy. I was like seven-years-old trying to hit every key of 'If I Ain’t Got You'. Her aura touches everyone. That’s the energy I want to bring everywhere as a woman.
04Playlist Notes
The first track you played on repeat?
Maybe some *NSYNC. I was a big boy band girl. 'Bye Bye Bye' was my jam.
A song that defines the teenage you?
'Conspiracy' by Paramore.
One record you would keep forever?
'The Blueprint' by Jay Z.
A song lyric that has inspired you?
“How you gonna win when you ain’t right within?”
From 'Doo-Wop (That Thing)' by Lauryn Hill.
A song you wished you had written?
'Goodbyes' by Jorja Smith.
Best song to turn up loud?
'Super Saiyan' by Lil Uzi Vert.
A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Never Too Late' by Three Days Grace.
A song to get you straight on the dance floor?
'Cash Sh*t' by Megan Thee Stallion.
Best song to end an all-nighter?
All of 'Kush & Orange Juice' by Wiz Khalifa.
Any new bands you’re into at the moment?
No bands, only New York rappers. Stash, Splash Gordan, Delly, Quelly. I see y’all.