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Xoch is a power-pop artist from NYC who I came across on My Space. Not only does Xoch look the part but she has an amazing voice and a wicked band behind her. After being sent a couple of cd's I decided to interview Xoch and here's what she had to say for herself.
Street Voice: Can you introduce to yourself and your band to our readers please?
I'm Xoch (pronounced zoach), which is also the band name. I'm the vocalist and co-writer. Vince Ripper is my guitarist and co-writer.
Street Voice: So what inspired you to get involved with music business?
I have always been into performing and being on stage. It seemed so natural, like second nature. I also feel I have many viatl things to say artistically. I have an extensive, varied performing background with some theater, some music and some dance, so it was only a matter of time that I would find myself in a performing career. I really like singing songs I helped to inspire and create, which is why I'm still in the business.
Street Voice: Have you played under any other names apart from Xoch?
Prior to XOCH, I used to front a band with Vince called "The Fuzzies". The band was extremely high energy, punky and cutesy. We did that for six years and felt that we needed to grow musically. In 2003, we decided to change direction/focus and became XOCH.
Street Voice: How did you stumble upon the name Xoch?
I have always been into ancient mythology. While vacationing in Central America, I had climbed the ancient ruins when I had a spiritual experience and felt a presence come over me. When I returned home to the states, I had done extensive research on the ancient civilizations and came across the name, Xochipilli which translates to the god of flowers, song fertility, etc. By taking on the name, and shortening it to XOCH, it has come to mean "the goddess of flower and song" which I thought is a unique and great name for an artist. I have been going by XOCH for better or worse ever since.
Street Voice: Where and how did you and your band meet each other?
I met my partner Vince back at a local open mic in our area many years ago. Together, he and I have had the fortune of playing with many talented musicians (we have many terrific sidemen who help back us up in our electric format) for both live shows and recordings. I love working with a variety of good natured people and I'm grateful to continue finding those who are the same page musically.
Street Voice: You've released a fair few albums so are all these still available for our readers to check out?
I have released three CDs - The ONE, Cabaret and popcore du jour. They are available through my website , live shows and many reputable digital distributors.
Street Voice: Taking of your releases what is your favourite one so far?
Each release is a reflection of what I'm going through in a particular time. Each one is very personal and heartfelt to me, so I can't really pick a favorite. Being an artist, I am always more biased to the new material I come up with.
Street Voice: You've also done alot of tv work so how did all that come about?
I have licensed many of my songs for TV, movies, soundtracks and commercials. A lot of those opportunities came from people expressing interest in using my music and it sort of snowballed from there. It is really rewarding to hear your songs on TV and in the movies! Finally the hardwork pays off!!!
Street Voice: You're one of the coolest artists I've heard from NY in a fair while but at times do you feel hindered because there is so much musically coming out of your city?
Thank you. I don't consider myself hindered by musical diversity. I do what I do well and proudly and don't really compare myself with the success of others.
Street Voice: It's also fair to say that you're a beautiful woman with a wicked figure so has modelling ever been an option for you?
Thank you! Actually, I have been approached by modeling scouts numerous times expressing interest in my look and having me do work. More often than not, I usually don't meet the height requirement to do a lot of modeling work. I do consider myself the premiere, petite supermodel though.
Street Voice: There seems to be a trend amongst many independent female artists to shed their clothing for sex appeal. Have you ever considered this to promote yourself or do you hope that people will judge you on your voice/music alone?
I think there is certainly an unsurmountable pressure for female artists who are often valued for their looks over the substance of their material. I think it is really an individual choice for the artist. As long as you are comfortable with yourself and are being true to yourself, I see nothing wrong with it. But at the same time, I often see this pressure as a double standard for women. It can be hindering for these young artists' careers because people may not take them as seriously as artists/musicians. It's really a catch 22 if you ask me. Damned if you do, damned if you don't.
Street Voice: So when can we hope to see Xoch in the UK?
I'm actually looking to do some dates in 2008. Things are still in the works but it is certainly a realistic possibility.
Street Voice: Are you or any of your band into politics, animal rights etc?
I do enjoy watching political shows and keeping up on political events. I think it is essential that we are aware of the issues going on in the world.
Street Voice: Aside from the band what else do you guys get up to?
I currently attend college and I'm three credits away from completing my degree in the Performing Arts. Vince and I also play in a side project called "Jackson" which is a JohnnyCash/June Carter tribute project. We're fans of the music, so it is a good way for us to kick back and play for fun!!
Street Voice: What do you hope 2008 brings Xoch?
Continued dedication to our craft of writing, recording and performing. Building and nurturing our fanbase. More success licensing songs to movies, soundtracks and TV. Basically, anything that continues growth to our musical career is something I'm looking forward to.
Street Voice: Anything you'd like to add?
I'm honored to have done so many interesting things throughout my career as a performer! Opening for national acts, licensing music to commercials, TV and movies, magazine reviews both nationally and internationally and meeting awesome wonderful fans are all some of the greatest achievements one could ever ask for! I'm grateful to be able to do what I love to do and have people support and encourage me! As long as I have drive and as long as I keep setting goals for myself, I will continue to create and perform. Longevity and staying power my friend, now there's a goal!
Thanks to Xoch for taking time out to do this interview and on the basis of this interview alone I hope you check out her music. All I'll say is this is one artist who you'll be hearing much more about in the not too distant future.
Click On Image To View Xoch's CD Reviews
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