XIN LIU is China’s fastest-rising female solo pop artist, and she’s taking her talent global. Known for her multifaceted skills—as a rapper and singer and as a songwriter, dancer, fashionista, and producer—she sets herself apart in the pop world. Her music blends genres seamlessly, from gritty trap beats to emotional ballads, with a just as eclectic style. XIN emerges as a powerful new voice on the international stage as her influence grows. Here, she shares her insights on her latest EP, her journey, and the story behind her unforgettable Coachella performance.
Q: Hi, XIN LIU! Congratulations on your latest EP! The title “O” is intriguing. Can you share what inspired this concept?
A: Thank you! The album “O” is about harmony and tolerance. I wanted to capture a vision of a world filled with love and connection, growing beyond boundaries. The circle of “O” represents that unity, but it also reflects something complex—something that might seem closed or guarded yet holds immense energy and passion, just like all of us.
Q: “Unwind” was the focus track of this EP. How does it represent you as an artist, and what sets it apart from “Reality,” your pre-single?
A: “Unwind” has an Afrobeat inspiration and an easygoing and light vibe. It’s more relaxed than “Reality,” which has a structured, almost mechanical feel. Together, they show two sides of my music: one moving from a place of cool detachment toward warmth and openness, capturing different stages of emotion.
Q: This EP reflects a journey of self-acceptance. How do you choose songs that mirror this process?
A: The song selection was really meaningful. “Reality” was the first choice—it was catchy and represented the start of this project, with its theme of embracing imperfections. “Walls” came next, with a futuristic sound that Sean [Miyashiro] really believed in; his confidence in the track led me to try something new. Then came “Unwind,” a short Afrobeat track designed for replay. “Never Forget” was written at a camp, and it brings out a carefree side—imagine the sun and the beach, worry-free. Finally, “Under the Moon,” my only Chinese song on Vol.1, combines these elements, symbolizing the “Half and Half” that blends worlds within the EP.
Q: Your visualizers for “Walls,” “Under the Moon,” and “Never Forget” are each unique. What stories were you trying to tell?
A: For “Walls,” the concept is about being trapped in a confined space and the frustration of trying to break free. It’s really about patience and resilience. With “Unwind,” I wanted that sense of being submerged, using Afro dance and water elements to give a lazy, heated feeling. And “Never Forget” is all about that beach freedom—barefoot, wearing soft fabrics, feeling the ocean breeze, just letting go.
Q: Congratulations on your Coachella performance! What was the toughest part of preparing for this U.S. debut?
A: Thank you! The hardest part was merging traditional Chinese elements with my style and dreams, making that fusion work on such a major stage. Performing alongside artists I admired growing up pushed me in ways I never expected, and I learned so much from that experience.
Q: If you could share the stage with any artist, past or present, who would it be?
A: Without a doubt, Michael Jackson. His style, his energy—it’s irreplaceable. He was a legend, and his influence on both singing and dancing is something I deeply respect.
XIN LIU has broken molds as an artist and a cultural icon bridging East and West, effortlessly embodying a new wave of international pop. With new music on the way and her influence growing daily, it’s clear that XIN LIU is on the path to global superstardom. Follow her on Instagram, Twitter, YouTube, and TikTok to see what she’ll conquer next.
