is awesome check her stuff out! 
XOCH. Her music, her look, her presence, they stimulate your senses and demand your attention. With a tour de force of vocals and a commanding stage presence, singer/songwriter front-girl XOCH (pronounced “Zoach”) knows how to grab her audience with huge hooks, a driving and dynamic rock/pop sound, and powerful lyrics that resonate inside your head and refuse to let go. Her name means “the goddess of flower and song”, and she is just that. She has received critical acclaim from all over the world for her music. She has had nearly 30 major licenses of her original music to ABC, MTV, VH1, Lifetime, Toyota, Jeep/Eagle, Warren Miller, and many more. She has released 4 CD’s to date, including her brand new CD entitled “Hollywood”, just released in May 2010. Previous CD releases include “popcore du jour” released in June 2006; “Cabaret” released in December 2004; and “The ONE” released in January 2003. XOCH has dedicated her life to her music and her art. She could sing before she could talk, and she could dance before she could walk. She began writing songs as a child and hasn’t stopped. In addition, she is a member of the Screen Actor’s Guild and has appeared in major studio motion pictures from Universal Pictures and Fox Studios, a national television commercial for Sprint, and extensive television background work. She has done modeling for the likes of Redken, Sports Illustrated, Oribe, and many others. In January 2010, she graduated from College with Honors, having earned a Degree in the Performing Arts. XOCH is an engaging, provocative and versatile live performer. She is equally adept at both the intimate setting of a small acoustic performance or a full band electric concert, and has shared the stage with such national acts as Evanescence, Joan Osbourne, Pat Benatar, Spin Doctors, Lit, Butch Walker, and many others. She has performed at such famous venues as the House of Blues at Mandalay Bay, CBGB, The Continental, The Knitting Factory, The Bitter End, The Chance Theater, The Palace Theater, NYC’s MEANYfest, NEMO, the Block Island Music Festival, the Hudson River Arts Festival, and many more.With her range of commercial appeal and her avid following, it is only a matter of time before XOCH invades the airwaves and beckons the listeners to take heed. A new force in female fronted rock/pop is ready to take the world by storm, and her name is XOCH.
Xoch took time out of her busy schedule to talk to us at RockStar Weekly and have an in-depth discussion about herself and her career, going all the way back to the very beginning.
Can you tell us about yourself Xoch?
I’m just an ordinary girl who enjoys extraordinary circumstances! My name Xoch is derived from Aztec mythology and it means “the goddess of flower and song”, and I’d like to think it suits my personality. I have a gift for finding humour in everything! People say I am funny, and I love making people laugh. I am professional singer/songwriter/performer with nearly 30 songs licensed to TV, movies and commercials. I have released 4 CD’s independently, with my newest CD “Hollywood” just released last month. In addition to my music, I am also a member of the Screen Actors Guild and have worked on a few films, including a small speaking role in Universal Pictures’ “Get Him To The Greek”. I‘ve also done a National Sprint Commercial with Jimmie Johnson, and some background/extras work for TV. I also model a bit. I have a college degree in Performing Arts. I am a “Jill of all trades” so to speak!
Did you always know that singing and performing was what you were going to do?
I did. From the first time I could remember performing, I was hooked. I always wanted to be on stage. It is home to me. I feel so comfortable being under the lights and having the audience anticipate my every move. Being on stage for me is sometimes the only way I feel like I am my true self. I enjoy entertaining and sharing a part of myself with others.
I understand that besides singing you also play the autoharp, mandolin, piano, and clarinet. Which instrument is your favourite? And is there an instrument you would love to learn?
I think I am probably most comfortable with singing as my primary instrument. I can take it with me wherever I go. I played clarinet, bass clarinet and contra-bass clarinet growing up all the way from elementary school through high school and it was interesting to learn different variations from the same instrument family. If I had to pick a favourite instrument, it would be the autoharp because it came very natural for me to learn and is really a unique instrument. People are always intrigued and fascinated when they see me play it. I have always used instruments like the mandolin, piano, even a little guitar as a vehicle to write songs. I would really love to learn to play the tamboura or sitar, maybe banjo. My goal is to ultimately learn every instrument I possibly can!
You just released your latest CD ‘Hollywood’ in March. How’s it going?
So far, pretty well. It has just started picking up pace with a couple of great CD reviews and some Specialty Radio play. I actually had to delay the release date because many of the Cd's come back from the manufacturer with defects and we had to send them back. I sent out some CD’s back in March for press and marketing purposes, but I had to actually push back the actual release date until May. I am excited to finally get the music out there both digitally and physically. I feel like “Hollywood” is my best work to date!
Did you do anything different on this album compared to your previous albums?
I went with my gut instinct with this record with no preconceived expectations of any kind. I was going for an honest approach to the writing both lyrically and musically. What ended up happening was a very polished image both sonically and visually, a culmination of my career to date, ups and downs, and where I am now. I wanted to do something that I had not really done before in my prior releases, but still maintain my artistic identity. I think I got that.
What was the inspiration for this album?
My new CD “Hollywood” has many meanings to me on many levels. Under all the layers of the glamour, glitter and façade, what is left is just a human being with human experiences. Personally speaking, I’m not a one-sided coin, I don’t fit a mold, I’m a multi-faceted person and artist, and I am the exception to the rule. I tried to depict all of that in the artwork and the songs. It’s my 4th album and it’s definitely my most personal, but I also think my most Universal. I wanted to write about my triumphs and tribulations, and the journeys that brought them about. Another factor was that in the three years time since my previous album “popcore du jour” was released, my song-writing partner Vince and I suffered the loss of three of our four parents. It was a devastating blow to us and really had a deep impact on our way of thinking. It completely changed our outlook on life, and there’s a lot of that in there too. But there’s a positive side to it as well, these experiences showed me that pain can be a valuable teacher and that what seems negative can sometimes be a blessing in disguise.
Who are your inspirations both personally and musically?
I take inspiration from all that is out there. I can appreciate every musical talent because you can always learn from someone. I respect people who are out there doing what they love to do, commercial or otherwise. I also enjoy artists who evolve artistically and who are willing to take risks. The greatest artists are the ones who make art for art’s sake. I admire Tori Amos for her existentialism and unique way she composes her songs. I love the simplicity and true emotion in the music of June Carter-Cash. Butch Walker is one of the most under-rated, compelling, yet amazing song-writers I have heard in a long time. My friends and family are a huge source of inspiration to me because they are extremely supportive. I think it really helps to have a strong network of people you can count on unconditionally. It allows you to thrive personally and artistically.
You have had many companies like Toyota, Jeep/Eagle, and Lifetime use your music. What was your first reaction when you heard they wanted to use your songs?
It is terrific to have major companies want to use your music for commercials, TV and movies. It is a major adrenaline rush to hear your songs on TV and radio. There are no words to describe the sense of accomplishment you feel as an artist.
Are you asked to write songs for companies to use in their commercials or promotional products?
No it hasn’t happened that way yet, although I think I could do it. Most of my music placements have been through licensing of my existing song material. I have been very fortunate that I’ve come across TV productions, movies and commercials looking for my style of music. There is no set formula really. I would say that if you’ve got the goods and are dedicated to get the music out there, there is always an opportunity to be heard.
You also model and act. How did you get into this? What are some of your favourite commercials/TV shows or movies you have been in and why?
I got into modeling and acting by pure coincidence! Here is a true story: I got an email from a background casting company looking for people to come be club attendees at a night club for the Universal Picture’s “Get Him To The Greek”, starring Jonah Hill & Russell Brand, Directed by Nicholas Stoller, and Produced by Judd Apatow. I responded to the email with a photo and got booked for the production. The following day, the casting company needed three girls for cocktail waitresses for a completely different scene. I responded and the casting company remembered me and I got called to come down for a costume fitting. The next thing I knew, I was booked for the part and filmed the following day. As everyone got on set to shoot, Director Nicholas Stoller came up after briefly meeting me and told me I would be speaking a few lines in the scene. I was completely thrilled! The very first time I walk on a movie set and I now had a speaking part! Actors work so many years to get that break, I just wanted to work on a movie for the experience, and now here I am working with Jonah Hill and Russell Brand. It was truly an amazing opportunity to be a part of this movie. I just got back from Hollywood from the Cast and Crew opening of “Get Him To The Greek”, which is now out in theaters. Go see it, I am the “Waitress In Vegas”!
What was it like to model for Sports Illustrated?
I didn’t actually model for the publication. I was invited to attend the Swimsuit Edition Red Carpet event for Sports Illustrated when they launched the magazine. It was so much fun! As far as modeling, I did Runway for Redken and Oribe, which is every model’s dream to walk the runway. I also do a lot of conventions and events in Vegas when they need models. To me, it is enjoyable work and I never take it for granted.
You also just graduated from College and you now have a degree in the Performing Arts. How tough was it to juggle everything?
I am fortunate that I am a determined person and have the ability to multi-task, so it wasn’t tough for me to balance my career and education. When I set my mind on a goal, I intend to accomplish it. I just plugged along and kept at it. I looked at school as a hobby for me, something I did for fun and enjoyment.
What’s next for you?
I keep my possibilities open because you never know where life will take you. My goals are to continue to develop my career by writing songs, performing, acting and modeling. Basically, keep growing as an artist and a person. It is a never-ending process and the most important aspect is to enjoy the process of creativity.
Will you be on tour supporting the new album?
I have just started getting press and radio play with the new release. I’m hoping a label might pick it up so I can get a little financial support behind it, I think it will do well if given a real opportunity to get to the public. I’m doing a lot of acoustic shows right now. The musicians I work with and have worked with for years are all in NY and I am in Las Vegas, so until a little tour support comes my way to get those guys out here, it will be mostly acoustic for now. It’s not boring though! Between my partner Vince and I, we play 7 instruments between us in an acoustic show and we both sing. Almost all of my songs are written acoustically, so no matter how we rock it, produce it or record it, we can always strip it down again for this kind of performance. If the songs are there it doesn’t really matter, and so far so good.
Will you be coming to Canada?
I have never been to Canada, so it is definitely on my to-do list.
Thank you for your time.
Thank you for the opportunity.
XOCH Music:
Lullaby
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Don't Look Back
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XOCH
Las Vegas, Nevada, USA
www.xoch.com
Myspace page
by April Savoie
RockStar Weekly
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