Xenia Ghali talks gender equality in the music industry and her latest single ‘Rebel Soul’.
Xenia, The Greek singer-songwriter, producer and founder of Funky Sheep is here to share with us her latest single ‘Rebel Soul’ and her views on gender equality within the music industry.
ASL365: Tell us more about this song and how did you come up with the song name?
XG: I am very proud of Rebel Soul because for the first time I combined Soul Music with House and Dance. Additionally the lyrics and title really represent me as an individual.
ASL365: Is there a “rebel “side of you?
XG: There is! Generally speaking I always stay true to my heart even if that means fighting for what I believe in!
ASL365: If you are directing the music video for “Rebel Soul”, what would the storyboard be?
XG: Living a life which is completely free in terms of your inner self. The storyboard would include people functioning with their hearts vs social/political pressures
ASL365: Before you got to where you are, could you please tell us the challenges of being a female in a male-dominated industry?
XG: There was a lot of doubt with regards to my abilities and skills. It was very difficult getting clubs or even labels to take my work seriously in the beginning. Eventually, after I didn’t give up, my work started speaking for itself.
ASL365: Have you received a lot of support from other female artists/peers or females within the industry?
XG: I have and I have also supported other female artists and females within the industry! I think it is very important to support each other instead of trying to ‘be the only one’. All communities are much stronger when united rather than separated
ASL365: How important do you think it is to have a ‘balanced’ line up of both male and female?
XG: I think it is very important. There is no reason why there should be an imbalance since music is an art. It doesn’t require a certain body type, physical strength or abilities to play music. It doesn’t really make sense why gender should even be a factor.
ASL365: Do you often get judged and perceived by your looks rather than your skills?
XG: I think that goes hand in hand with the question of being a woman. Unfortunately, looks are a factor in many fields, especially with women. Things are starting to become more fair though overall and skill outweighs looks in many cases.
ASL365: Do you think there should be a “Women-Only” festival line up, if so why is it important?
XG: On one hand it is important because most (if not all) festivals right now have a lot more men than women as part of their line up so it would definitely help to showcase and support a lot of women who don’t get a chance to be in almost any festivals right now. On the other hand, it feeds into the separation of genders again. For me, all festivals generally speaking should make an effort to have a balanced line up.
ASL365: Do you ever receive criticism and if so, how would you normally deal with it?
XG: Any criticism I receive I take constructively as much as possible. Everyone is entitled to their opinion just the way I am entitled to my own. As long as someone doesn’t offend me then I am happy to receive any criticism
ASL365: Any advice for young women who want to get into electronic music?
XG: Always keep in mind that music is an art and that means gender is not an issue that should be a factor to if you can make it or not. Believe in yourself and never take no as an answer
ASL365: What are the plans for the rest of the year?
XG: I am in the studio writing and producing as much new music as possible! Hopefully with everything that is happening with the Coronavirus, I can also be back on track with my summer tour which will be announced soon!
