XTIE Interview

We are thrilled to chat with XTIE, a Hong Kong native and true one-woman powerhouse redefining the music scene with her unique "cosmic pop" sound. As a Grammy®-featured producer, songwriter, and artist, XTIE blends heartfelt storytelling with innovative beats that push boundaries. Following the success of her viral hit “Lost in Between”, which is now in the first round of Grammy voting, XTIE has just released her new single “Crying on the Plane”. Let’s dive into her journey, creative process, and what’s next for this trailblazing artist!

• How did growing up in Hong Kong influence your musical journey and the creation of "cosmic pop"?

Hong Kong is a big & small city - There’re 7M people on a very small land. It trained me to think fast, act fast and walk fast (haha). Despite of this city somehow trying to mold you, I find my way of escape through my music. “Cosmic Pop” can be a representation of being able to explore and experiment different sound.

• What inspired you to blend shimmery pop beats with themes of self-love, mental health, and imperfection? 

Growing up I was a very timid and shy girl, and I blamed that with my eczema.  i was scared of showing my skin and body to other people, I wasn’t able to feel beautiful when I was a teenager. And after stepping into adulthood I’ve learned that how important it is to have the power of confidence. I want to influence others to feel beautiful no matter what they look. Using my story as transfer them into songs and it also represents my values. And i think it’s very uplifting when you hear shimmery pop beats, it give you hope, give you joy.

• Can you walk us through the journey of creating "Lost in Between" - from concept to its Grammy consideration?

I am so proud of this work. During my DIY APOLLO Asia tour last year, I found myself overwhelmed by the amount of work in order to achieve that level of excellence. I was away from home, going on everything solo, with my 42 kg luggage. My imposter syndrome kicked in.So I wrote this song together with Anniina. We met at a Kpop songwriting camp 3 years ago and we became really good friends.

She has been my work bestie and we always shared our journey together as a women working in music and we always felt how difficult it is to thrive and stay sane in this industry.we made this song about 2 friends just want to have fun and make a song that speaks to our heart addressing the “imposter syndrome”  We were feeling over the moon as our song is on the same list with Ariana Grande’s “yes, and?”, Madison Beer “Make You Mine”, charli xcx “Von Dutch”, Troye Sivan’s “Got Me Started” etc.

• With a background in collaborating with Cantopop artists, how does that influence your distinct style in the international pop scene?

 I think it leans to more my songwriting style in a mix of western pop and my melody structure of my mother tongue - Cantonese. Cantonese is a highly tonal language so as a Bilingual, both English and Cantonese are in my blood.

• As a self-proclaimed “one-woman powerhouse”, what challenges have you faced in a male-dominated production industry?

I feel like I have to work 200% harder than man in order to “prove” myself i’m a capable producer. But at least in Hong Kong, i feel very lucky as people here have a really good work ethics and I don’t have a lot of “difficult times” just being a female producer. I do feel naturally people mold you a certain way that cos you’re a female producer your sound must be “feminine” (which is not the case) 

• What has been the most pivotal moment in your career so far?

 Getting on the Grammy’s Press Play series in 2023. I never thought the song “skin” (the one inspired by my eczema) - some body image issue that i struggled with as a teen, could lead me to writing this song and caught the attention of the Recording Academy!

• Are there any dream collaborators or genres you'd love to explore that are outside your comfort zone?

I was a musical theatre kid growing up and I wasn’t able to pursue it further as I was struggling with body image issues back then. (that’s why I started out as a producer/songwriter, I tried to avoid the stage even I wanted it so bad) In some point of my career I would love to sing some broadway tunes in front of an orchestra.

• What message do you hope listeners take away from your music?

We deserve to feel beautiful in anytime and anywhere no matter how we look.