BIOGRAPHY

Xela (pronounced Zella) is a soulful, multifaceted singer and songwriter versatile across the genres of neo-soul, r&b, pop and electronic dance. Described as a ‘sublime and sultry’ vocalist, Xela writes catchy melodies and uses harmonic vocal layering to reflect her jazz background and inspiration from gospel and soul. She leans towards touching on topics outside of mainstream discussion, including spirituality, self-healing/trauma, feminism and systemic imbalance.

Sydney based and New Zealand born and trained, she draws influence from a range of artists and genres, including the likes of Kimbra, Nina Simone, Jazmine Sullivan, Cleo Sol, SIR, Rhye, Charlotte Day Wilson and Sabrina Claudio. Since beginning to produce her own demos in 2023, she has drawn inspiration from artists such as Bonobo, RUFUS DU SOL, Thundercat, June Freedom, Maggie Rogers, Billie Eilish and more.

Xela has worked with some prolific artists across New Zealand, Australia and globally such as John Psathas, Name UL, Alex Martura (GER), Siraiva (PT), Chores (NZ), NZSO, R.E.I. and producers Robby De Sa, Nick Zaharias, Viin, Besopalma and Neil Macleod. She toplines for EDM and dance artists across the globe with popularity high across the NZ, AUS, US, UK and Germany.

So far Xela’s music has been played on many radio stations globally including ZM, George FM, Flava, Mai FM, Triple J, Kick, Fbi, RRR, Vocalo (Chicago), Amazing radio(UK/US), RRR(AU) and several others. She has also gained recognition across several internationally recognised blogs such as NZ Musician(NZ), Papapop (IN), Aipate, Purple Melon (LA), Neon Music (UK), Life Without Andy (AUS), Music & Fashion (US), Digital Tour Bus(US), Music Feeds(AU), Zone Nights(AR), Landon Buford (US), Roadie (Brazil), Acid Stag (AUS/NZ), Earmilk(US) etc.

In 2023, Xela released her debut EP ‘In the Grey’, premiered by her sold out debut headline show at Lazybones. She has also opened for several bands in Australia including 'Abroad', ‘Anieszka’, ‘Jamyang’, band 'Liquid Time' as well as performing regularly across Sydney at original artist showcases such as ‘Sofar Sounds’.