#BlackAltBae: Xkaii

This is another months-long interview in the making (our musicians are so very busy!!!). I was really happy to get a hold of singer-songwriter Xkaii after first hearing his music earlier this year. I often repost his famed cello covers. I was ecstatic to complete this interview with him on September 29, 2024.

How do you pronounce your stage name? And where are you based?

My stage name is pronounced "Sky," just like the sky above us. I’m currently based in California U.S., but I was born in Zambia and have also lived in Rhode Island, Germany, and the Netherlands.

Your music is INCREDIBLE. How many instruments do you play?

 

Thanks so much for the love! I play guitar, bass, cello, piano, and I sing—all self-taught.

 

When did you start learning music? Does it run in your family?
 

I started learning music when I was pretty young, just experimenting and figuring things out as I went. As for whether it runs in my family, not really in a formal sense, but there’s always been music around me growing up. I think that’s where a lot of the passion started.

 

Speaking of playing the cello, I think your cello covers are rapidly becoming legendary. Will we ever get an all-cello album?

 

I’ve definitely thought about doing an all-cello album and I am currently working on one. The cello brings such emotional depth, and I love the idea of exploring that more in a full project. 

 

Your original songs are so mellow and calming. Who are your influences?
 

My influences are pretty diverse. I’ve always been drawn to artists who tell stories with their music, so I pull a lot from indie rock, alt, and even classical vibes. Artists like Radiohead, Jeff Buckley, and Sufjan Stevens have definitely shaped my sound.

 

What inspires you and what's your creative process?

I’m also inspired by the world around me—things people are going through, things I’m experiencing, and just trying to make sense of it all. My creative process is all about capturing that feeling, sitting down with an instrument, and letting the emotions guide the music.

 

 

What challenges have you faced while pursuing music?

One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced is managing everything on my own—writing, producing, mixing, and even the business side. Growing on social media can also be tough, but I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. It’s all part of the journey, though!

 

Do you perform live gigs often?

 

I haven’t been performing live as much as I’d like, mainly because I’ve been focused on recording and releasing new music. But I’m planning to do more live shows in the future.

What are you currently working on?

Right now, I’m working on promoting my recently released indie rock song. It’s a song about finding yourself and what "home" really means, whether that’s a place, a person, or a feeling. I’m also ran a pre-save campaign to help spread the word and get people excited for the release. Beyond that, I’m always working on new music and looking for ways to get my music into TV and film projects.

Who have you worked with so far? Who would you like to work with in the future?

So far, I’ve been mostly a one-man operation, handling all aspects of my music myself. But I’m definitely open to collaborations. In the future, I’d love to work with artists who push creative boundaries, whether they’re in indie rock, experimental music, or even film composers.

We seem to be in the midst of a Black Alternative Renaissance. Who are some of our artists that you recommend?

And yes, we’re absolutely in a Black Alternative Renaissance! I’d recommend checking out artists like Santigold, Blood Orange, and Kelela. They’re doing incredible things, pushing boundaries, and bringing fresh perspectives to the scene. It’s an exciting time to be making music!

Xkaii, it was such a pleasure talking with you.

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story.