Yung Xavi is an up and coming rap-rock musician set to premiere his debut album To Jonathan, a dedication to his late father. We caught up with him to discuss his album and what inspired him to get into the music industry.
The Knockturnal: What got you into music?
Yung Xavi: Growing up I was gratefully given the opportunity to learn piano and drums from an early age. Over the years, these instruments provided opportunities for me in and out of school. I really got inspired to write and make my own music after learning the song Changes by Tupac. That is when I started incorporating piano with my vocals.
The Knockturnal: Is your mother a big inspiration in your life?
Yung Xavi: My mother inspires me not so much with my music, but more with how I should live my life. She showed me what true compassion and love looked like while raising my brother and I as a single mother. I have so much love for my life and so much passion for my artistry that nothing could ever knock it down or make me feel like I am not worthy enough to live my dreams.
The Knockturnal: Was music a big part of your life before you got into the industry? Were you in music classes in school?
Yung Xavi: Definitely! I started piano at five and drums at eight. This brought along so many opportunities to be in bands in and out of school, perform at parties, restaurants, and concerts. I took part in many musical programs throughout my middle and high school careers.
The Knockturnal: What inspired you to make “Shawty Bumpin”?
Yung Xavi: “Shawty Bumpin” is a song about living in a party scene. At a young age, the party life was appealing; doing drugs, drinking, dancing, and finding your “shawty” for the night. Ultimately it was a time where I thought I was making friends and having fun, but in the end, it only cost me money and forgotten relationships.
The Knockturnal: How did you land on doing rap-rock as a genre?
Yung Xavi: These two genres influenced and inspired me the most, so it only made sense to me to take the aspects I like most from each and combine them with my own style.
The Knockturnal: What was it like working with J Beatzz and releasing your music to a wide audience?
Yung Xavi: It was a very humbling and knowledgeable experience working with J Beatzz. His unique style and knowledge of creating a track, I felt, brought out a very mainstream vibe to my sound. It was also very motivating to see that my music was out for everyone to hear. All the feedback I received so far has been positive and people are now inspired by my music seeing how far I have come.
The Knockturnal: Your bio said that your debut album To Jonathan is dedicated to your father. Can you explain a little bit more on how your father’s passing influences this album?
Yung Xavi: My dad sadly passed when I was at the young age of eight. I made the promise on his grave that I would create music for the world to hear, and that I would create a song that the whole world would blast so he can hear it up in heaven too. As well as including him as the album name, I also wanted to honor him by creating songs about situations or experiences that shaped who I am today. These are experiences that I would have wanted to relate and share with him and this is my alternative way of doing it.
The Knockturnal: What is it like working with Buddah Bless on this album?
Yung Xavi: It was an amazing experience working with one of the most popular producers in Atlanta. Being able to have the opportunity to work on an authentic Atlanta type beat, brought forth a new style and sound in me that I now use in a lot of my music.
The Knockturnal: What is the tone you’re going with for this album?
Yung Xavi: I want people to be inspired to live their dreams and to honor their lost ones through what they love to do rather than having their losses drag them down.
The Knockturnal: After this album, what are your next plans?
Yung Xavi: I am now creating music with friends that I’ve met along my musical journey. I want to give them the opportunity to get some exposure on my next album to kickstart their musical careers.
