ABOUT XELA.

Xela (pronounced Zella) is a soulful, multifaceted singer and songwriter specialising in the areas of neo-soul, R&B, pop and EDM. Described as a ‘sublime and sultry’ vocalist, Xela's catchy melodies reflect a passion for rich jazz inspired harmony and rhythmic groove. She celebrates touching on less discussed topics, informed by spirituality, self-healing and awareness of systemic imbalance.

“The laid-back, soul-infused R&B record sees her exuding confidence and pouring out her true intentions in a world that seems to lack real communication… Bolstered by a smooth and warm backdrop, Xela delivers a sultry and soul-stirring performance peppered with detailed songwriting.”

- Earmilk

Sydney based and New Zealand born and trained, she draws vocal influence largely from the neo-soul and R&B genres, as well as from the likes of Kimbra, Nina Simone, Victoria Monet, SIR, Raye, Charlotte Day Wilson and Sabrina Claudio. Her production is inspired by artists such as Bonobo, RUFUS DU SOL, 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 and has been self producing her tracks since 2023. Her first collaboration with Alex Martura has 345k+ streams and their remix of ‘Vibin’ with German label Future House Cloud was featured on a plethora of popular playlists such as ‘New Dance Beats’ and ‘House Special’. Her most popular solo track’'Small Talk’ has been featured on ‘Fresh Hits AU NZ’, ‘Self Care’, ‘Soulful’ and many others. 

Her music has so far 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), Life Without Andy(AUS), Music & Fashion (US), Digital Tour Bus(US), Music Feeds(AU), Zone Nights(AR), Landon Buford (US), Roadie (Brazil) and Acid Stag (AUS/NZ), Earmilk(US) etc.

On the 3rd March, Xela released her debut EP ‘In the Grey’, premiered by her sold out debut headline show at Lazybones. She has also opened for Sydney electronic band 'Abroad', Mauritian artist Anieszka, Sydney artist Jamyang and Melbourne band 'Liquid Time' as well as performing regularly across Sydney at original artist showcases such as ‘Sofar Sounds’.