xs is the stage name of Serene Lee. Marked by honest lyrics and catchy hooks, her music has a slick, poppy feel that would sound right at home on any Top 40 radio list. We recently chatted about her career, her recording process, and the importance of developing an image.

You perform under the stage name “xs.” What is the significance of that name?

xs is an abbreviation and fun twist to my Chinese name, Su Xiang.

Ah! Very interesting. I thought it was a play on “excess,” but I like the real story better. How long have you been making music? How would you describe your musical journey so far?

I began performing onstage at a young age. By the age of 21, I started posting professionally-produced covers and mashups of international pop songs and musicals on the internet. The videos have amassed more than 1.6 million views across the internet. 

To pursue my music career, I started writing my own originals in 2020. Later that year, I was signed with record label Flipside Productions and began working closely with Hangi Tavakoli. 

In 2021, I released three album singles “One Last Time,” “Different Woman,” “Night Shift” before debuting my first album “Good Girls Don’t Speak Their Minds.” The pop album centres around the theme of female empowerment and celebrating who you are. In the same year, I also released three other singles following the album release, “24/7,” “Save This Love” and “It’s Starting To Snow.”

Having my songs been aired on over 20 radio stations all over the world. I’ve also received “Album of the Month” by Prospect Radio and had songs on the “Top24” charts on Radio TFSC.

This year, I released my first ever music video my single “Summer Love.” Following that, I also released singles “Lovesick” and “Mars.” I am currently working on my second album. 

How would you describe your sound?

My sound can be described as pop. 

What sets your music apart from other the music of similar artists?

I believe it would be the catchy hooks and narrative lyricism that are brutally honest and emotionally raw, often with a cheeky twist to it. 

I know you mentioned that “Lovesick” is about missing someone so much that it hurts. Can you say a little more about that? Is the song based on personal experience?

I wrote “Lovesick” during the pandemic lockdown when I was separated from all my loved ones for a long time. I was feeling down and exasperated as I was craving for the real life connection with them deeply but there was nothing I could do about it. 

You’re based in Singapore. Is there a strong music scene there?

The music scene in Singapore is relatively small.

I’m curious about how you make music. Do you write and produce all of your own tracks? What is your process? 

I write all my songs and they are produced by my talented producers Hangi Tavakoli and BADCOMBINA. 
When I get an inspiration, which is from my personal experiences, I would sit in front of my piano and write them. Then I would share the demos with my producers and we would discuss the arrangements.  

Image seems to be a big part of how you package and present your music. I’m curious as to how you envision XS. Is she someone separate from your “true” identity or possibly someone who’s “more real” or idealized? Who is XS?

That’s an interesting question! xs was initially created to be a ‘more real’ version of myself as I was using my music to convey my true feelings and emotions that I wasn’t bold enough to do so otherwise. But over time, that has changed as I’ve eventually become comfortable with showing my inner thoughts to the world. Hence I would say the xs now is equivalent to my true identity.  

Why is image so important? 

I believe image is important because it is a representation of how the artist wants to be perceived. It is often reflective of his / her personality and style, which then makes it something unique and recognizable. 

What’s next for XS?
I am currently working on my second album and am hoping to perform my songs live one day!