XEX MAGVassy is the pop star you’ve already fallen in love with but you just don’t know it yet. Brimming with sultry vocals and effervescent melodies, the Greco-Australian most likely wrote that infectiously upbeat tune you’ve had in your head all week. You’ve already heard her hit single “We Are Young,” which reached #1 on the Billboard Dance Charts and has been featured in countless movie and television spots, and now you can finally put a name and face to the tunes that send you into a state of pure bliss.
Photography DALLAS LOGAN
Styling RANDY LUNA
Makeup SAMI RIVERA FOR MAC COSMETICS
Hair T. COOPER USING AGADIR INT.
Nails ELAINE T. WATSON FOR CUCCIO COLOUR
Production Assistant(s) DAE HOWERTON . MAGDALENA LAZARE
Interview: Chris Cali
You have been one of the rising stars of electronic dance music over the past few years. What has your journey been like?
The journey has been so amazing so far, kind of unexpected to be honest. I did not see this coming, having 2 #1s in a row with the biggest DJs in the world…so I feel really blessed and am enjoying the ride so far.
Why EDM?
EDM chose me, lol! I have no idea how it happened, but I love it. The community is amazing, loyal and so supportive.
One of the biggest dance tracks of 2014 was “Bad” with mega producer & DJ David Guetta. Did you expect the track to be such a massive hit?
No, I had no idea – but it felt good to be BAD last year with an international double platinum record. It felt amazing performing it live in front of 60,000 people in Australia with co-producers, Showtek for Stereosonic, a big EDM festival….people love the lyrics and sing along from the get go.
You are currently nominated for two IDMAs (International Dance Music Awards), one of the most anticipated annual events on the global music calendar. What were your thoughts when you received the news?
Super excited and felt honored. I will also be performing at the IDMA Awards performing “Bad”, “Secrets”, and then “Hustlin’” with my fave lady Crystal Waters…. I’m so excited whether we win or not!
Photo: Dallas Logan
One of our favorite Vassy tracks is “Hustlin’,” which pays homage to Crystal Waters’ nineties house classic, “Gypsy Woman.” What were you looking to achieve with your interpretation?
That was a classic moment in my career. I have always loved that song and Crystal Waters, and this was my homage to her. She is a huge inspiration to me and all of us, a true original. I was honored that she was so supportive of the record and wanted to be in the video. It was a dream come true.
You just released a new song “Secrets” on March 16 with Tiesto and KSHMR. How did this collaboration come about?
Another unexpected surprise. I wrote it and originally worked on it with KSHMR. Tiesto heard it, fell in love with it, jumped on board with his magic and wanted to release it on his influential Musical Freedom label. It just came out and already went to # 1 on Beatport three days after release, the fans are loving it!
Any new collaboration we can look forward to for the rest of 2015? Any dream collabs?
Yes, I have some cool ones coming up, and yes my dream collab is Calvin Harris