XIOX MAGAZINE Volume 3 Issue 3 Vassy | Page 26

Is the artistic life lonely? What do you do to counteract it? Yes, it certainly can be. Despite having a million fans, I still can find myself feeling lonely however I have a great family, a wonderful special person and amazing friends who love and care for me. What do you dislike about the music world and how would you change it? I struggle with the industry not wanting an artist to show themselves as they really are. It’s tough always to play it cool and show the “fun” side. We are all people, and people have real problems and situations that are tough. I believe that performers need to share more of their realness so they can help others and be true to who they are. Being an artist isn’t just about the parties and how we appear. What do you dislike about your work? Dislike?! Well, I definitely don’t like how awful artists get treated, and they never get paid right. What do you like about your work? The magic is in the creating, the singing and connecting with the people. That is what I LOVE! Should the arts be funded? Yes, everyone should have access to the arts. What role does arts funding have? Having the Arts funded keeps cultures alive and shows the value and worth of humanity. It tells stories and shares information. This is how I got my start! I was funded by the government of Australia with a grant, which I used to pursue my dreams. Look where I am now! It clearly works. How do you give back? I volunteer time, mentor; act as a spokesperson for good causes, which will help society as a whole. Even in my music, I share positive messaging. Name something you love, and why. I am a huge fan of gardening. Taking time with plants gives me time to slow down, and I find it calming and soothing. I love the outdoors. Name something you don’t love, and why. My painpoint is bullying, and it really triggers me. I understand it comes from ignorance and insecurities and it is something I would like to see our world improve upon. What is your dream project? Oh, that’s easy! A hit with Calvin Harris! PERIOD! Tell us about your hit, Doomsday? It’s a song about release and freedom of struggle. It’s a song to let my fans know, I get it. We all have conflict, have pain, fear, demons that must be faced. It’s a song to let my fans know that even when it feels like the world will end that it will get better. It’s a reminder that we can’t feel the beauty of the highs without experiencing the lows. What other hits have you had and how did it impact you? Ahhh, the BIG IMPACT points were definitely my hits with David Guetta and Tiesto. Those hits put me on the map globally with a #1 in over 30 countries. This gave me a push towards success in a variety of ways, allowed me to win awards and gave me incredible opportunities to perform in front of 400 thousand people at some of the biggest music festivals in the world. Tell us about your charity? I help youth by shining a light on their own power of empowerment. I work with the youth in a way that I empower them to battle their self-esteem issues, grow in confidence and to feel special. I also work with families and people with disabilities, as it is essential for all of us to feel accepted by society. What is your favorite or most inspirational place? I love the Greek Isles in the summer. This place is the best place in the world, and it just makes my spirit shine. I feel such bliss when entwined with my motherland as it offers such a magical feeling. I just can’t explain it. What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given? Let your money work for you, don’t work for your money! Professionally, what’s your biggest goal? A number 1 crossover on the TOP 40 RADIO in the U.S. What can’t you do without? Don’t touch my coffee, my hand cream, my heat pack or my food! HA!