- Words Notion Staff
- Main image by Linda Cooper
XIN LIU is the fashion-forward pop icon breaking barriers and setting trends.
XIN LIU is an emerging pop powerhouse in music, defying expectations as a genre-spanning artist. She is the fastest-rising female solo artist in China today, known for her versatility as a rapper, singer, dancer, and performer. She performed at Coachella earlier this year as the only solo female Chinese artist to do so, and is now charting a course to international fame. She first rose to fame in 2020 after winning the Chinese reality show “Youth With You 2,” and her 2021 debut album broke platform sales records in China, selling over 7 million copies. The dance maven is a boundary-pushing artist poised to take on the global music scene.
There is limited global representation of Chinese female artists in the international music scene. Such artists have been hampered in the past by dated cultural expectations, but that’s precisely where XIN comes in. As a groundbreaking pop artist, she breaks stereotypes and introduces a fresh, genre-blending sound that appeals to fans worldwide. After winning first place on the second season of the Chinese reality survival show “Youth With You 2”, she quickly solidified her status as one of China’s most influential artists. Her last album, Xanadu, shattered sales records, selling over 54 million copies worldwide and becoming the best-selling Chinese physical album. She brought the album to life through her sold-out arena tour in 2023.
With a performance background in hip-hop dance, she was the first female captain in the history of the Chinese dance competition show “Street Dance Of China.” She guided her team with expertise, bringing her signature charismatic, street-style energy to every battle. Her love for dance has been a core part of her artistry from the start. In her album, Xanadu, she paid tribute to her roots by collaborating with 10 top choreographers to create unique performances that incorporated elements of her hometown’s ethnic heritage. These routines fused cultural traditions with modern movement in a way that celebrates her upbringing.
- Photography Tong Jiang
XIN’s approach to fashion has made her a global fashion powerhouse. With every outfit, she challenges what it means to be feminine, bringing both masculine and feminine elements with ease and confidence. From glamorous suits to sleek streetwear, she defies expectations and wears whatever feels true to her, embracing a bold, authentic expression of herself that doesn’t follow traditional rules. She has graced the covers of Harper’s Bazaar, VOGUE, Cosmopolitan, and GQ, solidifying her presence as a trendsetter in the industry. As Dior’s brand ambassador in China, she brings her extraordinary vision to the fashion world, influencing everything from street style to high couture. XIN’s ability to mix edgy, modern looks with timeless elegance has turned her into a style icon, with a reach that extends far beyond her music career.
In September, XIN released O, Vol. 1, featuring five captivating tracks, including previously released singles – “Reality” and “Walls” which she premiered live at Coachella during the “88RISING FUTURES” showcase. As the first part of her project “O,” it captures her journey from struggle to self-reflection and acceptance. Her newest English-language release, “Take A Sip,” signals her shift toward a broader, global audience as she continues her expanded music project.
Follow XIN on her social media sites (Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, TikTok, Weibo, and YouTube) to stream her new music. Listen O, Vol 1 EP here.