Rising girl group XO say there’s no competition between women in music right now, despite society’s tendency to pit female artists against one another.
The five-piece – whose debut mini-album Need To Know is out now – insist there is space for everyone to shine in their own right.
Emmy Statham told ContactMusic.com: “It doesn’t feel like a competition. We’re opening for Manifest, and it shows how much girl bands can co-exist. We love what FLO and Say Now are doing. It’s a really empowering space for women in music.”
Reanna Sujeewon pointed out it’s possible to be fans of similar artists.
She added: “Society loves pitting women against one another. Growing up, I loved Beyoncé and Rihanna at the same time. There’s room for everyone.”
The group received the ultimate seal of approval when the Spice Girls praised their cover of the ’90s hit Say You’ll Be There, performed for BBC Radio 1’s Future Pop show at Maida Vale Studios.
Emmy said: “We found out three days before. We fan-girled, then cracked down. Singing a Spice Girls song and getting that nod from them was surreal.”
Asked about comparisons to the Spice Girls, she added: “They were five free-spirited girls who built a brand by being themselves. That’s what we want – not taking everything too seriously and leading with creativity.”
Speaking about other girl groups, XO say they are grateful to have been invited to support Turkish girl group Manifest at OVO Arena Wembley tonight (16.10.26), their biggest show to date.
Zoe Miller said: “It’s the biggest thing we’ve faced. We want to warm everyone up for Manifest and be present in the moment. Their audience is incredible, and we’re grateful to be part of it.”
Stream Need To Know now on all major streaming platforms.
