Check Out Khaliyah X’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Khaliyah X.

Hi Khaliyah, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started off in musical theater, pageantry, and singing competitions from a young age. I’ve been singing since I was 8 years old. I think I always knew this was what I was meant to do. It’s what brings me the most joy. All I ever wanted was to sing.

As I got older, especially in my teens, I felt the pull to create my own music — to express my own thoughts and experiences. That’s when I started writing. I released my first song at 17 and my first EP at 19.

Now, being in my mid to late twenties, it all feels like a lifetime ago, but I’ve done things I’m truly proud of. And even still, being an artist often feels like starting over a million times. Evolving, healing, and rediscovering yourself with every new project.

I know I’m just getting started. I can’t wait to share more music and continue this journey.

That’s my story so far.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not been smooth at all. I used to think the struggle came from being independent rather than signed to a label, but the truth is, each path has its own kind of hard.

Now that I’m more mature, I’m honestly grateful for my independence. But the most difficult part? Funding everything yourself. Balancing jobs while constantly investing in your craft and still believing in yourself — it can feel delusional some days. Like, why did I choose this again?

That’s why I think it’s so important to keep your why close. For the days when no one is fighting for your vision or believing in your ideas. Holding onto your purpose helps you keep going, even when it feels like you’re alone.

Sticking to your creative vision can be isolating. And on top of that, dealing with changing teams — I’ve gone through failed management, lost band members, and just… so many transitions. Being adaptable has been a huge lesson. So much can change in so little time.

It hasn’t been easy. But I’m still here. And I’m grateful to be able to create.

Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m a singer and songwriter first and foremost, but I also love content creation and do a bit of modeling. I think that comes from my musical theater background. I’ve always enjoyed doing a few different things, even with music as my main focus.

Most people know me for my music and live performances. In 2023, I performed over 50 shows in my hometown of Chicago, which is when I really started to grow my audience. Now, I’m looking to branch into new markets and expand my reach.

One of the accomplishments I’m most proud of is traveling to London to promote my music. I was featured on BBC Radio, and it was one of the most validating and exciting experiences of my career. Traveling to another country for music, connecting with fans in the UK, and being on such a respected platform as an independent artist meant everything to me. I also just really loved London.

I’m also incredibly proud of the national anthems I’ve performed at professional sports games. So far, I’ve done the Chicago Bulls and the Chicago Sky, and I’ve been performing for women’s sports teams more often lately, which makes me so proud. My most recent performance was for the San Diego Wave women’s soccer team, and this summer I’ll be singing for the AUSL professional softball league.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
To be honest, I have no idea where the industry is headed. I’ve realized that it’s not really my business anymore—other than trying to keep up. I know social media will continue to grow in importance and become a key metric for measuring success, but I’m more focused on what I want for myself over the next 5 to 10 years than on the industry itself.

If you build enough momentum online, the industry tends to bend to you in real life. So right now, I’m focused on growing my community and building a following that will stick with me through every era.

I didn’t expect video game streaming to blow up and evolve into IRL streaming the way it has, but now that’s the new wave. Honestly, I don’t think the industry really controls where it’s going anymore—it’s just a big, fast-moving crowd. You have to adapt and adjust, always.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.khaliyahx.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/khaliyah_x/
• Twitter: https://x.com/@Khaliyah_X
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KhaliyahX

Image Credits
All photos taken by Marcus Scott