Photographed by James Mountford.
Albanian born [XHOANA X](https://www.instagram.com/xhoana_x/), celebrates her dark, Eastern European heritage through her deific vocals and lush melodies in her latest track, “Slow & Steady.” Through her upbringing in one of the most spiritually intellectual cultures, the artist has shaped her own sound weaving the beautiful aspects of freedom, rebellion and heroism. XHOANA X invites us into her tantalizing darkness so that we may be enthralled by her addicting neo-noir soundscapes.
Photographed by [James Mountford.](https://www.instagram.com/jamesmountfordstudio/)
Known for her eerily sweet notions, “Slow & Steady” does not disappoint. Her track translates the feeling of not being in control, whether it be through euphoric influences or the endless loop our reality has become in a wispy melodic dream. She shares that this track echoes the “is this a dream or is this reality… are we losing it… does this loop end?” mentality we have found ourselves to live in and call our new normal.
However, Xhoana X seems to only be blossoming because social distancing has never looked more entrancing and ethereal. A collaborative effort which reaches the pinnacle of both audio as well as visually richness in sparse and decadent layers as seen through the timely works of collaborator James Mountford. arresting and isolating all at once. To help combat the quarantine blues, she shares with us her recipe to complete comfort.
Photographed by [James Mountford.](https://www.instagram.com/jamesmountfordstudio/)
* * *
My quinoa bowl with Guac:
=========================
1 cup dry quinoa (per person)
2 cups vegetable stock (or water)
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1 roma tomato diced
1 jalapeno diced
1 shallot diced (or 1/2 a small onion)
1 avocado cubed
handful of chopped fresh cilantro
juice of a 1 whole fresh lime
salt
1 handful of roasted, unsalted sunflower or pumpkin seeds
wash quinoa, strain then pour in a pot. turn heat on medium stirring until excess water evaporates. add olive oil and stir quinoa for a min or so. add vegetable stock ( or water) and salt to taste stir then wait till it comes to a boil. when it boils turn the heat all the way to low and put a cover on the pot. check often till it absorbs liquid especially if making just one bowl cuz it cooks fast just liked rice. once it has absorbed the liquid turn heat off and set aside while you finish prepping your guac/salsa. Mix tomatoes, jalapeño, shallot (or 1/2 small onion) avocado, chopped cilantro, then add salt and lime juice to taste. I like it eXtra limey (:
pour your quinoa in a bowl and add guac/ salsa on top then add the sunflower/pumpkin seeds as garnish. and voila enjoy.
p.s. Try to use organic ingredients as much as possible. We need the best kind of nutrition for our bodies, especially in this pandemic.
.jpg)
