Xico Gaiato Interview: “I always wanted to start my career with everybody watching.”

Portugal’s Festival da Canção kicks off today with the first semi-final, and Xico Gaiato has been busy all week preparing for the first live performance of “Ai Senhor!” He took some time to chat with us about the meaning behind the song, his new music video, and his varied musical influences.

You’re busy this week preparing for the semifinal. How are you feeling about Saturday? Are you nervous at all?

I’m a bit nervous about Saturday. I have been preparing this performance for a long time and I’m very confident about it, but you know, before going on stage, you start to feel a lot of emotions and I’m nervous about that but very happy with the rehearsals!

“Ai Senhor!” is the first song you’ve released as a musician. Does entering Festival da Canção at this point in your career feel like a big leap? How did you decide you were ready?

Oh yeah! It’s a big leap for my career, but I decided I wanted this, because I always wanted to start my career with everybody watching and on a big event – a big stage. So, of course it is a big step for me, but I feel that it’s the right step to make, and I’m very confident about it. 

In another interview, you discussed the meaning of “Ai Senhor!” in the context of asking for help. Is the song inspired by or connected to events in your own life?

Of course! All my music is connected with my personal life and what I feel about the world.

You’ve just released the music video for “Ai Senhor!” which was shot in your hometown of Fundão. Can you tell us about the video concept? What was the filming experience like?

That was actually my first experience filming a music video, so it was very special to me, mainly because it was filmed in my hometown. The video shows the collapse of four characters: Xico (dressed in white), the drunk man, the shark, and the female figure. All these characters ask for help from something divine, and then Xico Gaiato appears as the main and mysterious character.

All these characters are part of me, especially Xico and the female figure, which is a very present side of Xico Gaiato. So, it’s almost like a struggle happening inside my head, and a thought that Xico Gaiato can be everything and can have the power that people give to him. It’s an exploration to the fullest of a cool visual for the music behind it, and I always tried to play the visual and the music in an organic way.

How would you describe the current musical landscape in Portugal, and where does your sound fit into it?

Music in Portugal is evolving a lot. There are more and more artists wanting to bring traditional music and its sounds to the radios and places with more visibility, and I feel like I fit into that. With the mix I create between Beira music, pop, and electronic music, I believe there is a place for me – a place that hasn’t been explored yet.

What musical artists are you most inspired by? What’s on your playlist right now?

I listen to a lot of Portuguese and Spanish/Catalan music. Bandua, Criatura, MeiaCura, Ana Lua Caiano, Ana Moura, Emmy Curl, Marala, MARO, and Gal Costa are some of my playlist usuals.

What interests you outside of music?

Theater, dance, photography and all types of art. I’m totally an art and nature person. 

What are some fun facts about you that people might not know?

I don’t cook a lot, but I’m learning. My English is not the best, and I’ve been practicing my English lately because of Festival da Canção. I love chocolate. I don’t like people interrupting me or pretending they’re listening to me, and I don’t know how to whistle!

Catch Xico in the first semi-final of Festival da Canção 2025 today, February 22 at 22:05 CET.

What do #YOU think of “Ai Senhor?” Let us know on social media (@escunited), Discord, or at our forum.