Born on December 29, 2001, in the heart of Kalamazoo, Michigan, Xzavia Rose Clevenger grew up with music stitched into her every fiber. From early “concerts” performed to rows of stuffed animals in her childhood bedroom, to commanding the stage as the voice of Approaching Autumn, Xzavia’s musical journey has always been raw, emotional, and fearlessly authentic.
Known for her gritty vocal style and emotionally driven performances, Xzavia leads the charge with what she fondly describes as “hootin’ n hollerin’”—a chaotic, cathartic blend of melody and screaming that gives Approaching Autumn its voice and visceral edge. Though her primary instrument is her voice, she also plays ukulele—a quieter contrast to the storm she brings onstage.
Xzavia’s early musical influences painted a diverse landscape, ranging from the punk-folk rebellion of Wingnut Dishwashers Union and Johnny Hobo and the Freight Trains, to the post-hardcore emotion of Crown the Empire and the pop-punk melodies of Neck Deep and Tigers Jaw. Today, her sonic palette has grown darker and heavier, pulling inspiration from bands like Spite, Straight Line Stitch, Extortionist, Miss May I, and Left Behind—each lending weight and urgency to her evolving sound. And yet, under it all, the presence of Paramore’s emotional vulnerability still pulses through her lyricism.
Despite her commanding stage presence, Xzavia admits to being a chronic overthinker. Before every performance, she battles nerves and quiets her doubts with a ritual of stretching, warm teas, and self-affirmation. It’s this vulnerability—this sense of baring her soul to the crowd—that makes her so captivating.
Her favorite song to perform, “Breathe,” holds a special place in her heart. It was the first track she recorded vocals on with Approaching Autumn, marking a transformative moment where her private passion became a public identity.
Xzavia’s creative process is deeply rooted in reflection and poetic storytelling. A former spoken-word poet, she maps out thoughts, fragments, and feelings, then reshapes them into layered lyrics filled with subtle meanings and emotional nuance. “Sometimes I’ll think of a single line and just sit with it,” she says, letting it unravel into something bigger—something resonant.
Offstage, Xzavia is as creatively vibrant as she is on it. She writes, draws, crochets, and spends quiet time with her cat and dog when not attending local shows. Her love for grassroots music scenes is what first inspired her to pursue music professionally. It wasn’t fame that called her—it was the undeniable energy and connection she felt at DIY venues and underground gigs. “The passion and energy is unmatched,” she says.
For those starting out in music, her advice is simple but powerful: “The right people will enjoy your presence. Don’t take everything people say to heart—unless it’s truly constructive.”
In many ways, that advice reflects who Xzavia is as an artist: fierce but thoughtful, unfiltered yet intentional, and always evolving. As the lead vocalist of Approaching Autumn, she’s not just a performer—she’s a storyteller, a storm, and a beacon for anyone who has ever screamed their heart out just to be heard.