About
Xochitl Ramirez Onohan was born on August 3, 1987, in the South Chicago neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. From an early age, XOCHI was surrounded by music. Her father Cornelio was lead singer of Chicago Punk band Dead Steelmill and her mother Frances was enthralled in the Ska music scene throughout the 70’s. From early childhood, XO showed took an interest in music and the arts, leading her to start Suzuki classical piano training at age 8 by her godfather and local music legend Javier Cruz.
Having sparked her musical interest, the thrill of being on stage pushed her towards singing, songwriting, & performing, writing her first song at 12 years old and recording her first collaboration at 15. By 17 she was a seasoned performer, winning her high school talent contest “George Washington Idol.”
After becoming a single mother, XOCHI embraced her talents even further by joining her first band “Illumination” as their lead. Her journey continued while working with Noize Addix production, spending the next 3 years writing and recording original music for herself and other artists. In 2013, XO joined Chicago TV Show Urban Grind TV as a host, interviewing the likes of Lupe Fiasco, Chicago Bulls power forward Taj Gibson and Lil Bibby just to name a few. Taking a hiatus from music she focused on her hosting skills, creative direction, modeling, managing and philanthropic efforts.
After the birth of her second son, in 2018 she joined her father in his 50’s, 60’s & 70’s cover band Shake, Rattle & Roll and Afternoon Delight Duo as a vocalist which only further pushed her back to her music roots. Shortly after in 2020, XOCHI stepped back into the studio working with 312 Music Award’s 2023 Producer of the Year Ronny Jordan, recording her first studio album “Living Through My Trauma” released in January of 2022.
Since her return back to music, XOCHI has proven to be a force to be reckoned with within the Chicago entertainment scene. Starting XO Chicago, LLC in 2022, she has dedicated her efforts in curation, culture, creativity and community, bringing her attention to the underserved communities in and around the Chicagoland area. XOCHI has committed her time and efforts to rebuilding her community through the arts, creating avenues for local youth and artists to develop their talents and emotional literacy. The time she devoted for others lead her to becoming an Executive Board Member for the Herbert Colbert Jones Memorial Community Center in September of 2022 and restarting her youth program Future Artists Coming Together (FACT) in the Summer of 2023.
Outside of her entrepreneurial and artistic interests, XOCHI is a dedicated wife and mother of two boys currently living in Highland, Indiana. After her father suffered an accident which left him paralyzed, she has committed herself as caregiver and liaison to both of her parents, including assisting her father drop music digitally for the first time in 35 years.
Under new management with longtime friend and businesswoman Neli Vazquez-Rowland (GOLZ, LLC), a 2024 win for the 312 Music Award’s Latin Artist of the Year and 2024 win for Chicago Music Award’s Most Promising Entertainer, XOCHI is sure to make an impact to be heard worldwide.