Music

XTIE Unveils Latest single ‘frenemy’

XTIE shows off her shimmering bubblegum-pop prowess with her new track ‘frenemy’. Infinitely catchy with sugar-sweet, soaring melodies and smooth, understated vocals, the track fuses pulsating pop production with big beats and a euphoric soundscape for a seriously addictive, chartworthy track as XTIE builds suspense with her carefully crafted arrangement. Bringing a personal narrative to her lyrics, XTIE opens up about fake friendships and getting too comfortable with people too soon, something that many twenty-somethings can relate to.

Alongside the track, XTIE shares a hazy, ethereal video, full of metaphors and subtle nods to the lyrics; a teddy represents the toxic people who appear loving and as XTIE lets go of a red balloon at the end of the video, she is letting go of the past.

Discussing the meaning behind the new track, XTIE shares: “We used to be BFFs but suddenly we just grew apart and we can’t find a reason. We used to tell jokes, make fun of each other and share secrets. Now you know all my secrets but we are not friends anymore.

I feel like social media could help make new friends but it sometimes make old friends grow apart, sudden jealousy on how good your life is now, compare this or that scrolling through the stories of our “friends”, we seems to get friend’s recent life updates through IG but not calling up each other to chat anymore.

New friends came into my life as well after I graduated from university, and they easily get jealous of your achievements and they will find ways to let you down. Sometimes it got me thinking, am I a bad friend because I am just too busy to keep updated and stay close with my friends? no time to hang out with them, be patient or listen to their stories anymore?”

XTIE is an independent singer-songwriter / electro-pop artist from Hong Kong. She weaves ear-candy pop beats with candid storytelling and her warm jazz-tinged vocals. As a self-produced artist, she writes, arranges, produces and performs her songs. As a female producer in the music scene, she hopes to bring ways to tell her story.

Since her debut in mid-2020, her tracks have reached over 300K streams on Spotify. Her hit single “Virgo” peaked 3rd for over 6 weeks on the Hong Kong largest radio stations. Already having garnered support from BBC Radio Scotland, RTHK, Commercial Radio Hong Kong, SCMP Young Post, LOCK Magazine UK, The Noise Gate UK, XTIE shows her ability to create shimmering candy-pop beats, sweeping melodies with vocal chops, mellow chill out vibes and euphoric dancefloor moments.

Effortlessly creating bubblegum-pop beats and sweeping melodies, her music will transport you to the euphoria of the dancefloor.

Listen to ‘frenemy’ on all platforms here: https://fanlink.to/XTIE-frenemy

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Album Review

Dian Sheng explores identity, life and love with “Sid” album

Dian Sheng releases his long-awaited first English-language album, “Sid,” a genre-defying collection of songs that includes pop, rock, electronic, and jazz. “Sid” is a deep, meditative exploration of identity, relationships, and self-growth, spanning 29 minutes and 12 seconds across eight tracks. This album is a personal exploration of the complex emotions of mankind and the vitality and jubilation of life.

From the opening track, “Right Now,” Dian Sheng establishes a sense of urgency and reflection. The upbeat song “I Come From Far” examines the connection between the self and one’s environment. It has joyful beats and layers that make you think and feel like part of the narrative.

The jazz ballad “Undecided Love” delves into the complexities of modern romance, featuring tender vocals and instrumentation that showcase Sheng’s delicate touch as a songwriter. “It Will Be Alright” is an empowering anthem about overcoming life’s biggest obstacles, combining electronic beats with a rock influence.

“Seventeen” is bursting with youthful energy, and its production captures the restlessness and emotionality of adolescent life. Two introspective songs with similar atmospheres, “The Way Before” and “This Life,” match chilling melodies with moving lyrics that touch on bygone relationships, self-awareness, and the quest for meaning we all experience.

The album concludes with “Shining As Your Name,” and the final few minutes of this piece alone evoke a strong sense of hope. Dian Sheng demonstrates his ability to join emotional depth with new styles. “Sid” is an invitation into the rich musical universe of Dian Sheng, where you can both consider yourself and feel influenced.

Written by:

Faith Koch

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Artist Spotlight

Feel the vibe with Sporty-O’s new EP “The P.L.U.R. Project,” a blend of emotions and sound

“The P.L.U.R. Project” begins like a rush of light across a crowded dance floor as jubilant, purposeful, and very human. This seven-song, 29-minute journey from the EDM pioneer Sporty-O is a cultural reset built around peace, love, unity, and respect.

Sporty-O establishes the emotional timbre for the entire project from the first track of its lead single, “Spirit Higher.” The song is anthemic, its purposes well outlined despite a high-gloss production. It’s a centerpiece that establishes the mood of an intensive exploration of sound and self-awareness.

“The P.L.U.R. Project” is just as much about managing your feelings as it is about moving. Sporty-O creates each record with intention, writing things that make people think on the dance floor. Another high-energy song is “Happy Together,” with Lorme and Chris Willis, pulsing warmth and togetherness. “SOLD!” has a clean, feel-good sound that embodies the community spirit of EDM culture.

Sporty-O embraces a multi-genre EDM palette on the EP, fusing forward-thinking sounds with uptempo beats. Tracks like “Revolution” with Specimen A and “Geek’d Up” with Baby Sweet provide lots of energy and edge. “Piece Of My Mind” is more introspective, while “Cheveyo” features a diverse array of collaborators and culminates in a rich, layered sound, all while maintaining a global welcoming spirit.

What makes this project unique is that it serves both and reminds people of the origins of dance culture. Sporty-O aims to help people rediscover the heartbeat of the community. “The P.L.U.R. Project” is an EDM experience that reaches beyond the speakers, colorful and thoughtful about meaning in music-based culture.