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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“Pretty Ugly” by Archer Stevens stirs the soul with retro-modern rock vibes
“Pretty Ugly,” the inaugural single by Archer Stevens, represents a compelling homage to the golden age of 70s rock music with a fresh coat of modern vibrancy. From the outset, the track masterfully exudes an irresistible energy that embodies vintage and contemporary influences, acting as a sonic bridge between eras. The Phoenix-based ensemble skillfully weaves their influences into a pronounced, personal narrative.
A noteworthy aspect of the track is its instrumentation. Recorded across three diverse locations, Phoenix, Los Angeles, and even Peru, the song has a global resonance. The incorporation of congas introduces a surprising layer of depth and rhythm, giving “Pretty Ugly” a distinct flair that separates it from cookie-cutter rock releases. This thoughtful musical choice enhances the song’s groove, complementing the shimmering guitar lines and soulful vocal delivery.
Lyrically, “Pretty Ugly” plays on contrasts, embodying the emotional push and pull of life’s dualities. The heartfelt lyrics evoke a sense of intimate admiration and longing to please a partner, while the melodic structure ensures the track remains uplifting despite its introspective qualities.
By drawing inspiration from the enduring spirit of rock legends such as Elton John, Joe Cocker, and the Rolling Stones, Archer Stevens pays tribute to their predecessors without resorting to imitation. The soaring vocals and driving rhythm establish “Pretty Ugly” as a cathartic anthem that appeals to classic and contemporary rock enthusiasts. With this debut, Archer Stevens distinguishes itself as a band unafraid to experiment and honor its musical heritage, thus carving out its unique sonic identity. The result is a richly layered auditory experience that captivates from the first listen, revealing engaging narratives within the music.
For more information about Archer Stevens, please visit [website].
CLICK HERE TO STREAM Archer Stevens’ “Pretty Ugly“ on Spotify.
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Artist Spotlight
“Do You Still Remember?” by Khynan Rhys turns heartache loss into soulful harmony
At the age of 18, Khynan Rhy, a solo musician and multi-instrumentalist from Northwich, Cheshire, demonstrates exceptional maturity in his songwriting capabilities, indicating a wisdom that transcends his years. His sophomore single, “Do You Still Remember?” is a heart-stirring attestation to his musical aptitude and emotional profundity. It intricately weaves together a sonic narrative that encapsulates poignant lyricism, authenticity, and evocative melodies, effectively exploring the aching nostalgia of separation and longing.
Drawing on a rich palette of influences like Artemas, Daniel Caesar, and Ocean Alley, Khynan crafts a familiar sound and style that is distinctly his own. The track opens with a delicate interplay of introspective guitar melodies and ethereal synth layers, creating an atmospheric canvas that perfectly frames his soulful vocal delivery. The production, entirely helmed by Khynan and polished by Ben Booker’s mastering touch, feels intimate yet sophisticated without stripping away an ideal balance that lets the emotion shine through the song’s soulful compulsion.
What makes “Do You Still Remember?” so captivating is its ability to resonate profoundly, transforming universal themes into specific, relatable experiences. Whether audiences are reminiscing about lost love, the bittersweet pang of first love, or confronting the emotional void left by bereavement, Khynan’s lyrics indeed hit like a gentle nudge to the heart that refuses to shy away from the deep memories of heartbreak, possessing a poetic resonance that endures long after the song ends.
Through this second release, Khynan Rhys establishes himself as an emerging star poised for lasting impact, building upon the initial success of his debut single, ‘Closed Doors.’ He expresses emotional vulnerability that invites audiences to engage with his work. “Do You Still Remember?” offers a moment of introspective reflection on the sorrow of losing someone once deemed irreplaceable, proving that even in our most solitary experiences, music can make us feel less alone.
For more information about Khynan Rhys, please visit [website].
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