XOLOS is energizing the music scene with their talent of melding multiple genres together to create an eclectic, powerhouse beat mixed with rich vocals and tight lyrics. This multifaceted musical duo from Southern California is proving that they are a force to be reckoned with with each new track that they release. Between writing their own music, playing all of the instruments on their songs, and producing their own records there is not much that these two cannot do. It’s no surprise that they work so well together and are able to make a finished product for their audience that keeps fans coming back for more.
XOLOS latest song ,“Do You Recall”, is already set to be a hit among their fans and will surely be bringing even more listeners their way. As soon as you hit play on this track you are not going to want to stay in your seat. They have managed to create a sound that is not only chill and mellow but also one that energizes you and makes you want to get up and move. If you are having a bad day or feeling down you are going to instantly feel better once you listen to XOLOS. This is the mark of true artists.
I recently spoke with Moebeats and Johnny of XOLOS to find out more about their writing style, what brought them together as a team, and what they currently have in the works for their fans.
XOLOS Interview
TAMMY: When did each of you first start creating your own music and who were some of your earliest inspirations?
XOLOS: We met about a year ago through Craigslist. We both had similar taste in music and decided to combine efforts. Some of our inspirations were Neon Indian, Artic Monkeys, Washed Out, Breakbot, Chromeo and Cherub.
TAMMY: What I love about your sound is that you really seem to pull inspiration from several genres and meld them together into something completely unique. I love it. Where does the inspiration stem from? And how would you describe your sound to someone who had never heard your music before?
XOLOS: Inspiration comes from everywhere. We are both inspired by different things and that’s what makes our music click. We enjoy melding genres together. Right now we really enjoy the sound of funk guitars with spacey synths. So our influences stem from different genres including nu-disco to indie dance music. Our music, we feel, is the fusing of funk guitars, indie pop vocals and disco synths.
TAMMY: I was reading that between the two of you you play all of the instruments on your recordings. What instruments do you play?
XOLOS: We generally play our strengths, but also mess with multiple instruments if we get stuck on ideas for music. I, (Moebeats), play Alto Saxophone, guitar, bass, drum, trombone, tuba and many other instruments.
TAMMY: Your latest song “Do You Recall” is amazing. I’d be lying if I said I haven’t had it on repeat today. It almost has a sort of “modern 80s” vibe in a way – which I love. Tell me a bit about what this song is about.
XOLOS: Thank you for that compliment. We are definitely influenced by 80s music. The song started out as a rough idea with just the synthesizers and the lead samples that you hear. Moebeats had been working on it and I really liked it and felt like the song was great as a single. After completing the track musically, I free styled the lyrics till I liked the feel, syllable wise. Then after finding the general groove, I wrote lyrics that conveyed feelings of nostalgia and longing.
TAMMY: Your sound is so chill but also it pulls you in and makes you want to move. What is the process typically like for you guys when you are working on a new track? Is it a lot of trial and error before you find the right mix and flow?
XOLOS: It is a bit of trial and error. We generally both make tracks at our home studios and pitch each other the songs we particularly enjoy. Once we feel that something grooves well, we get together and work on it and hash the parts and pieces out till we are satisfied with the end product.
TAMMY: What inspires and motivates each of you as artists?
XOLOS: For me, (Moebeats), New music. There is so much good music coming out and it is a great time to be alive. It might be a little daunting with all the new music but the possibilities are endless. There is a lot of technology at our finger trips that a lot of musicians didn’t have back then and we just want to be able to take music to new boundaries and see how far we can take it.
For me, Johnny, it’s the end product of a finished track. Its that dopamine hit you get when the final mixing and mastering is done and you finally get to share it with friends.
TAMMY: What are you currently working on that you’re excited to share with you fans? And currently or in the future where will fans be able to hear you play?
XOLOS: We currently finished a remix of our new track with Dj/Producer LEFTI, and should be releasing it late this month. So be on the look out for that. We also have a show booked on September 2nd, at the M Bar in Los Angeles.
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