Interviews
What You Need To Know Now: Xavier E On “Pain Of Another Day”
Grammy-nominated artist, Xavier E is known for excelling as a performer and songwriter. His most recent success in the world’s biggest talent record pool on Spinnin’ Records has gained him a solid #1 position in the Top 10!
In this interesting interview, you can learn more about his life, music career, and the upcoming Sweet Rains remix of “Pain Of Another Day” to be released on July 22nd.
1 — At what point did music become so important to you?
Music has always been part of my life. My father used to play the guitar, and my dad growing up was in a band with his family. My father had other children and they all were in bands and since and play music. I was too shy growing up to even try to sing because people use to make fun of me. But I learned in high school that music gave me a “feeling “, it just made me feel certain ways… Sometimes I cry, laugh, and just feel good. That was the power of music for me. It wasn’t until I moved to NYC for college is when I really delved into my true passion for music and where I learned that I actually had a good voice. Music got me out of some of my darkest times. Now I can write a song about it and use those emotions in the power of the song. Just like my new single “Pain of Another Day”. It is a song about heartbreak, betrayal, and self-doubt that comes along with it. Even recording this song, it was hard for me to get through it you can hear the raw emotion in these vocals. I hope that other people can relate and that this song can give others a “feeling”.
2 — When did you start your artistic career professionally?
I grew up in a small town, my family was the only ethnic family in my town and a few towns over. I grew up with adversities and racism, so as soon as I could I moved to the biggest city in the world, New York City. I had big dreams to become an actor. I auditioned at one of the hardest schools to get into for theater and I got in. I was dead set to be an actor. While In school though I noticed I was only getting these “Suppoting Actor” roles. I mean, I was good, all my teachers told me so. So one day one of my teachers Jackie pulled me aside and asked me why I thought I wasn’t getting any lead roles. She wanted to know if I was self-aware. I was 17 at the time, and I did not know. She told me it was because I was too “fat” and I would never get any roles but fat homosexual roles. (I was also not out of the closet at this time and I was 500lbs.) I was crushed. So this is when I started to embrace my voice. I had a great vocal teacher John Balis. He showed me how to use my voice properly. And there it took off, from one record label to independent record labels to self-releasing to where I am now today.
3 — Which are the artists who inspire you?
I was an odd child, to say the least. I was 500 lbs, a closeted gay boy trying to fit into a heterosexual world. I use to dress in bright colors and baggy clothes and comb my hair in punk style, just trying to stand out and fit in. I was trying to be cool, but I was just weird. I started listening to Cyndi Lauper and saw how odd she was. She was kind of like me. Oh my god! It is okay to be different. She inspired me to be myself, and show people my true colors. Now I am not ashamed of who or what I am. I am who I am, accept me for who I am if not, I don’t need you in my life. Madonna as well for the same reasons, Boy George, and all the boy bands, Janet Jackson. Justin Timberlake of course. I had to say that, and I’ve met many times. The list goes on.
4 — Is your new song “Pain Of Another Day” a personal statement?
I believe music that comes from a “true” place is good music. People can relate to that. If you go through a struggle other people can release and if it comes from a real place it makes it real to other people. “Pain of Another Day” is about a relationship I was in, and I was cheated on. I got in my head and was so insecure back to my fat days. Why is this person cheating on me? Am I not good enough? What is wrong with me? It was a rough time in my life. My father was dying, I was home with my mother, and my boyfriend at the time was running around with other people. There was a lot going on. I was hurt. When writing this song, I was so emotional, and when trying to prepare to go into the studio to record the vocals It was hard for me to get through just a dry run. Even now I can listen to it and it will bring back what I was feeling at the time. I have another song called “Proud”. I wrote this song about the death of my dad. And I needed his approval, and I wanted to know if I made him proud and if he would be happy with my choices in my sexuality, my work, goals. When people hear this song they get other meanings from it, it’s their mother, their aunt, or their mother who they lost. But the song comes from a true play. People can relate.
5 — Did you ever expect to top the dance music charts?
I am working with some of the best people in the industry – Sweet Rains Productions. I am familiar with their work and I knew that this would be a hit. It is still trending up, people are loving it. I am not going to lie, I was shocked and excited at the same time to see I was #1 on Spinning Records, and that over 6k people have listened to and are still listening to this track. I am happy and excited and I can’t wait to get more people to hear it and like this song. I did have a few songs that did very well on Digital tracker radio, I was in the top 100s for the major and independent artist for 14 weeks. I was in the Top 3 on the independent charts for a song my old record label hated. So, during Covid, I decided we needed a feel-good song, so I released a song called “Cruel Like That”. This song went wild! I knew “Pain of Another Day” had a better production so deep down in my soul I knew and I know this song is going to be hitting the top of a lot of charts.
6 — Are you psyched to get out there and play this music?
I am excited. I am not going to lie, the first time I heard any of my music on XM radio, I had to pull over in my car and just sit there. I didn’t say anything but I just sat there and listened to it. I got teary-eyed and was just shocked but excited… I can not explain it just a bunch of emotions. And when I heard one of my songs played in a big club and people dancing to it, that was just exciting. I wanted to say: “That is my song, that is my song!”. The first time I saw my music video on MTV and VH1, I was calling my friends to take a video off the screen of my TV. I was so happy, I cried. Then to see the millions of listening crowd I was getting by my radio play tracked by Digital Tracker radio gave me more of a rush. This song “Pain Of Another Day”, when a few DJs played it at Los Angeles Pride, I could just feel it in my soul, the energy and the reaction from the people, it gave me LIFE! I am more psyched, I am f*n excited. Like all artists, I just want my music to be heard and I want it to mean something to people, I want it to move people and make people feel a certain way. Again, the power of music. I can not wait to start promoting this song and the rest of my EP I am working on. I feel this is the start of my music career, I call this music career 2.0. After my father’s death, I took time off from music and went back to school got a degree, and started working in the Emergency room. I was one of those RN who was in the middle of the first wave of Covid and seeing how precious life was. I started to get back into music. You only live once and I can inspire people and help people in different ways, through song.
7 — How was making this tune different? Who produced it?
This tune started out as a ballad. I loved the song, loved the ballad. It was also produced by the same team – Sweet Rains (back then it was Iggy Kisil and Johan Brunkvist, who was also a keyboard guy for the majority of Todd Terry’s records). I really wanted to have a dance version of this song. After years had gone by, I approached the Sweet Rains team again to take another look at these vocals. When they told me that these vocals inspired them and they were on board to make this a big ’80s retro throwback song, I was stoked! I couldn’t wait. I was like a child waiting for Christmas, waiting to hear this song. When I heard it WOW! Blew me away. Thank you – Sweet Rains Productions out of NYC for this amazing production. Just a great group of people who just gets it. They know what I am looking for, know what I want and they know music and the trends.
8 — What’s your favorite part of the Sweet Rains remix?
One of my friends who heard “Pain Of Another Day” stated the song is hypnotic. I love how the track builds it and gets huge then. I love the groovy beat and the vocal production… Even down to the mastering of the song. It sounds amazing in my Porsche’s speakers, and in clubs. The bass is out of this world and it keeps you in that grove to dance or even to work out.
9 — How was this collaboration possible?
I’ve known Sweet Rains productions for many years now, they have worked on a few songs for me… We’ve always kept in touch. When I had the idea to record another song, I had many people out here in Los Angeles who wanted to be part of this, but I already had a team I trusted. I reached out and here we are today. They are not just a production company they made me feel as If I was part of their family. Just the way they have treated me and my music is just amazing. I am truly blessed person to have great people in my life.
10 — What advice would you give to other vocalists that are just starting out?
Make music you love! Make music for yourself and other people will love it! Here is advice that an A-list artist gave me a long time ago. I mean over 10 years ago and I live by this even today. She said, “Don’t worry about what other people are doing or how they sound, we are all unique.” I am paraphrasing but it was along this line. I tell other artists this all the time. Do you boo! We are all different, your music is an art, and my music is an art. Not everyone is going to like your art, I am okay with that. Do not let other people tell you anything about your art, it is yours, you made it, so own it!
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In a candid interview, Notaker talks about the most important details behind his debut independent album, ‘Echoes In Eternity.‘ He offers his fans a glimpse into the inspiration and emotions that fueled its creation. Happy reading!
1 — In your words, how would you describe the sonic atmosphere of this new album, ‘Echoes In Eternity’?
I would describe it as otherworldly, outrun retro, or dimensional. Those are the kinds of ideas I really aimed at for this project.
2 — ‘Echoes In Eternity’ is an interesting album title. Can you share the story or concept behind choosing this name?
I’ve always liked the famous quote from Marcus Aurelius “What we do now echoes in eternity”. It parallels what I wanted to do with this album which was to make something timeless that I could look back on many years from now and feel proud to have created.
3 — How do you think this album engages listeners on an emotional level?
As it hasn’t been released yet I’m not quite sure. It certainly holds a lot of myself in the music and hopefully, those emotions that I felt creating the music will shine through to listeners when they hear the album.
4 — What steps did you take to connect and work with Danyka Nadeau and Eric Lumiere?
I knew Eric from a collaboration we created previously so it was very easy to reach back out to him and work again. Danyka and I met through her manager Daniel who thought we could create something awesome together, and he was very right. It was a true treat to work with both, they are amazing artists.
5 — How does this material differ from your previous work with mau5trap and Anjuna?
It’s much less confined to any parameter a label might impose upon my work. This is truly a raw and unfiltered look at my music. The most “me” thing I feel I’ve ever created.
6 — Is there any particular track in the album that holds a special meaning to you?
In a way they all are, it’s tough to choose. I think the “Illusion of Time” is very special as I got to make that with one of my friends Kyu who played the hand pan which I sampled for that song. Always great to create things with friends.
7 — How would you describe the evolution of your artistic style and sound as reflected in this album?
In a way it’s cyclical. Finding new things that sound nostalgic to me and then creating them in a new and interesting way. Hopefully, people can hear that in my sound, something new but also familiar.
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Closing out the festival season with a bang, Brazilian talents Öwnboss and Selva team up on anthemic dance hit “RIOT” for their debut on the respected label Monstercat. Not only a mainstage monster, “RIOT” gears up to take on the virtual world as the official anthem in the latest Brazilian-themed season of the sports-based video game Rocket League.
We caught up with Öwnboss and Selva to go behind the scenes on the making of “RIOT.”
1 — First of all, how do you maintain a balance between staying true to your own unique style while collaborating and complementing each other’s musical style?
Selva: I think the fun part about collaborating is to mix things up and see what happens. That being said, presenting ideas with context, staying true to yourself, and respecting the collaborator’s input is the formula to create something interesting that you wouldn’t come up with yourself. For example, Öwnboss has his famous lead synth, but we never forced it in. The progression choices and the energy that builds up until the drop made that synth not only essential but also brought the power we needed for the drop!
Öwnboss: I would say that I don’t have much of that balance because I’d say I don’t follow only a single style, you know? My sound is what I like to play, what makes sense at the moment, and what makes me happy. Of course, “Move Your Body” is a track that defines me in a way and I’m very proud of it, but I always try to evolve and improve my productions, as happened here with Selva. “RIOT” had more than 10 versions that went through various musical styles, which speaks a lot to my trajectory as a producer as well. The final version was our favourite, and it brings a lot of who we are as musicians.
2 — “RIOT” is set to debut in Rocket League’s battle arenas. Is this the first time you have produced music for video games?
Öwnboss: That’s a good question because we didn’t really produce the song thinking about having it in a video game, but that’s exactly what happened in the end. I had the pleasure of having “Move Your Body” on the Formula 1 2022 soundtrack, I believe for the size the track has taken by playing on the stages worldwide. With “RIOT,” I think we were able to produce such an exciting, rebellious song…. almost like a generational anthem, that seeing it as a soundtrack for such an important and young game like Rocket League turns out to be a perfect fit. “RIOT” really has a feel of action and adrenaline.
Selva: Yes, for me it’s the first time. I still am getting used to hearing my kids across the house turning on Rocket League and hearing my song!
3 — What qualities do you like the most about the vocals on ‘RIOT’?
Selva: I think the vocals are the soul of this song. We built the song around it, and we worked really hard for the production to play the role of enhancing the power of those lyrics.
Öwnboss: I agree. I really like the contrast between the vocals of the children singing in a very high-pitched tone and Brian’s voice, more serious. I think it’s a very good balance since the sonorities complement each other. Another thing that catches me is this “battle anthem” vibe of hers, it feels half revolutionary, like… Pink Floyd. It had been a while since I’d received a vocal with this strength, and I believe that’s why this track became so important to us.
4 — Imagine you could incite a riot for change. What goal would you inspire people to stand up for?
Öwnboss: That’s a tough question to answer because the world needs a lot of change, so how do you choose the most important one? Or the most urgent. What comes first in my mind is a riot for people to be themselves, without being ashamed and without worrying about what others will think. Be yourself. I think it is a path of no return to freedom and happiness. Probably the world would be better and lighter if everyone could follow that.
Selva: Interesting question! I think once you create a song and put it out into the world, the meaning of it is no longer yours to choose. Everyone has a different life experience and people digest ideas and messages in a very singular way. At first, this song didn’t have a political angle, but it can absolutely have. I’d say: start a riot in your heart, soul, and mind.
5 — Öwnboss, your busy 2023 World Tour is currently underway. How does the release of “RIOT” fit into your tour’s momentum?
Öwnboss: The release of “RIOT” in the middle of my tour was very important because I was able to play the track on various stages around the world without it being released. People don’t know it, but the music captivates almost instantly, which makes it an important reinforcement for my sets. I see the audience eager to learn the lyrics. I can say “RIOT” certainly arrived at a good time.
6 — Selva, as a platinum-certified songwriter and producer, you have worked with prominent names in the EDM scene. What new things did you learn from this collaboration?
Selva: I think of myself as a songwriter above anything, and I’m blessed enough to work with so many different accomplished and talented artists, including Öwnboss whom I have written a number of songs. “RIOT” is a special one for me, and it just felt right to represent this one by his side. I personally learned to trust my gut more than ever.
7 — Can you capture the essence of “RIOT” in just one sentence?
Öwnboss: RIOT is energetic, revolutionary, and catchy.
Selva: All revolutions start in the soul.
8 — Were there any specific elements that made the creation of this track particularly challenging?
Selva: The chorus. We knew the chorus was potent and strong, but it was challenging to “dose” it through the song. We did a bunch of versions in order to land one that we felt delivered the chorus without being repetitive and enhanced it.
Öwnboss: Yeah, the vocals, for sure. And the collaboration with a children’s choir, which is the “extra touch” and makes it different from anything that I’ve ever produced before.
9 — What specific role did you play while working on “RIOT”?
Öwnboss: The lyrics were written by Brian, so my main role was to help set the musicality of the track, creating a climax on the chorus and the revolutionary footprint we wanted for it. Then, another challenge of ours was to integrate the high-pitched voice of the children’s choir with the other elements of the track, so that it would be dense, dynamic and keep the rebellious tone.
Selva: As mentioned I was on the songwriting. I dove in on the production as well later on, but I’d say I mainly focused on melody and lyrics and let my main man Öwnboss do his thing and create the whole context and drop.
10 — If a future collaboration opportunity arises, what new things would you be interested in exploring?
Selva: I’d like to have another go at exploring a RIOT-like anthemic chorus again, maybe in a higher BPM.
Öwnboss: Each collaboration is the reflection of the moment that I’m living. After that everything changes, so I think it’s hard to answer this question. I will always explore what is true and meaningful to me in that moment, so my music can speak to others.
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Paul Mayson‘s first-ever album, ‘One Life,’ is like a special mix of his love for House music, blended with different kinds of sounds and cool collaborations from artists all over the world. You definitely don’t want to miss this interview!
1 — With the release of your debut album ‘One Life,’ what are your expectations for how listeners will connect with the music?
My goal was to showcase my story and my sound. And for it to be an uplifting, positive, and summery album. Hopefully, it feels like that! It’s a collection of songs made at the moment, to make you feel happy and free. It’s about embracing life, the good things and the bad. And about doing what makes you happy.
2 — You’ve teamed up with a diverse range of international artists on this material. Please let us know how these collaborations came to be.
It was really exciting taking elements from different genres, working with a group of great artists who come from very different backgrounds, and bringing all of these sounds and flavors together on one project. A lot of artists I meet myself, reach out to the people I’m interested in. I often travel abroad to work on music together and do sessions in London or LA. Sometimes collabs can also happen through the label or the publisher, but ultimately it’s great to have an artist-to-artist relationship.
3 – What compelled you to emphasize the themes of life, freedom, and diversity in this album?
I’m very passionate about House music culture and the way it started. Which was all about positivity and celebrating life together. I love that message and think the soulful, feel-good element of House music is what always really attracted me to the genre. And to music in general, including other genres like Soul and RnB.
4 – Can you share more details about the process of integrating experimental elements into the music production of your album?
A few of the songs (like “Tell Me How” and “I Want You”) were basically made during one big jam session. It’s me just trying out completely different sounds, textures, and rhythms and experimenting with live drums, guitars, and whatever I feel like. Letting go of any rules connected to dance music allows for a really fresh approach to the album songs.
6 – How does the artwork complement the album’s concept?
It emphasizes the feel-good element and the overall message of the album. Life is in front of you, it’s there for the taking. You’re in the hallway, step into the light and embrace life.
7 – Will there be another amazing music video like “Have It All,” dropping in the near future?
We released a really cool art piece and visualizer for the album which I’m very excited about!
8 – Given your ambition to push boundaries within the Dance genre, do you think the bunch of producers already out there could make it tough for you to really stand out?
I think individuality is key. Doing something you’re passionate about. Telling your own story. If you go into that process, the outcome will be unique. Not following trends and doing my own thing is what helps me stand out and allows me to be ahead and I try to keep pushing myself.
9 – Among your studio essentials, what’s the item that you consider the cornerstone of your setup?
Quite a lot of my work is digital. I carry my laptop around and can produce and write anywhere with it, whether it’s my home studio, the studio in Amsterdam, a hotel, or even an airport. That’s what makes it flexible and international! Just being able to work anywhere and get the creative process going. At home I also love my Adam A77x monitors and I also use a Prophet synth.