XO is a new name in an expanding roster that suggests a new breed of songwriter/producer is on the up and up. While the argument that the internet age is causing a saturation of content perseveres, young musicians with a special flair still manage to bubble to the surface before they’ve even got a grip on a sturdy catalogue of their own. With just a two-track EP under his belt, 19-year-old XO AKA Sunil Heera has curated a soulful, future-RnB kind of sound that’s already piqued the interest of music fans around the world. Collaborating with vocalists RobLaw and Leo Kalyan on Through The Night, XO presents two complimentary tracks that we think you might be into. Stream it and find a little bit more about the Staffordshire muso below.
EAVESDROPPING ON XO
Who are you?
XO.
Where are you from?
A little town called Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire.
What is unique about your local music scene?
The diversity. There’s a lot of raw talent around here and it’s recently shown, especially with a lot of acts breaking through this year.
Describe your sound in three words. Go!
Refined, swingy and authentic.
What makes you unique as an artist?
I make music, regardless of style or formula and I’d like to think this has helped me to build my own exclusive sound, finding the link between Dance, RnB and Electronic music. I think this sets me apart from others.
Have you heard any new music lately? Got any recommendations?
I’ve said it before but “The Grip” EP by Oceaàn is one of the strongest releases to have come out of 2014 in my opinion. Each track is so creative and forward thinking, I have a lot of respect for what he does.
Tell us a little about this new release.
“Through The Night” is my debut EP which was released via brand new UK based label He Loves You Not Recordings at the beginning of December. It includes the title track, b-side “Pulling Me Under” & “Numb”.
The support for the release so far has been overwhelming at times, I’m really grateful to have people I’ve looked up to and respected for some time on board with what I’m doing!
What inspired the artwork for this track?
That was mainly down to the label, but there’s a very exclusive feel to the release and I think this is reflected in the artwork. Simple and minimalistic. He Loves You Not is a great brand and the label has potentially set itself up for some great releases in the future.
What else are you working on at the moment?
I’m currently working on a 2nd EP which should be out next year at some point, it’s in really early stages at the moment, but I already have a really great feeling about it!
Do you have any shows coming up?
There’ll definitely be a bunch of dates where you can catch me around the UK in 2015. Shows will be announced as and when via my social pages, so keep your eyes peeled!
More XO