Tag: XamVolo

Here’s a talent that I’m particularly excited about. I’m a sucker for anything jazz that comes with an edge, and that’s what XamVolo seems to be delivering track after track…

You’ve got a very jazzy and soulful vibe around your sound, but there’s also a little bit of a sinister indie and electro side as well – where you do you get your inspirations from?

My three main vocal influences are Bilal, Mali Music and D’Angelo, they’re so free with their delivery styles, which I love a lot. Though I’m directly influenced by him, I think Hozier is great with lyrics. I think great lyricists do a lot with a little, which is what I aspire to do whenever I write.

I’ve been listening to a lot of Jazz recently, a lot of Miles Davis and Mingus.  Aside from that, I’m still loving the Alabama Shakes record.  It’s so well done.  I like Hiatus Kaiyote’s album as well; I never get tired of it.  I’m a fan of all NAO’s stuff, too.  Think I’m gonna start actively looking for new music soon, though.

Who would your dream collaboration be with?

Probably J Dilla – it would be cool to vibe over a bespoke Dilla instrumental – I’m sure I’m not alone in that either, hah.

What’s the response to your music been so far?

It’s been solid – I’ve been lucky enough to have plays from a lot of respected tastemakers (Annie Mac, Huw Stephens, DJ Target, MistaJam etc.) The two records I’ve put out from my next EP, Chirality, have been received well.  Can’t wait to put out the rest of it!

What do you have planned for the rest of the year?

I’m currently in the studio writing more music, trying to get into a new headspace.  It’s one of the reasons I haven’t really found any new music, I’m trying to come up with something original and organic.  I have two headline shows coming up, one on the 19^th of September in London and the other on the 20^th of September in Liverpool, so it’s long shifts in the rehearsal room at the moment, too.  The team’s gearing up and looking forward to a solid 2017.

XamVolo