Indie brother-sister duo Chase and Paige Duddy, also known as XYLØ, strives for success with the recent release of their first EP "America," as well as their upcoming performance at the SQSW Festival.
With millions of listens garnered on YouTube, Soundcloud and Spotify, XYLØ has already been compared to the likes of Lorde, Lana Del Rey, and the Neighbourhood with their deep house, hip-hop, and dark indie roots. Despite their 10-year age difference and recent formation just two years ago, the two have already amassed a global fan base.
With the release of the EP, fans will be able to hear Paige's sultry vocals backed to slow beats in the background on six songs. Favorites include the Phantogram-inspired "Bang Bang" and of course their title track "America." In addition, the band has also released the music video for their first single, "America." The music video features model Dree Hemingway as she is captured by a group of unknown masked authority figures. The dark ballad is perfectly paired with the theme of the music video. I had the opportunity to interview the two about their new milestones below.
USC Annenberg Media: So what made you choose to name the album after "America," the first song that you released?
Chase: It's the first song we released so it's special to us. It's how it really started for us.
AM: Yeah, I actually just watched the music video for it and it's really great. What was the creative thinking and how did you get the idea for the music video?
Paige: Well, the literal meaning behind the song is about the government. My boyfriend actually wasn't allowed back in the United States at the time so that's what inspired the song. So for the video, we wanted to come up with something dark. The masks represent some sort of authority, not just the government.
Chase: We wanted to leave it open for interpretation, you know? They can really symbolize anyone, like parents, whatever.
AM: Okay, so I know about the inspiration behind your song "America," but where you did get the inspiration for the rest of the album?
Paige: Yeah, it's very autobiographical. Our song is like a mini-chapter in our lives. It's something that we've all gone through or a friend went through. Everything is different but it's all things that have happened in our lives.
AM: Your songs have already been compared to Lorde and Lana Del Rey, and I would personally compare it to the Neighbourhood and I love all three of those artists. So what do these big-name comparisons mean to you?
Chase: Yeah, we love all of those artists that you mentioned so it's a compliment. We identity with an audience and a phase that's going on with a lot of crossovers that are happening right now with technology and you're hearing hip-hop, beats, and pop music.
AM: So four of your songs are currently on Spotify and "Bang Bang" is on Soundcloud, but the EP is a tangible collection of your work. So what does the release of the EP mean for you?
Chase: I think it's just like a victory for us. It's like our first one together as brother and sister. It represents the beginning.
Paige: It's the first chapter of our career. Each song is so meaningful. I relate to a lot of the songs and the meaning behind it. I think it's just like a big chapter of a dynasty.
AM: Where do you see yourself in a year?
Paige: We hope to tour the world.
Chase: Lots of videos hopefully. We'll be selling out big and really awesome venues.
XYLØ's new album is available for purchase at iTunes or to stream on Spotify.
Reach Staff Reporter Vanessa Le here.
Annenberg Media