Returning with a cosmic-pop single, XTIE (pronounced X-T) is determined to make a song that celebrates her identity as an Asian female producer. Inspired by all-time pop icons such as Beyonce, Lady Gaga, and Taylor Swift, “new classic” is a venture into the new age of female empowerment. Releasing her first single of the year on February 10, XTIE is determined to bring confidence to her listeners and set the tone for her 2023.
A New Reign
Playing with the words ‘new’ and ‘classic,’ XTIE puts the two together to form an oxymoron. How does something classic be new at the same time? XTIE’s music, as she likes to describe it, belongs to the ‘cosmic pop’ genre. In EnVi’s last interview with the songstress, she explained what cosmic pop means to her. Cosmic pop is described to be a genre that doesn’t bind her specifically to one category of music – her songs don’t fit in the conventional boxes of Cantopop, K-pop, or western pop. The ‘cosmic’ element refers to the feeling she gets when she experiences these “inspirational callings.” XTIE feels that the universe gives her the energy to pursue what she feels to be right. As the artist continues with the theme of breaking old conventions, “new classic” is another work that shows off her daring nature to challenge the normal.
The songstress has been pursuing a full-time day job while doing music on the side for the past 6 years. After working through her twenties to save up to learn about music production, she has finally made the jump to pursuing music full-time. Working bit by bit towards her ultimate goal, she joined multiple music camps and learned from co-writing experiences with other songwriters around the world. In her previous interview with EnVi, XTIE realized that she had achieved a major milestone after being invited as a producer for the Hong Kong girl-group survival show Kingmaker IV (2021).
With the survival show’s first three seasons targeted at making boy groups, previous producers were predominantly male. As a female producer, she believes that she has a role to play in diversifying the sound to show the different personalities of the singers. Although her path was not a quick or easy one, she reflects on it with gratitude. In an Instagram post, she wrote, “I write this to inspire everyone out there that has a dream – it’s not about how quick you can get there but it’s also about how you own your journey.”
Make a Work of Art
“new classic” was brought to life through XTIE and multiple artists involved in the backend and frontend of the project. As XTIE works towards making her first full debut album, she enjoys collaborating with other songwriters to chime into her cosmic pop. The single was co-produced with Japanese female producer, Tomoko Ida, who fused organic sounds and instruments from both their original cultures.
A Tokyo native, Tomoko Ida brought in the Shakuhachi sounds that are very fitting for the message of “new classic ”. The shakuhachi is a traditional Japanese flute that is held vertically. Made of bamboo, the instrument was a part of the music ensemble of the imperial court music of Japan since the 8th century and is still performed today. Paying homage to XTIE’s own Chinese background, sounds of the guzheng were also placed into the composition to bring innovation to a traditional musical instrument. XTIE stated, “I usually write and produce everything on my own. Even though we’ve never met in person yet due to the pandemic, I’m so delighted to have been able to collaborate with my talented friends on this single.”
Moving onto the song’s choreography, XTIE was excited to challenge a new style of dance: voguing. In love with Madonna’s original “Vogue” from 2009, the songstress wanted to push her dancing capabilities. XTIE stated, “I hope while listening to “new classic” you feel inspired to walk confidently like you’re walking down a fashion runway, everyone deserves to be confident in their own runway.” Working with friend and choreographer Emily Lu, XTIE creates her own runway with her dance. The dance was inspired by the musical Chicago with a K-pop influenced spin. With recent choreographies in K-pop being more open to more dance genres like tutting as those featured in Red Velvet, IRENE & SEULGI’s “Monster”, and voguing in Chungha’s “Stay Tonight,” XTIE was also inspired to adapt this shift in styles into her own performance.
Describing the song as an anthem to celebrate becoming a full-time musician, XTIE’s lyrics embody self-confidence. Recognizing her power as a female, she sings, “It’s a new era, making my own magic” in the song’s catchy chorus. While singing the chorus, the songstress breaks into a short vogue-sequence to highlight the main message of the song, “I’m the brand new classic – replaced the old one burnt it down to ashes.”
I’m the Brand New Classic
Starting the year with a strong statement, XTIE hopes that everyone can find their own runway in the world and feel empowered through listening to “new classic.” Although there’s no set date for her album release, make sure to keep an eye out on her music. We can’t wait to see where cosmic pop takes us next!
Check out XTIE’s music on Spotify and Apple Music. Be sure to follow her on Instagram and YouTube to keep up with her latest updates!
Interested in discovering more Asian artists and creatives? Check out which Asian Artists are performing at Coachella 2023 here!
