Artist: Xi.me.na; Musicians: Xi.me.na, vocals; John Kengla bass; Joe Rogers, bass; Mason Ingram, drums; and Mike Ramsey, percussion
EP: ‘Before You;’ Producer: Joe Rogers
Relying on diverse life experiences, as well as varied vocal and instrumental styles, can often lead a musician to craft unique sounds that stay with their listeners, even long after their song ends. That’s certainly the case for award-winning experimental musician, Xi.me.na Borges, who released her latest electronica EP, ‘Before You,’ over the summer. The stunning neo-classical-avant-garde four-track album from the art pop singer is driven by her multi-disciplinerary background, personal life experience and unrivaled vocal range, which created a truly original sound.
The extremely eclectic composer and performer used her voice to create all-encompassing neoclassical and electronica music. ‘Before You’ features spiritual love songs that are driven by an array of digital and analogue technologies. Xi.me.na also naturally used her voice to create alluring, sentimental narratives that effortlessly and assuredly migrate between avant-garde opera and electronic pop sounds.
Based in both Brooklyn, New York and Venezuala, Xi.me.na contemplates how becoming a mother over a year ago has changed her life. From stacked harmonies and cheerful hooks, to moodier, reflective moments that showcase her sophisticated vocals, ‘Before You’ features a distinct blend of art-pop and nocturnal soundscapes. The record also includes various vocal layers of Xi.me.na’s serene voice, which create striking and innovative structural shifts that can surely impress any listener.
‘Before You’ begins with the entry, ‘High Moments,’ which successfully presents a rhythmic presence. Xi.me.na’s strong operatic vocals are steeped in atmospheric, sentimental and electronic instrumental layers. The commercial radio cut of the song is a soothing, radiant and emotional contemplation of a strong bond of love that will never be forgotten.
‘High Moments’ then delves into the sophomore title track on the musician’s latest EP, which is the best tune on the collection. ‘Before You’ contemplates who Xi.me.na was before she had her son. The singer powerfully croons about how her dreams were changed by her relationship with her new child. The intense, ominous environment created by the tune’s examination into how she learned to adopt to her connection helps prove what a powerhouse she is in the neo-classical and avant-garde genres, which will surely linger with listeners long after the last note is played.
Following ‘Before You’s title track is ‘There’s Me,’ which contemplates who she has
become since the birth of her son. Continuing the neo-classical and avant-garde feeling of the album’s previous entries, she proclaims that even though it’s hard to face the aspects of life that she wasn’t prepared for, she wants to forget her suffering.
‘Before You’ then comes to an end with the radio cut of the distinct tune, ‘Lions.’ Featuring a completely different vibe from its predecessors, the song thrives on the singer’s operatic electronica vocals, as she croons about how being with her son leaves her constantly flying high. Xi.me.na fiercely proclaims that she’s taking charge of her life, and is determined to lead her own path with her child, in the commanding song.
Relying on distinct life experiences, as well as varied vocal and instrumental styles, can often lead a musician to craft original sounds that stay with their listeners, even long after their song ends. That’s certainly the case for Xi.me.na, as her unique style is reflected on her latest EP. The musician’s remarkable album is driven by her multi-disciplinerary background, personal life experience and unrivaled vocal range, which created a truly authentic, unrivaled sound.
The extremely eclectic composer and performer used her voice to create all-encompassing, neoclassical, electronica music on ‘Before You.’ The record’s spiritual love songs feature sentimental narratives that effortlessly migrate between avant-garde opera and electronic pop vocals and instrumentals, which will surely leave a lasting impression on many listeners.
For more information on Xi.me.na, visit her official website, as well as her Twitter, Instagram and Youtube pages.
