northxix
Latest single marks the beginning of a new musical direction for the artist
Since 2020, northxix has been making a name for himself with tracks like “wakemeup” and “where will you go?” While he only began releasing songs last year, the artist is a life-long music lover, using powerful lyricism and production to express his raw emotions. This latest single is no different; “bastard” pours into his personal life and relationships while introducing a slight departure from his typical style. The song retains its pop-punk sound but introduces various hyper-punk/alternative elements. “I’ve always loved alternative music,” he said. “It’s always been my choice over other genres, but now it’s more accessible than ever.” We recently spoke to northxix about how he started making music, plans for the future, and more!
northxix! First of all, congrats on the release of the new single! How are we feeling now that it’s finally out?
Thank you! I am very relieved that I no longer have to stare at it hidden on my laptop anymore. It’s a weird feeling every time I put something I created in the public eye... it’s very exciting nonetheless.
Can you walk us through the meaning behind the track?
It’s a bit dark, throughout the entire song I’m playing a character, who’s narcissistic and manipulative. I took inspiration from people like this in my personal life, actions, or words I’ve said but didn’t mean, and compiled them into an almost Patrick Bateman type character. I guess it comes from wishing I didn’t have to be the bigger person, that I could stoop to their level and make it as bad for them as it was for me.
“bastard” has a bit of a different vibe to it compared to your earlier stuff. What was the reasoning behind the new creative direction?
I’ve always loved alternative music. It’s always been my choice over other genres, but now it’s more accessible than ever. I’ve gained enough experience in writing and engineering to finally express exactly what I want in my music. Along with other musicians and producers moving towards this style, it’s less of a difficult style to come across now.
Did you find any difficulty at first in working in this different sub-genre?
Not at all, it took me about an hour to fully write this song. It just spilled out and it felt like breathing after writing the first line.
With that all said, the track is stellar. Do you have a favorite line from the song?
It’s hard to say, I love the entirety of the hook and how the words are so eerie, yet playful. Besides the hook though, I’d have to say it’s the bridge in the second half, “Yeah you hate me, I hate me too”. It’s a perfect example of someone who will do anything to get the other person to feel bad and come back to them.
“you a friend of mine?” is your current Instagram and Spotify bio. Can you explain the deeper meaning to this, if any?
Everyone in our lives, besides family, starts out as strangers. Even old relationships are just familiar strangers, it’s a weird way I think about how people are brought into our lives and eventually leave it. So when you come onto any of my pages, it’s almost like an invitation into my life.
How did you get started making music? What has changed about your musical process since?
I’ve always been involved in music, even before I could remember, but I started messing around with production in late 2018. It then evolved into writing and engineering my own music. Now it’s very similar, I write and engineer my own music, but I’ve lost the energy to produce every track. I’d say now I try to be more collaborative with others, especially with production.
Who would you say have been the main influences to your sound, past, and present?
My main influences are early to mid-2000s pop-punk bands, especially Fall Out Boy, and how they write their lyrics. Along with Queen and Elton John. For modern influences, I’d have to say Lil Uzi, Aries, and having started my music career in Naples, Dominic Fike.
Which decade would you say had the best music, besides the one that we’re currently in?
The 70s, the era where, in my opinion, classic rock was at its peak.
What are some of your favorite things to do outside of the studio?
Honestly, not much. I’m kinda boring now, I work, make music, and hang out with like two people. Before that, I would do pop-up shows and throw parties and constantly be under some kind of influence. I guess making memories is what I’m after now, once the world opens back up I’ll update you on my favorite things to do.
What’s the best piece of advice that you’ve ever been given?
My mom constantly gives me amazing advice. I always care what others think and at one point it was crippling. She told me, “Out of everyone you ever meet, 25% will love you, 25% will hate you, and 50% won’t even give a shit. Cherish the 25% that love you and don’t worry about the other 75% because it takes away your time and energy from the 25% that do care about you.” It’s kinda harsh and pessimistic but for some reason, it stuck with me and it made me more optimistic and confident about who’s in my life and how I live it.
Describe your music in just three words.
Reflective, Nostalgic, Dynamic
What can fans expect from northxix in 2021?
A lot, maybe not in the number of songs, but in what steps I take. I’m always trying to expand on the quality and impact of my actions and music... but expect more music that’ll continually best the previous works.
When northxix makes it to LA, _________________.
I will not live off of Vine and Melrose and I’ll surround myself with the 25% that loves me.