Interview with UK Singer & Songwriter Archie ‘XN Trick’
Today on our Hot Seat we have a UK based up and coming singer and songwriter Archie ‘XN Trick’. Lets have a chat with him.
Twist Online : First of all tell us about the start of your professional career?
Archie ‘XN Trick’ : Well I suppose it started a few years ago now when I met my good friend Ian and started a ‘Duo’ The Living Rogues. Truth be told we actually met in a rehab centre and got together playing music which was therapeuatic and then started doing corporate gigs which were great fun and helped us get by as well as kept us out of mischief. Jim Morrison said that band life is like ‘group therapy’ and I have to agree. This gave me the chance to have more crowd experience and negotiate with an entirely different artist, giving me the faith to start my solo music career as Archie ‘XN TricK’ which I kinda feel was inevitable.
Twist Online : Who or what inspired you to get into music industry?
Archie ‘XN Trick’ : I saw So Solid Crew member Megaman give a seminar talk in London which was amazingly inspirational. He is a go getter and sticks to his grind. He made me realise that even after years of success he is still the one pushing them forward and booking weekly studio sessions. Its those habits which I am learning and want to get better at. At the end of the day I want to and can only really rely on myself for motivation. He also said ‘reach for the stars as if you miss you’ll hit the moon’. I like quotes and that one years on has just stuck.
Other Artist such as Pharrell Williams who uses his music as a therapy to get people feeling good really resonates. Even Pitbull quoted ‘If you don’t stand for something you’ll fall for anything’ and its ’10 percent talent 90 percent handwork’ sometimes I wish it was the other way round but its wisdom like this that has allowed me to appreciate the sacrifice and work ethic that up into fairly recently I was somewhat naive to.
Twist Online : Tell us about your recent release ‘MY DARLING’?
Archie ‘XN Trick’: You want the dirt on my Darling do you? ‘My Darling’ is my debut single, its not a love song per se but hopefully it expresses love and pain. It might conjure up feelings of nostalgia or of loves rocky path. I have an intense past relationship to thank for this creative spark. (Cue song ‘Shoutout to my Ex’.) Its an upbeat track, with raw lyrics and an almost manic energy.
Twist Online : What kind of response you have received from the release?
Archie ‘XN Trick’: I have had a good response so far. Its been described as anything from Punk, afro, folk, hiphop to pop so its really interesting and varied genre feedback suggesting the listeners can hear many different elements going on. I’ve heard the chorus is a ‘catchy’ which is pretty cool. I was always really surprised to get a 5 star review, from Ratings Game Music, saying it has ‘flair and introspective lyrics’ i’m humbled to say.
Twist Online : What attracts you more, performing on stage or working in studios?
Archie ‘XN Trick’: I have to say Live performance and interacting with the crowd, this is where I feel I can come alive and really express myself. Also the adrenaline helps and just being in the moment. In my head not every performance is how I want it to be but the feedback is usually really positive. As I have been in the studio a lot recently its amazing to see tracks coming together with the help of a great producer and finally making its way online but the real thrill is playing/singing live.
Twist Online : What’s your favorite music genre?
Archie ‘XN Trick’ : Do I have to pick one? It would be between, acoustic Pop, Hiphop, Reggae and folk.
I would have to go with Hiphop or Rap as I have a passion for words. Some words are for the message and some for the sound they make on the track. Rap and Grime really helped me appreciate poetry and how a whole story can be depicted in a song especially going through the tough times which are often so prevalent in that genre. Percussive Rhythm and words will always be a real focus for me.
Twist Online : Have you set some target to achieve as a music artist?
Archie ‘XN Trick’ : Yes I have, some are harder to stick to than others. Daily ones like letting supporters know what I’m doing/ practicing music and scouting great venues to play are the habitual ones. Bigger ones consist of aiming to release a 5 song E.P. by early next year, booking my first solo tour and working with great producers. I mostly focus on the day to day doing the right things which create a spiral effect opening new doors and opportunities. I am excited to really hone in my musical set with all its different aspects but still keep it flowing on a musical journey.
Twist Online : Are you currently working on any other project?
Archie ‘XN Trick’ : I have to be picky with projects I choose, because as a creative person I have fallen into the trap of doing too much and having loads of half done projects, which are good talking points but that’s about as far as it goes.
I have been working with a few artists and even pitching a few songs which has been great, especially when you get responses from people with years of experience and success.
In the pipeline you will see a collaboration with artist Rich T, a track called ‘Concrete Jungle’ which has been fun to work with as its so different to what i have been doing. Its been very insightful making it as it has a reggae dance vibe and spoken lyrics, I’ll keep you in the loop.
Archie ‘XN TricK’
