Q&A with Electronic Brother Sister Duo: XYLØ – Talk New Single, “America” and More!

Together, brother/sister duo Paige and Chase Duddy collaborate as XYLØ. The Westlake Village, California duo’s debut single, “America,” is a stellar song with a laid back chill vibe accompanied by subtle synths, spacious beats, and Paige’s luscious vocals. The band just released the beautiful and eerie new video for the song which stars model + actress, Dree Hemingway (daughter of actress Margaux) and great-granddaughter of author, Ernest Hemingway.

“America,” is a darkly cinematic ballad that channels the mournful melodic sensibilities of Lana Del Rey and the catchy production chops of fellow bro/sis duo, Broods, and according to Paige, “is a love song about a country forcing two people apart.”  ~ Flood Magazine 

Get to know more about XYLØ  in All Access Music writer, Nicole DeRosa‘s chat with Paige and Chase below!

Hi Paige & Chase! Where does this interview find you today? What’s on the agenda today besides our interview?

We are currently in the studio working on some new songs. We are also excited to be performing in Austin at SXSW! Check out the days and times we will be performing below!

For those not as familiar XYLØ, how did you get your start in music? Who or what was the catalyst for you?

Chase : We both were raised in a musical family. Our grandfather taught me to play drums the second I could hold a stick in my hand. This later developed into playing in all sorts of garage bands from punk to, hard core, pop and indie rock. After high school I got my first laptop and started experimenting with making beats while I was still gigging as a drummer.I started to fall in love with music production, song writing and mixing.

I reached out to Paige to sing on something I was working on, she didn’t call me back at first cause she was mad at me. She ended up coming over and helping me write what i was working on. When it was all finished we looked at each other and said I think we might have something here.

Paige: My grandpa , my uncles and my brother, (Chase) were and are a huge influence to me and my music. It’s something I was born into and naturally became in love with. My first studio experiences were with Chase and we worked well together so we knew it was only right to start a band eventually.

How would you describe your music and vibe?

DARK POP

On the set of the “America” video. The video stars actress, Dree Hemingway + Chris Blasman. Directed by: Riley Harper

Can you share with me what your inspiration was for your current single, “America”?

Chase: I had a beat I was working on that was dark and emotional, but also beautiful sounding (if that makes any sense). Paige came in to work on it with me. Turns out she was in the perfect head space at the time. I believe that is why it came together so easily.

Paige: I was going through something at the time with my boyfriend who’s from London. His visa had expired and was forced to return home. So its really a love song, about a country keeping two people apart.

Can you tell myself and our readers a bit about the making of the video for “America”. How did the concept come about etc…?

Paige – As I said, the song is about a country that’s forcing two people apart through immigration policy. It was a personal experience that I went through with my boyfriend who was forced to leave the country because his VISA expired. So, for the video we wanted to come up with something creative to represent that experience. For me that’s what the masked figures represent, but it’s really up to the viewer’s interpretation (they could represent any authority figure).

The video is incredible. It really leaves a lasting impression with the viewer. How did you go about choosing a director for “America”?

Chase – We had originally planned to make this music video with someone besides Riley Harper, but we weren’t pleased with the treatment that we got.

Riley is a close friend of ours and we’ve always admired his aesthetic and his style. We’d been wanting to work on something together and this was the perfect opportunity. We’re super proud of the work he created, given it was his directorial debut for music videos. This video was done with limited resources and our friends and family came together to help us get it done. We’re super proud of it as a first video.

How has the brother-sister dynamic contributed creatively in the studio?

Chase: For me its been a really positive thing. There is another level of connection and I think there are some boundaries you can push with each other, where as if it was someone else, they might not be coming back over to work with you again. lol

Paige: I’m lucky to be able to learn and grow everyday working with my brother. Making mistakes isn’t something I feel weird about because he’s family.

Who are your musical influences?

Chase: The Beatles, Motown, Michael Jackson. Also, we got to go see the Watch The Throne Tour. Jay Z and Kanye blew my mind wide open. Very inspiring!

Paige: Yeah, Kanye is a huge inspiration as well. I grew up listening to Michael Jackson and Led Zeppelin a lot.

Do you remember the first album you bought for yourself?

Chase: I can’t remember if it was Weezer’s The Blue Album or Tag Team Whoomp (There It Is)

Paige: OutKast’s Speakerboxxx/The Love Below could have been my first album.

What was the first song you fell in love with and why?

Chase: ‘ Fool in the Rain’ by Led Zeppelin. I remember my dad always playing that in the car on cassette and telling me to take notes. John Bonhams shuffle was just delicious!

Paige: It’s hard to remember, but I do know I was always singing “ Rich Girl” by Hall and Oates all the time as a kid.

Who would your dream collaboration be with, living or dead?

Chase: John Lennon

Paige: Jimi Hendrix would be perfect.

 

Who is in your current playlist? Any artists, musicians or genres we might be surprised to find in there?

Chase: Bruce Springsteen – Darkness on the Edge of Town the song ‘Racing in the Streets’ can and will make you cry. Also, Drake, Beck and I like Taylor Swifts new album. Surprised?

Paige: Honestly, the last two things played this morning was The Smiths and OT Genasis

What’s on tap next for XYLØ? What are you most excited about in 2015?

Chase: We’re just really excited and eager to get new music out into the world.

Paige: Yeah, we can’t wait for people to hear what we have been working on.

To stay connected with  XYLØ , visit their socials below!

Website  /  Facebook  /  Twitter  /  YouTube  /  Instagram