Xiden to release his debut single: Fast or Slow
February 2024 - Xiden (born Scott Mulligan) is a singer-songwriter, actor, and multi-instrumentalist with a broad creative focus.
Scott studied at the Berklee School of Music and gained widespread recognition for his performance as the title character in Disney's Broadway musical "Tarzan." He went on to move to LA, where he continued to make music, eventually working with Grammy-winning producer Sam Pounds to create something new and unique. This was the basis of Xiden, Scott's new artistic identity, and his debut single "Fast or Slow" is a great first taste of what the audience can expect.
The song has an intriguing mix of dark and sultry electronic sounds that induce an immersive listening experience. The vocals stand out with a bright and lush tone, creating a spot-on contrast with the instruments. This captivating juxtaposition adds to the song's overall appeal and depth of sound despite the "less is more" production approach that drives the beat. This release is a lesson in restraint when it comes to making music: you don't need unnecessary frills and embellishment when everything in the mix is just right! "Fast or Slow" is based on a few key elements, including a catchy syncopated drum beat, a memorable vocal performance, and some synth melodies that are immediately easy to hum along to. With these core features, the track feels huge in spite of its minimalistic tone. The verses are fairly laid back, but the chorus parts take off with beautiful harmonies and extra synth leads, creating huge dynamics. The bridge that starts at around 02:25 marks one of the song's emotional highlights, where the arrangement reaches a high point before a break that eventually leads into the last section of the song. The track stays true to Xiden's vision of creating something that hasn't really been heard before, with its thundering bass swells, Afro-inspired rhythm, and modern synth elements.
Sam Pounds worked his magic on this production, and it's not surprising that the sound hits the mark. After all, he has received praise for his work with world-class talents such as Jamie Foxx, Snoop Dogg, and Killer Mike, to mention a few.
"Fast or Slow" ultimately showcases a refreshing blend of neo-soul and R&B that seamlessly merges with the timeless appeal of pop music. Sam and Scott are a fantastic artist-producer team. They have managed to craft a forward-thinking sound that is both innovative and accessible. The track is a real testament to their talent and chemistry, as they succeded in creating a one-of-a-kind sound that feels fresh and contemporary while still paying homage to the classic genres and artists that have influenced them. Overall, "Fast or Slow" is a remarkable achievement that is sure to delight fans of artists as diverse as D'Angelo, Miguel, Prince, and Frank Ocean, to mention a few.
The song lyrics are just as sultry, expressing a romantic desire to enjoy a special moment of intimacy and passion with a loved one. "Fast or Slow" is about burning desire and the willingness to surrender to a "whirlwind of romance" and ultimately spin out of control!
The vocals of the song are truly remarkable. The falsetto technique used by the singer is both delicate and strong, giving the lyrics an added sense of closeness and intimacy. It's as if the artist is singing directly to the listener, and the emotions conveyed in the lyrics are heightened by the flawless vocal performance. The romantic nature of the song is further emphasized by the prominent falsetto!
"Fast or Slow" is a huge milestone for Scott Mulligan as he sets out to embark on this new adventure as Xiden.
