bang into the new year with Kick It, the latest from XLOVCLO
XLOVCLO, the singular Doja Cat-cosigned vocalist, producer, and all-around creative multi-hyphenate artist whose experimental instincts were introduced last year on the critically acclaimed single + video releases “WTF,” “John,” and “Back2Earth,” bang into the new year with “Kick It,” available at all formats now via Island Records.
Maryland native XLOVCLO popped out of the DMV in 2022 with the rockstar romance of “WTF,” and quickly earned praise from Doja Cat, Lil Nas X, and Doechii, among others. Though just 20 years old, XLOVCLO is practically a production veteran. “John” was produced by Neiiburr, Te$oro, and Jband$, but it is XLOVCLO who labors carefully over every stem, with a fleshed out and fully realized sound beyond her years. She is schooled not just in production and performance but the nitty-gritty of mixing and engineering. In addition, aside from her own releases, XLOVCLO has also collaborated with Yvngxchris, Skaiwater, Destin Laurel, and (on “Back2Earth”) producer Dylvinci.
Many artists might claim the label of “DIY,” but few are capable of doing it all by themselves like CLO. When young musicians start to blow up, they can often become overwhelmed or crack under pressure, because they’re still in the process of learning their craft. CLO doesn’t come with any of that hesitation or self-doubt. As a multi-talented creative, she has the chops to back it up, even if she’s still forming her sense of self.
In every opportunity that comes her way, XLOVCLO sees the potential for not just experimenting with her sound, but coming to an even greater understanding of musical craft. By knowing every element of the creative process from top to bottom, XLOVCLO is like a painter who puts meaning into each individual brushstroke. There’s a full spectrum of emotions captured in every woozy synth and gliding vocal, from toxic heartbreak to angelic euphoria. Each bar and couplet, each note and beat, is a chance for feeling and connection, a space for the audience to find catharsis in XLOVCLO’s own vulnerability. As she puts it in her own words, “I have a different song for whatever time it is or whatever you’re feeling.”
