Xam Volo
As Liverpool’s XamVolo supports Paloma Faith on her arena tour, Getintothis track the man down as he recalls eating ridiculous amounts of pizza, wearing layers and an early performance by The Tweenies.
In an age where grime and hip hop are king, XamVolo is a Soul Man.
As an artist, he has journeyed through these areas of music, before settling on a modern soul that has been catching people’s attention.
Describing his sound as ‘my own kind of soul’, XamVolo has taken a strange path to where he is today.
After studying Architecture at the University of Liverpool, he decided that it was music that had really captured his passion and where he was best able to express himself.
His debut solo performance was in Sefton Park’s Palm House as part of the LIMF Festival.
XamVolo at The Kazimier
Since then he has released some stand out singles such as Old Soul and the Thelonius Monk sampling Feels Good while along the way picking up two GIT Award nominations. New single Lose Love is out now.
Written and produced by XamVolo during sessions in LA alongside heavyweight producer Freddie Joachim (J Cole, Aloe Blacc, Joey Bada$$), Lose Love’s bouncing groove opens up the EP. Released via Universal on April 13, A Damn Fine Spectacle is an inventive concept EP and serves as a teasing distillation of what is to be explored on his forthcoming debut album, All The Sweetness on the Surface.
Day2 of the @Palomafaith Tour at @nottinghamarena was a vibe 🥂✨
Thanks for the love and good energy
Honoured to share the stage with her for a moment too!
📷: @nikkidyer pic.twitter.com/lNu1sQJ83o— 𝐗𝐕 (@xamvolo) March 4, 2018
XamVolo said: “Everybody wants something, whether it’s money, power, justice, a clean slate, or a new pair of shoes. Some people would go to great lengths to acquire the things they want, but whenever there’s an easier option available, most people would rather save themselves the hassle. This EP is all about the nature of our desires. When someone is told of this black honey – of an easy way to obtain everything they’ve ever wanted – their curiosity is piqued.”
Support has been steadily growing and XamVolo is now currently supporting Paloma Faith on her latest UK tour, including a date at Liverpool’s Echo Arena.
XamVolo will also be curating three events at Liverpool’s Baltic Triangle hub, Constellations. Under the banner of The Art of Difference. All artists will be selected by XamVolo and will include performances, a jam session with a house band and DJs on rotation. The music will be soul, jazz and hip-hop, mirroring the man’s own tastes and passions.
- The first event will be held on April 12 and entry is free.
XamVolo
So, what else is going on in XamVolo‘s world? We caught up with him for our latest 13 questions with…
Where are you and what are you doing? I’m in the green room at the Manchester Arena responding to this interview.
What is your favourite film? Whiplash.
What makes you frustrated? Bad jokes.
Recommend one band or album that you think we should check out? Hiatus Kaiyote – Choose Your Weapon. Life changing album.
What’s your first memory? Second birthday cake was white with blue trimmings and a red ‘2’ on it – The day I found out I didn’t like cake.
Liverpool music gig guide: Lee ‘Scratch’ Perry, Karl Blau, Phobophobes and much more
What would be your final meal if you were on death row? A Century Egg – from scratch.
What was the first gig you went to? The earliest I can remember is Kendrick in Leeds when I was 19. Before that it might have been like Tweenies on ice.
Where did you last go on holiday? Took my brother to Amsterdam for his 20th.
Tell us a secret…I once ate 3 12inch Pizzas in 2 hours by myself.
Vinyl, CD, MP3 or Streaming? 32-bit 96k WAV.
What’s your favourite season and why? Autumn: Not too hot, not too cold, layers are welcomed.
Do you have any pre-gig superstitions? I like to stand on stage beforehand at least once. Get to know my bearings.
Do you have anything else to declare? Just some rice but it’s still in the bag. You can have it if you want, I’m not fussed, it’s just a hassle to take out.
XamVolo plays with Paloma Faith and watch his new track Lose Love below:
March 14, The O2 Arena, London
March 17/18 Cardiff Motorpoint Arena
March 20 Liverpool Echo Arena, Liverpool
March 21 Genting Arena, Birmingham
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