Zurich-based artist Xzavier Stone embodies a forward-thinking approach in every aspect of his work. From his early, innovative club productions for Sinjin Hawke and Zora Jones’ FRACTAL FANTASY collective to his unique spin on alternative R&B, his creations resonate with an otherworldly and multi-faceted essence born from years of pondering the question – what if?
R&B serves as the unifying theme in Xzavier’s body of work. While ‘GREYSCALE’—the lead-up to his most recent release—exploited minimalism to its fullest, ‘UPWARD SPIRAL’ brings in collaborators kalifa, Justen Leroy, Orchid & Charlotte Horn to explore bright, bubbly, and playful textures over Timbaland-inspired beats.
We connected with the artist via Zoom to discuss his R&B influences, meticulous attention to detail, and the importance of continuously questioning what if.
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Who are your key R&B inspirations, both past and present, among producers and singers?
R&B is quite expansive and has evolved significantly over the years, but if I had to pinpoint a few timeless influences, I would narrow it down to three individuals. First is DeVante Swing, primarily as a producer; his sounds remain remarkably refreshing even today, and I strive to reach that level. Additionally, there’s Darkchild, who has impacted countless remarkable artists; many who collaborated with him advanced their work, particularly in terms of experimentation.
Lastly, I would mention Teddy Riley, considering the influence of New Jack Swing and its role in shaping pop music as a whole.
When did your forward-thinking approach to production begin? Did being part of the Fractal Fantasy collective contribute to this?
It’s always felt instinctual. I’ve always been curious and often dissatisfied with the norm. Particularly in Switzerland, I found little in youth culture that ignited my interest. The country excels in graphic design and architecture, but as a pop culture enthusiast, I craved more. I’ve always aimed to push boundaries; my initial foray into music was through rap, but I was naturally drawn to electronic sounds, constantly asking myself: what if we altered the bass sound even before I began producing? My entire being is guided by that question of what if.
‘UPWARD SPIRAL’ shifts from the melancholy of your previous project, GREYSCALE; what inspired this change in aesthetic for this release?
‘GREYSCALE’ marked the conclusion of a chapter, whereas ‘UPWARD SPIRAL’ is far more playful. It’s fun, sexy, and uplifting. My overall ambition has been to gravitate towards the light; this project aims to forefront that energy.
Growing up in Zurich, what is the music scene like for this genre? Did you feel the need to connect with a global community?
Swiss culture tends to prioritize financial security, which, while not necessarily positive, has influenced me. This mindset often kept me in a safe space. Breaking free from that took courage; in recent years, I’ve lived in numerous places for varying lengths, including Johannesburg, Berlin, and Amsterdam… Currently, I’m balancing commuting between locations in pursuit of both freedom and financial stability, realizing it’s not a regression. Now in my thirties, I no longer feel pressure regarding existential concerns. I’ve established myself as an artist and know I can quickly produce EPs or songs; what’s essential now is prioritizing my mental health.
Zurich’s scene is heavily influenced by club culture, and I haven’t been going out much lately, so I’m not fully immersed, but there’s certainly plenty happening.
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I read that you’ve begun studying musical theory, but you use it as a tool, allowing playful experimentation to take precedence. How critical is this to achieving your sonic vision?
It’s about transforming a weakness into a strength. I do have a minor learning deficiency—I’m stubborn yet lack the patience to sift through all the theory books or have the mental capacity to memorize extensive information. Instead of focusing on basic triads, I prefer to delve into six chords. This determination has shaped my journey. As a child, I struggled to articulate what excited me in a song, but once I learned about chord functions and their placements—and the emotions they evoked—I began searching for elements that induce tension or release. I’m merely following instinct, fulfilling that inner child’s curiosity. While traditional training could be beneficial, I’m satisfied with my current approach for now.
How did you develop your vocal sound?
It originally stemmed from being a fan. Whether in club or pop music, I was drawn to distorted vocals. I learned from Modulaw and my peers, and as I honed my sonic identity, I reached a point of understanding how to stylize my sound. This includes layering and manipulating formants to create various personas—whether that’s sounding like a child or a female voice. Being passionate about R&B, harmonies and background textures are central to
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The Zurich-based artist Xzavier Stone embodies forward-thinking in every way. This includes his initial, transformed club creations for Sinjin Hawke and