XTIE, the internationally celebrated producer and singer-songwriter from Hong Kong, has unveiled her newest single, ‘+852.’
The track delves into the intricate emotions associated with migration, leaving one’s roots behind, and the yearning for a new beginning. It draws notable inspiration from the recent influx of Hong Kong residents moving to the UK using BNO visas, while simultaneously serving as a powerful anthem for all Third Culture Kids (TCKs) who navigate multiple cultural identities and homes.
Titled after Hong Kong’s international dialling code, ‘+852’ symbolizes more than just a geographic transition. It offers a sonic exploration of the numerous motivations one might have for leaving their homeland. While it is deeply informed by the experiences of the Hong Kong diaspora, the song’s themes resonate with anyone who has experienced the allure of a new city, the bittersweetness of outgrowing their hometown, or the unique feelings of belonging to diverse cultures.
“‘+852’ was created in Europe; I was at a songwriting camp in the south of France last summer,” says XTIE. The track was co-produced with French producer mammouth and co-written with Berlin-based artist-songwriter Joel Miles in Limoux, France. This cross-continental collaboration has provided the song with a unique global perspective on moving to a new city in pursuit of dreams.
“I’ve wanted to write about the Hong Kong diaspora since 2021 because I have many friends who have left Hong Kong,” XTIE explains.
“This song is deeply personal, yet I feel its message will connect with a wide range of people from various backgrounds,” she adds. “Choosing to leave your home, family, and entire life behind, whether prompted by political reasons, personal growth, or simply the desire to explore, is a significant decision. ‘+852’ seeks to capture the hope, fear, nostalgia, and excitement that accompany such a momentous change.”
XTIE has been sharing snippets of the single, showcasing her singing against the backdrop of the beautiful everyday sights of Hong Kong that locals often overlook, providing a heartfelt visual introduction to the track.
Her previous work has garnered over 3 million streams, with multiple songs topping the local radio charts in Hong Kong and Spotify’s Local Pulse charts in major U.S. cities like Houston (#2), San Diego, Dallas, and Chicago.
The track boasts prominent basslines and a captivating pop beat, merging XTIE’s evocative songwriting with a robust rhythmic base. A prominent synth solo lifts the song to dance-floor moments while evoking the nostalgia of the Wong Kar-wai film universe; melancholic synth melodies and soaring vocals create an atmospheric sound that reflects the emotional journey of its theme.
It serves as a poignant anthem for those carving out new paths and establishing lives in unfamiliar places, celebrating the resilience of the human spirit and the enduring quest for belonging, regardless of where that journey leads. This cultural statement by one of Asia’s most exciting producer-artists emphasizes a global presence rooted in a uniquely Hong Kong viewpoint. As one of the few female producers in Asia who writes and creates her own music, XTIE is paving the way for a new wave of borderless pop.
Listen now and stream ‘+852’ across various platforms HERE.
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XTIE, the renowned producer and singer-songwriter from Hong Kong, has unveiled her newest single, '+852'. This track delves into intricate emotions.