With influences ranging from Crowded House to Johnny Cash, and a background of classic rock and contemporary pop, Perth singer-songwriter Xander Black's debut single is the bright, catchy, joyful 'Wannabe'.
Recorded primarily on ukulele, 'Wannabe' is both a pledge and a proposal to that person who is 'the one'. It's also features on Xander's self-titled album, a project two years in the making.Beaming with positivity and a happy-go-lucky spirit, Xander is not averse to experimentation when he's in the studio.
"In each refrain [of 'Wannabe'] if you listen carefully you can hear the sound of a zip going up and down," Xander says.
"We recorded an actual zipper through a microphone and it's probably my favourite part of the song."
Xander's debut album was recorded in Vas Studios in Kalamunda, WA. It was mixed by Jeff Tomei for Rockit Productions (USA), mastered by Glenn Schick Mastering (USA). All instruments and vocals by Xander Black, with drums by Vassya Shevtsov.
Who is Xander Black... I have a sound that has been shaped by time. With a background of classic rock and contemporary pop, I've also found myself thrown into the world of country music, having performed themed shows around Australia and the world at arts festivals, on cruise ships, and various television shows since 2014.
I sound like... Crowded House meets Mumford & Sons.
My first gig was... It was online doing a live show on Facebook. 2020 COVID style.
When did you settle on the group's name, and was it a unanimous decision... The name Xander Black is part taken from my real name and part taken from an impersonation show I have been doing the last few years. . . see if you can guess what the latter is.
In the studio I usually... Overthink everything and that's why it's taken me two years to make the album.
If I could tour with anyone... Paul McCartney. The man!
Social media is... Useful for the music industry and keeping in touch with family and friends who might be a long way away. Otherwise, heck it's poison!
My favourite app at the moment is... Kinder. I've just had twin babies and this app helps choosing names, haha! The song 'Wannabe' refers to this amazing find we had nine months ago.
To date, my most embarrassing moment was the time... I fell off stage and a mic landed on my head and the whole PA went BANG!
Life on the road can be... So much fun, very unhealthy, and tough on those you love.
If you'll have me on your bill, all I ask is that the rider contains... COFFEE! And bananas.
The most scary scenario I've found myself in, was... Playing on a cruise ship in rough, rough seas below Argentina (the infamous Cape Horn).
What celebrity/ famous person would you love to be your spokesperson? I would love a shoutout from Crowded House as that's my vibe and I hope people share the same enthusiasm.
Three people you'd like to invite around for a dinner party? The guy who ate the first bat who started COVID (I would try and get him into spaghetti or roast chicken instead), Eric Clapton, and Johnny Cash.
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us? Steaks with Swedish brioche.
No matter the expense, send me a case of... Earplugs and blindfolds, I like to sleep.
The last time I saw the inside of a gym was... Two weeks ago, but I did actually sign up to the gym yesterday for a year as it's been almost ten years and I'm ready to hit it hard again (he says unconvincingly).
What's the one chore you dislike the most? Changing nappies.
Do you have any phobias... please explain? Missing a flight. Or failing an English exam. Two nightmares I have regularly.
Would you ever partake in a reality show? Yes. 'The Masked Singer'. I would insist on being a warthog, or a hippo.
If you could prank any of your friends, who's your target, and how are you bringing them down? Kyle. Everyone has a friend in their group called Kyle. And Kyle's always causing trouble and needs to be taken down.
I would short sheet their bed aka 'apple pie' their bed. This is where you tuck the sheet in half way so they can't kick their feet down the bed. If you're confused, have a Google. It's the best and you should do it right now to all your friends when you visit their houses.
