Meet XIRA and her sensational debut single, Locks Changed

Header photo by Tiffany J Williams.

Making a splash with your debut single is so, so important these days, and Sydney musician XIRA has absolutely knocked it out of the park with her sensational debut single Locks Changed. Locks Changed is a confident and tall-standing pop tune with a thick electronic backbone, uniting XIRA's playful yet commanding vocals - sorta reminiscent of Kira Puru on singles like Tension - with a clanging production heavy on percussive samplings and jagged, deep-pitched synth. It's crunchy and confident with a whole lot of sass, and considering it's just the start for the Sydney-based pop figure, it comes with a promising as hell future. Dive into the single below, and get to know her a little better before she takes over the national pop market one banger at a time.

Tell us about yourself?

I’m sort of a sprint-to-the-top-of-the-stairs-free-fall-all-the-way-to-the-bottom-and-hope-there’s-a-really-big-trampoline kinda girl - the further you fall in life, the higher you’ll bounce kinda thing. Anyway, the way I see it, life’s a bunch of ups and downs however you choose to play it and crashing and burning has made for some pretty crazy life experiences (read: lyrical inspiration) so far.

What’s the vibe music-wise?

Think Merry Clayton (the original female vocalist on ‘Gimme Shelter’ by the Rolling Stones) crossed with Kira Puru, and a splash of Tove Styrke thrown in the mix.

What are your production and writing processes like?

First, and most importantly, take risks and make mistakes. My songs usually start as a poem or a lyrical idea when I’m in a mood and build from there.

Once I’m in the studio, I usually find a few references of what I’d like that idea to sound like. Initially, I lay down a super basic track in Logic (chords and a beat) and throw some melodic ideas around, recording into my voice memos; Then, when I’ve settled on a melody, I write the lyrics to fit.

Can you tell us about your new single, Locks Changed?

It’s a story of self-worth and spectacular rejection; An alt-pop jam that explores the tumultuous experience that is, and the aftermath of, dating a cheating man-child in a world where women are increasingly finding their voices.

Have you ever had that moment, after months of fighting and screaming and being told that you’re acting crazy, where everything just clicks? Your gut instincts have been screaming that something’s wrong but he made you believe it was all in your head? Locks Changed is about that point in your relationship where it’s really over and you know, inside yourself, that you deserve more.

… and about how good it feels to put a cheater in their place when they come crawling back, begging.

Any shows coming up?

A live show is definitely in the works! Nothing confirmed yet but you can keep up to date on any of my socials (they’re all @xiramusic).

What’s the rest of the year have in store for you?

Who knows?! I’m super excited to have this Debut Single out and to be heading to my hometown, Adelaide, to film a little music video for it (keep an eye (or two) out for that). There are also a few collabs on the way and a second single to come out before the end of the year!

I honestly thought it’d just be my Mum and Dad listening to the track on repeat, so at this point I’m happy riding the wave!

Where can we find more of your music?

Locks Changed is out now on all major platforms and up on Triple J Unearthed if you wanna download it! Make sure you hit that follow button so you can keep up to date with future releases!

Follow XIRA: FACEBOOK