Xan Tyler

Not even a month ago I was introduced to the acoustic and electronic efforts by UK based artist Xan Tyler. With a knack for bringing a fantastic voice to multiple bands, as well as collaborating with different artists from all over, her debut solo EP Into The Blue was one that produced relaxing sounds. And, after all that, I got the chance to interview the artist about all sorts of subjects.

Let's get a little introduction of yourself to familiarize the audience with you. Who are you and what do you do?

Xan - "I'm Xan, I'm a singer and writer of songs."

I'm going to dive a bit into the past for the next few questions. It really wasn't until you signed with Creation Records that a sort of rise in the industry came about. What actually led you to sign with the label?

Xan - "Well to be honest, I played to some of my biggest crowds with my first band. They were unsigned but they had a huge following and we did some really cool stuff. It's not always about record deals.

I'd been a jobbing singer for years, playing in lots of bands at once (the only way to make a living) and doing the odd session. I met Kate and she was already looking for someone to collaborate with and so Technique was born. Creation was a great label to be on and I've got no end of respect for Alan McGee."

In 1999, you formed Mission Control with mad Professor, however, that act only released one album. Why did it have such a short lived duration?

Xan - "It was always planned as a one off project."

Success came upon you with the release of "Sun is Shining", which was also in 1999. And, in the years following, you gained recognition. How did the whole experience of having your music noted make you feel? Were you shocked, expecting it, or kind of flabbergasted?

Xan - "I just took each day is it came. I didn't have any grand plan particularly. Success in the music industry can disappear just as quickly as it arrives. I was aware of that even then. It was nice to experience different elements of the job though. I did a huge radio tour to promote that single and visited hundreds of radio stations. We also appeared on live TV in the UK. I even had the bizarre experience of returning from holiday to see posters up all over London of us on the cover of Dazed and Confused Magazine...That was different!"

And, despite all your work with other artists and having a few side projects, it wasn't until around 2013 that you started to work on your solo EP. Why did you take so long to start working by yourself? Were you afraid? Did you have some sort of inspiration? Or did the idea just come out of nowhere?

Xan - "The time wasn't right before now to do this project. I've always been musically active and have concentrated on the projects that mean something to me. I'm really proud of the work I created with Tam Saunders as The Joys of Sound for example. Together Tam and I created some of my favourite songs (you can hear them on my souncloud www.soundcloud.com/xantyler), not to mention most memorable gigs. "

Anyway, onto that EP you diligently worked on. In researching you, I used Wikipedia for a lot of information on your background as well as your website. However, on Wikipedia, it said that "Out of the Blue" was announced in 2013. Did the EP go through a name change, or is that just a typo?

Xan - "A typo I guess... I don't get involved with Wikipedia!"

And, just going on with the title, "Into The Blue" sometimes refers to diving into the unknown. Did you follow that definition when naming the EP, or did you name it that for a different reason?

Xan - "The EP is named after the title track and I wrote that song about strength and courage coming from a delicate source. It was written for my oldest friend who I call my sister (we've been friends since nursery). Her presence in my life is a constant source of support and guidance.

There has definitely been an element of diving into the unknown making this EP and the title reflects that well."

The cover art for the album, which features a bird and the lower half a woman floating mid space, is interesting and caught my eye pretty well. Who made the album art and what does it represent to you?

Xan - "This painting waiting was created by Caroline Campbell who is an amazing Glasgow artist (carolinecampbell.weebly.com). Caroline is a lovely friend and I've always been a fan of her work, so I was delighted when she offered to create a painting for the cover.

The legs floating in the sky are again based on the title track and that feeling of diving into the unknown."

On the EP, I noted in my review that most of the first half covers an array of primarily acoustic sounds. However, the second half goes into more pop-oriented sounds. Would you agree with that and was that done on purpose? Or did it just happen?

Xan - "I've always had one foot in each camp, acoustic and electronica and I wanted an EP that reflected that. Working with Stuart Crossland (producer) was a joy because he almost telepathically knew what the feel for each track should be. He is a real talent and his feel for beats is sublime. The first two tracks are very much acoustic, including double bass but the third track introduces some electronic elements and then by the fourth it's very electronic. I love that gradual change and although the tracks are all quite different from each other, there is a thread running through them that makes them work as a collection."

Overall, how has reception been for the EP? I know I gave it a good score, but, from other zines and critics, has reaction been good? And same from the general fans/audience?

Xan - "The reception has been amazing. I've had three or four reviews already and all of them have been positive. I've also been approached by another producer for a collaboration this year, which I'm really excited about. I've had lots of messages from people who have bought it and everyone has had something encouraging to say. What's also nice is hearing what different people get from it, everyone has different elements that do something for them."

And, now that this EP is done with, are you planning on or are you currently working on a follow up to it? And will the follow up be a full length release, or another EP?

Xan - "I'm busy writing for another, I'd love it to be a full album...Watch this space!"

And are you currently active with your solo EP in the gigging area? Do you plan on playing live anywhere in the near future, or have you already?

Xan - "I am currently rehearsing a live set, so not yet but we are looking at gigs for this spring / summer."

Is there anything else you wish to add that wasn't discussed?

Xan - "I've had a lot of requests for CD?s, which will be available soon...Check Facebook or my website for details."

And, lastly, I'd like to thank you for your time, and the space below is free for you to leave any final messages.

Xan - "Thanks for your support!"