23 Feb 2018

The Set List:

Interview: X Ambassadors on new music and goals

X Ambassadors is a New York rock band comprised of lead singer Sam Harris, keyboardist Casey Harris, and drummer Adam Levin. Since 2009, the band has been rapidly gaining momentum and fans around the world. Following their first three EPs, which gained them considerable attention, the band’s debut full-length album, VHS, rocketed X Ambassadors to unimaginable success with hits like “Renegades” and “Unsteady.” VHS was released in the summer of 2015, so fans are more than ready for the new chapter of X Ambassadors to begin.

Hard-hitting lyrics, powerful rock beats, catchy pop hooks, and a bit of hip-hop influence make up X Ambassadors’ unmistakable sound.

Photo by Brittani Wert.

I had the chance to catch up with drummer Adam Levin over email ahead of the band’s DC show Monday night to chat about ­­­­­­the band’s new music, influences, collaborations, and goals.

In the last year, X Ambassadors have released over a half dozen stand-alone singles such as “Hoping,” “Torches,” “Ahead Of Myself,” and “Don’t Stay.” These are incredible songs with all different influences and have only increased the anticipation for the band’s next album, despite not being  included in an upcoming release. That means even more brand new music for listeners!

X Ambassadors take influence from a variety of artists spanning multiple genres, such as Bruce Springsteen, Radiohead, and Nine Inch Nails, according to Levin.

Levin also tells me the band has also collaborated on songs with Imagine Dragons, Jamie N Commons, Machine Gun Kelly, and most recently, Eminem. The song “Bad Husband” from Eminem’s new album features the band and was originally written by Sam Harris and Alex da Kid years before the collaboration came about.

Levin says that the songwriting process has definitely evolved since the band first began, through top radio hits and massive tours. What began as spending months jamming on instruments and writing songs before stepping foot into the studio has evolved into a much more efficient process of writing, recording, and producing a song all in one day.

Through the changes, the message and drive of the band remain the same. Overall, they work to inspire change– both in the lives of their fans and the world in general– with their powerful lyrics.

“We have an amazing opportunity to really speak to people and help them get through the hard times, which we are all currently going through.”

Adam Levin on drums. Photo by Brittani Wert.

Monday night, X Ambassadors took over the 9:30 Club for their sold out show. The opening act, Now, Now, really got fans excited for the night with their signature electronic-based sound and fun interactions with the crowd. The lead singer’s bright pink hair was also quite the statement. Once X Ambassadors took the stage, the crowd went wild. The entire band was so energetic and passionate about the music; it radiated into the crowd who sang every lyric right along with vocalist Sam Harris. Fans were treated to songs from their older EPs, VHS, nearly every new single, and even a few unreleased songs! The band’s encore featuring the song “Gorgeous” was a perfect way to end the night. Check out even more photos of the show here!

The new era of X Ambassadors has officially begun! 2018 will be filled with even more touring as well as a brand new, long-awaited album! If you ever have the chance to catch an X Ambassadors show, it will surely be one you won’t forget!

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