Tucson, Arizona’s XIXA have just released, “Xolo De Galáxia,” a classic cumbia ballad that features lead vocals from both Sullivan and López along with guest vocals from Mona Chambers. The song chronicles the story of a young girl, Arcoiris, and her cosmic canine companion, El Xolo, as they traverse through the underworld of Mictlán.
“A very celebratory song. Praising the wisdom of this Mexican hairless dog that knows the lands of the underworlds and fearlessly guides Arcoiris through them. We have Mona Chambers (who’s voice sonically represents Arocoiris through the album) singing with us in the chorus which I think only adds to how grateful she is for the Xolo.” — XIXA on “Xolo De Galáxia.”
XIXA return this year with a new full-length studio album XOLO – due out March 21st via Jullian Records. Recorded at their own Dust and Stone Recording Studio in Tucson with XIXA’s Brian López and Gabriel Sullivan producing, the album follows 2021’s critically acclaimed sophomore LP Genesis. Diving into the richness of folklore, López and Sullivan — who share XIXA’s songwriting, lead vocals and lead guitars — expand on their mystic, psychedelic rock, reaching more into their Latin influences to create a musical and lyrical narrative for the new album, exploring both a mythic journey and what messages it might have for today.
XOLO refers to the breed of Mexican hairless dog, Xoloitzcuintli, sacred in Mayan and Aztec cultures as guides through Mictlán. The record loosely tells the story of Arcoiris and her journey through all nine levels of Mictlán, guided by her sacred protector, El Xolo. Musically, the moods and styles shift along with the journey. Still guided by dark psychedelia and cumbia, XIXA brings more dynamic arrangements, expanding their musical language and carving the album into more distinct chapters.
Are you vibing with XIXA’s new ballad “Xolo De Galáxia”?
