XANIMAL, a band that blends ’80s nostalgia with contemporary sound, takes listeners on a journey through the golden era of electronic music while firmly rooting themselves in the present. Through their use of vintage synthesizers and cinematic influences, XANIMAL crafts a distinct sonic landscape.
Photo credit: XANIMAL – Official
The band has just released their latest track ‘Love Axis’—a synth-pop gem that showcases their ability to fuse retro influences with modern production techniques. The result is a sound that’s both nostalgic and cutting-edge.
In this exclusive interview, we delve into the creative minds behind XANIMAL—Claude9, Ken, and Noelle—along with remixers Ilya Santana and Dave Allison, to uncover the inspiration and process behind ‘Love Axis’.
We explore how their personal experiences from the 80s have shaped their sound, the enduring appeal of New Wave and Synth-pop, and the band’s vision for the future of electronic music. Join us as we unravel the magnetic attraction of ‘Love Axis’ and discover why XANIMAL is poised to become a favorite among fans of genre-blending artists like Chromatics and LCD Soundsystem.
EG: Hi XANIMAL. Welcome to EG! You just released ‘Love Axis’ which is deeply rooted in 80s nostalgia. What inspired you to create a track that fuses throwback elements with modern sonics, and how did your personal experiences from that era influence the music?
Claude9 (XANIMAL): Thanks for the invite! The 80s was the golden era of Electronic synth-pop, just as the 60s was for classic rock and the 70s for disco, funk, and reggae. It’s natural for anyone in electronic pop to draw from 80s music – it’s our foundation. Ken and I started by mixing modern sounds with 80s elements, and when Nöelle joined us, we found a kindred spirit. The 80s flavor was inherent in our work.
I have a unique perspective as I was already making music in the 80s during the New Wave era. The technology that became prevalent then – drum machines, powerful synthesizers, and sequencers – shaped my approach. I still use vintage machines alongside modern tech, so blending 80s and contemporary elements comes naturally to us.
EG: For the remixers: How did you approach reinterpreting ‘Love Axis’ to bring your unique style while preserving the essence of the original track?
Dave Allison: My approach to remixes is organic, letting added elements fall into place naturally rather than following a strict formula. For ‘Love Axis’, I wanted to retain a key melodic component and the iconic vocal. The remix evolved into a meandering, sparse feel before locking into a groove later in the mix.
Ilya Santana: I always start by understanding how the original track was constructed to explore potential directions. After choosing the remix style, I focus on highlighting the best parts of the track but in a different musical context.
EG: The original mix tells a story of two people connecting in a club. Can you elaborate on the narrative behind the lyrics and how you aimed to convey that fleeting yet profound moment of connection?
Noëlle (XANIMAL): Growing up in the era of disco and 80s dance music, we all spent countless hours on dance floors with friends, lovers, and strangers. The combination of drugs, alcohol, youthful energy, and desire creates the perfect setting for a one-night obsession. I felt a rhythmic tension in Ken and Claude’s track that inspired the idea of a flirtation happening amidst a crowded dance floor, yet existing in its own world. I believe strongly in magnetic attraction between people, and music can amplify those inexplicable connections.
EG: The track is said to sound like ‘Debbie Harry wandered into a Yaz studio session.’ How do you feel about this comparison, and were there specific artists from the 80s that influenced your work on this project?
Claude9 (XANIMAL): That comparison stems from XANIMAL’s powerful female vocals and our purely electronic, melodic sound. Other 80s artists that influenced us include the Human League, Pet Shop Boys, and New Order.
EG: Each remix adds a new dimension to ‘Love Axis.’ Could each remixer share what elements you focused on to bring your own perspective to the track?
Dave Allison: I love analog synths, so the Juno 106 was my go-to for bass, pads, and sweeps. I also incorporated the Solina string ensemble and Fender Rhodes for chords. For the beat, I used an 808 as the foundation but ran it through my RE-201 space echo for added texture.
Ilya Santana: The vocal part was the cornerstone of my remix. I built everything around the fantastic and mystical voice, focusing not just on the melody but also on the tone and timbre characteristics.
“I believe strongly in magnetic attraction between people, and music can amplify those inexplicable connections”
EG: ‘Love Axis’ blends retro synths and New Wave vibes. How do you think this fusion resonates with today’s audience, and why do you believe there’s a resurgence of interest in that era’s music and aesthetics?
Ken (love athletics/XANIMAL): As musicians who grew up in the 80s, New Wave naturally influences us. We create our music using analog hardware, including vintage synths like the OB-X8 and Prophet 6. However, we’re not limiting ourselves to one sound – our upcoming releases will showcase different styles. We believe listeners will either connect with our music or choose a different path.
Claude9 (XANIMAL): I think there’s renewed interest in 80s aesthetics because it represents an era of pure fun, communal experiences, and self-expression. In today’s world, many of us miss that sense of togetherness and individuality.
EG: How did you come to choose remixers like Christian Webb, Dave Allison, Ilya Santana, and Mural for this project, and what qualities do they bring to ‘Love Axis’?
Ken (XANIMAL / Love Athletics): We chose remixers based on their unique strengths. Dave Allison’s Slow Burn disco cuts are fantastic. Ilya Santana’s Italo flavor, which I experienced in a previous collaboration, was perfect for this project. Mural, aka Small Talk, brings exceptional design qualities to music, with a sound reminiscent of old Frankie Knuckles. We’re thrilled to have such creative minds involved.
EG: For the remixers: What drew you to participate in this project, and how did you interpret the themes of nostalgia and connection in your remixes?
Dave Allison: My long-standing friendship with Ken Christensen, dating back to his East Coast Boogiemen days, was a key factor. While Ken might have expected a more disco-oriented remix, I followed the direction the track led me, resulting in a throwback/deep house feel that grows on you.
Ilya Santana: I’m always excited to work on high-quality projects. ‘Love Axis’ immediately struck me as fitting the Synthwave/Retrowave style, and it had a special quality that called for reinterpretation.
EG: The release mentions that the film industry of the 80s touched you deeply. In what ways did cinema from that era influence the mood or storytelling in ‘Love Axis’?
Noelle (XANIMAL): 80s cinema had a profound impact on us, particularly in how music was used to support storytelling. The carefully chosen tracks in films from that era created powerful emotional responses. This influence is deeply ingrained in our creative process. Whether it’s a John Hughes movie, Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’, or even the cheesy but amazing ‘Flashdance’ soundtrack, these cinematic experiences continue to shape our music.
EG: ‘Love Axis’ is described as a homage and contemporary re-imagining of New Wave and Synth-pop. How important is it for you to honor the past while innovating for the future in your music?
Claude9 (XANIMAL): For XANIMAL, 80s music is our roots, and you can’t ignore your roots. However, we’re not limiting ourselves to that era. In future projects, you might hear influences from 70s Disco or 90s Trip Hop and Breakbeat. Our goal isn’t to honor the 80s specifically – it’s simply an inescapable part of our musical DNA.
“There’s renewed interest in 80s aesthetics because it represents an era of pure fun, communal experiences, and self-expression”
EG: Fans of artists who blur the lines, like Chromatics and LCD Soundsystem, might find a new favorite in your sound. How do you feel about being compared to these modern acts that also draw heavily from past influences?
Ken (love athletics/XANIMAL): I love LCD Soundsystem and Chromatics, so I welcome the comparison. Our sound is influenced by the vintage gear we use, most of which was made in the 70s and 80s. But we’re artists first and foremost. We’re not trying to recreate trends but to express ourselves consistently and creatively. We see ourselves as antennas, picking up invisible information from our environment and translating it into melody, tone, and rhythm. Our goal is artistic freedom.
EG: For XANIMAL and the remixers: What do you hope listeners take away from ‘Love Axis’ and its remixes, both emotionally and musically?
Claude9 (XANIMAL): I hope listeners see our music as an opportunity to have fun and enjoy life in the moment, rather than getting stuck in darkness.
Ilya Santana: Music resonates differently with everyone, but I hope my remix can transport listeners to the late 80s era. It’s a track for both listeners and dancers.
EG: Finally, what’s next for you after ‘Love Axis’? Are there more collaborations or projects in the works that continue exploring this fusion of past and present sounds?
Claude9 (XANIMAL): We aim to keep producing electronic music that works both as songs and as dance floor remixes. We’re releasing everything on our own New Human Music label and are already collaborating with some exciting new artists. The future looks bright, and we can’t wait to share more music with our listeners.
XANIMAL’s ‘Love Axis’ is now available on New Human Music. Stream and download here.
