Alternative Pop from pure xtc

Baltimore-born artist Taylor Hughes, known by the stage name pure xtc, is an explosive force in the music scene, stepping into a new world as a solo artist after a decade of refining her skills behind the drum kit and touring extensively. Her musical journey took a solo turn in 2021 with the debut EP Nobody’s Home and since then, she’s earned acclaim with releases like the collaborative track “Cell” with Gatto Black.

Having shared stages with artists such as Fletcher, Jenny Lewis, Dashboard Confessional and Dayglow and securing a spot on Apple Music’s New in Alternative playlist, pure xtc’s music has also been highlighted on Fox 21 while her single “get lost” will feature on the feature film Midwest Skidmark which will land at film festivals later this year. Now she brings us her first release of the year with the brand new single titled “Fall Apart,” the first release of a trilogy of songs in the build up to her highly anticipated debut record.

Mostly recorded in her home studio, pure xtc returns to her roots by tracking live drums in Baltimore at Studio 14. Linking up with co-producer Bryan Czap and executive producer and mix engineer Walter Kazmier, with mastering by Mike Piacentini at Sony Entertainment’s Battery Studios, “Fall Apart” is a shining masterpiece that showcases pure xtc’s unforgettable sound.

Brought in by the soft swell of side chained synth textures, pure xtc casts a dreamy soundscape before the strike of the drums ushers in her vocal leads. Riding the steady beat, pulsing synth shimmer as the artist threads smooth vocal leads carrying profound storytelling lyricism.

Serving up a thrilling alternative pop cut, the song rises in intensity with vocal shouts as the chorus launches with instantly catchy hooks and a burst of sonic energy from the lively instrumentation and punching beat. Flowing through a slick listening experience with an impactful arrangement and infectious songwriting, pure xtc delivers an exciting new track that builds the hype for her forthcoming releases and her first full-length album later this year.

With more music and shows in Brooklyn and Baltimore next month, pure xtc is set to continue winning over live crowds and listeners around the world with her enthralling sonic vision. Commenting on the new single, she shares, “Last September, I was feeling extremely down. I hadn’t toured as much as I had planned. I felt like I wasn’t doing enough, and I was financially struggling. Being present amidst all of this felt like a Herculean task. I took some time to just focus on being human, without forcing any creative output.”

Adding, “During that time, I was hanging out with a friend who was also navigating the challenges of being a young adult post pandemic. We had a venting session, and when I asked about her weekend plans, she replied, “I’m just gonna rot in my apartment.” That hit me hard, I quickly jotted that line down in my notes app. When I finally returned to my studio, the first verse lyrics poured out of me, and the music quickly followed. I remember feeling that excitement and spark for music that I was so afraid I had lost. That euphoria helped me produce a handful of new songs that I’m beyond excited to release this year!”

Listen to Fall Apart below

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