Experimental Rock from Xeren Lia

Newcomer Xeren Lia is an artist who refuses to be boxed into any one genre, style of expectation. The Salvadorian-born, Houston-based musician is walking a completely new path in music by blending rock and electronic influences into a sound that’s exciting, unique and truly magnetic.

Producing and writing all his music on an iPhone, Xeren eschews typical production methods, crafting invigorating soundscapes with distorted electric guitars, pulsating electronic beats and emotionally impactful vocals. His music is designed to inspire, encouraging listeners to engage a “main character” mindset via a soundtrack for those striving towards something greater, no matter the obstacles.

Emerging as a solo artist in 2024, Xeren introduced his fiercely original style in January with his debut single, “F1 SPEED.” The track showcased his DIY ethos and genre-blurring approach, instantly marking him as an artist to watch. Now, he returns with his latest release with the brand new single titled “SUMMER LIES,” a song that further stakes his claim as a visionary artist in the alternative rock sphere through his ability to pair the grit of rock with electronic textures while threading personal lyricism throughout.

Taking cues from Japanese outfits bands like The Pillows and Nico Touches the Walls, “SUMMER LIES” channels that high-energy, emotionally charged sound. The fuzzy, distorted guitars and unfiltered vocals bring a sense of intensity, while the track’s themes of self-reflection and toxic relationships make it a reflective anthem. The track was crafted in a mix of unexpected locations from his old Mazda to his parents’ house with collaborator Edward Lara handling the mixing and mastering.

Set up by the bright crunch of processed guitar textures and lilting bass lines, Xeren’s impassioned vocal glide in to spin commanding melodic leads before the arrangement erupts with the crash of grainy percussion to inject lively energy. Simmering down in the verse, the pulse of crisp, dance-focused beats and stuttering guitar layers cast a subtly dreamy atmosphere as Xeren’s smooth vocal melodies hover above, resulting in a sound that’s at once energising and engrossing.

It’s a spectacular display of his forward-thinking sound and gripping songwriting style, delivering a truly unique listening experience unlike anything else. As he continues to impress on what’s sure to be his breakout year, we can’t wait to see what Xeren Lia has lined up for the rest of 2025 and beyond.

Listen to SUMMER LIES below

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