XIXIX Debuts Shimmering and Nostalgia-Fueled Single "Rich Kids"

XIXIX, photo by Ash Kernen

By Christian Ortmann

XIXIX arrives on the scene with a first impression that most could only dream of. “Rich Kids” is a soaring, lighter-than-air synth-pop anthem that pays homage to a niche nostalgia for late aughts indie, while offering something wholly for the now. The debut single from Philly-based artist and producer Will Brown's new project devotes meticulous attention to detail to a song that comes across so free and easy as if it were crafted deliberately in a lab. 

The playful guitar melody and rhythm section evokes a smile right from the beginning while the recording fidelity creates something shimmering and immersive. With all that gleam, Brown’s vocal performance still manages to cruise high above it all.  In fact, I think “Rich Kids” tickles the part of my brain that yearns for summer nights in my teen years when I would stay up playing FIFA with my friends, with nowhere to be for the next two months. So if you share that specific memory, “Rich Kids” is definitely for you. If that diatribe meant nothing, it remains a gorgeous synth-pop single that’s earned a spot on your feel-good playlist.

The titular rich kids are about as boring as the song makes them out to be but punching up never goes out of fashion. Slogging through a pandemic in the social media age can feel like a conditioning experiment a la “A Clockwork Orange.” Why is everyone having so much more fun than me? It sucks and I hate it. This song reminds me, intentionally or not, of what matters most. Introspection, meaningful connection, and making the most of what you got. Keep your eyes peeled for a full-length from XIXIX this summer.