The pop landscape, and music industry is always changing, but every so often a new group arrives that are ready to redefine meanings and normality in the industry and upcoming pop group, “XO” are no exception to this, aiming to rebuild 2000’s pop music that most of us grew up on. The group are full of life, with three singles out, and more scheduled for release, there’s no denying the groups potential and future in the industry.
Following this, they also embarked on their first tour across the UK with shows in Birmingham, London, Leeds, and luckily enough, Glasgow. Bringing energy and character to every stage they performed on and encapsulating the crowd with their every move while performing their released singles, and sharing songs that are yet to be released, creating an intimate and close space with the audience.
Their confidence and energy shone through the stage, through their stand-out choreography and creativity, they’re unafraid to show who they are.
But they’re not just another pop group chasing trends, their mission is to create a sound that’s both nostalgic and futuristic at the same time, channelling the music era most of us were raised on, but with their own twist. The energy of bands such as Little Mix, Fifth Harmony, and recent pop-star Tate McRae have been notable comparisons, and for good reason. It’s not just the bands harmonising vocals and relatable lyrics that make them stand out – but their stage presence.
Their stage presence is entirely captivating, making it impossible for the audience to take their eyes off the stage once they’re on it, through their striking choreography and audience interaction. Before the show, I was lucky enough to speak to the group, who shared that they had all grew up in the performing arts industry and had met through mutual auditions and performing aspects of the industry. Through their live performances, it is clear they channel everything they’ve learned into these shows, and they’re doing it perfectly. Their in-sync choreography is flawless and show-stopping, catching the audience’s attention perfectly, making you not want to look away.
Despite their choreography, they also know how to keep the audience entertained, and in a perfect way. Their personalities shone from the stage, as they honoured fans who had stuck by them from the very beginning, from their previous “schools tour”, creating a positive and wholesome atmosphere in the venue for their predominantly younger fanbase. Every individual who showed up for the group and supported them were truly appreciated by the group, and they ensured everyone who attended felt included in the show.
The group performed both their currently released singles, “Real Friends” and “Lovesick”, which both follow the futuristic theme, with undertones of the nostalgic 2000’s pop music. Both songs follow more light-hearted topics of friendship, love and relationships, which makes it easier for the audience to build a connection with the group and their music and relate to it. They also chose to share their unreleased songs with the audience, building up the excitement to their release date, with some due to come out soon, including songs such as “Candy”, “Rush Hour” and “Ponytail”. All these songs are also light-hearted and fun, entertaining the audience with catchy lyrics and up-beat backing tracks.
And with the music industry always changing, it’s hard to adapt to it. It’s slowly becoming more serious and difficult to break into, and XO just want to have fun with it.
The music industry can be found intimidating and serious at times, but the group stated they just want to enjoy their time being on the stage and doing what they love – performing for people who enjoy their music as much as they enjoy making it. When they perform, they feel their most confident, and they want to spread this message to other people, helping them feel confident through their music as well. They’re here to bring back “crazy’ and “fun” 2000’s music that everybody knows and loves, but of course with their own original twist, and they’re doing it perfectly.
Through their perfectly harmonizing vocals, fan interactions and show-stopping choreography, it leaves you to ask, what are the groups goals for the future? Well, they have their answer, “world domination” – and maybe a trip to Sugo next time they’re in Glasgow.
Photo credits: Romy Caton-Jones (Romytakesphotos)
