Electronic collective XANIMAL presents ‘The Awakening’, a high vibration track that reflects our shifting consciousness, weaving trip-hop rhythms with evocative world music elements across a downtempo landscape. This is a call to awareness, a reminder that we are all part of something greater and that, as the world evolves, so do we. The video was created by Fumihito Sugawara for Fumanstudios, who also designed the cover artwork.
Based in Austin, XANIMAL is made up of Claude McCan (Claude9, 35MM, Supercreeps), Noëlle Hampton (The Belle Sounds) and Ken Christensen (Love Athletics, East Coast Boogiemen). But on this single, East and West co-mingle harmoniously thanks to a collaboration with fellow Austin musician Nagavalli that infuses this track with meditative tranquility. An Indian-American artist, her brand of “Eastern Soul” blends pop, rock and trance with east-Indian overtones and melodies.
‘The Awakening’ is XANIMAL’s second single, here lush atmospheric synths and hypnotic tablas unfold into funky breakbeats, creating a dynamic sonic landscape. Vocalist Noëlle Hampton delivers a haunting narrative of disillusionment and loss, reflecting the uncertainty and shadows of the modern world. In contrast, Nagavalli’s ethereal vocalizations elevate the track, infusing it with a sense of hope and transcendence.
“We decided early on that XANIMAL was going to be a collaborative project and we knew we wanted to join forces with our friend Nagavalli at some point. She is truly magical and brings so much emotion and expression with her singing. I asked Claude if he could create something with a trance like world vibe, and he absolutely delivered. With Nagavalli’s vocals, our vision was complete,” says Noëlle Hampton.
“We are having a massive awakening right now. Some of us are realizing our complicity through the inaction that led us here. Some are waking up from being in a gigantic cult of misinformation, misogyny, racism and fear. And some remain there, unfortunately. It certainly feels like we are right up against something massive in our consciousness, something that will hopefully lead to a better world. We will need to make our way through a dark time for a while but I believe a better life will prevail.”
Not confined to a single genre, sound, or perspective, XANIMAL’s music is a journey across sonic worlds — ever-changing and ever-exploring. For instance, their debut single ‘Love Axis’, was remarkably different, a dance track that is more rooted in the bright pulse of 80s synth-pop. Hampton shares, “Our first release leaned into the dance track genre, lighter in mood and sexy. The world has changed a lot since then and I thought it would be appropriate to create something that mirrored the emotional turmoil we are all facing right now as our second track.”
XANIMAL’s creative vision grows from the understanding that their music doesn’t have to live within predictable confines, but instead should push genre boundaries and exist in its own space. Anchored by Hampton’s ethereal yet soulful vocals, they are emerging as a trio open to collaboration with other artists of a similar mind — at home or around the globe.
“When we began working on new music after our first single, we initially built a groovy disco track and laid down some vocals. But then the presidential election happened, and suddenly that disco energy didn’t feel right. It no longer matched what we needed to express. I’ve always been drawn to darker, trip-hop–influenced grooves, so when Noëlle suggested shifting in that direction, it felt like the perfect move,” says Claude McCann.
“When Noëlle delivered the lyrics and vocals, everything clicked—they fit the music so naturally. I knew we had something special. This track pulls together so much of my musical history while reflecting the emotional weight of the world right now. We wanted to reach beyond ourselves and connect with our Austin community. Nagavalli was someone we’d long hoped to collaborate with, and bringing her into the project opened the door to a more global sound. Her Eastern Soul vocals completely blew us away.”
Released via New Human Music, ‘The Awakening’ is available as a Bandcamp exceexclusive until April 21, which it will also be available from other digital platforms, including Spotify and Apple Music. Further releases are anticipated later this year.
CREDITS
Lyrics by Noëlle Hampton. Music by Claude McCan
Noëlle Hampton – lead & Background vocals and lyrics, vocal melodies
Claude9 – drum and synth programming, Music composition
Nagavalli Medicharla – additional vocals
Produced by Claude McCan and Noëlle Hampton
Mixed & recorded by Claude McCan at Claude9 Studios in Austin, Texas
Mastered by Max Lorenzen at Rare Ear Studio
Released via New Human Music
Cover artwork & video by Fumihito Sugawara for Fumanstudios
Publicity by Shameless Promotion PR
Artist photos by Mark Guerra
