Musician and Entrepreneur Xcellence Taking the World of Music by Storm
I had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Xcellence!
Andre Xcellence, who performs under the name Xcellence!, recently emerged as one of America’s most stimulating new Pop/Rap artists with a plan to take the world by storm.
Though born in the D.C. Metropolitan area, Xcellence! has a deep cultural and family connection to Trinidad and Tobago; because of this, he brings a unique Caribbean flavor to his music and performances.
Xcellence! describes himself as Pop culture’s “Black Mirror” and touts heavy influences from Sports (American Football, International football (Soccer), NBA, Professional Wrestling), entertainment, art, and film.
With current hits “Bring Em Out” and “Take Ya Chick” which sit at over 660,000 and 550,000 streams on Spotify respectively. He provides something for fans of all genres of music. His first EP “I’m Coming 2.0” has had over 1.5 million streams.
Xcellence! attributes his lyrical wit and competitive tongue to his loyalty to the Pop & Hip-Hop movements past, present, and future. With influences spanning from the Notorious B.I.G. and Jay Z to Lady Gaga and The Beatles, Xcellence! has set the bar high in terms of success.
Können Sie uns etwas über Ihren Hintergrund und Ihren Werdegang erzählen?
My original entry into the music business was as a producer and writer for other artists. I founded a label and signed writers, producers, and artists. I have since shifted the focus primarily to creating new music for myself and have multiple projects waiting in the wings to be released when the right situation is in place.
Können Sie unseren Lesern mitteilen, wie Sie Ihr Unternehmen gegründet haben und welche Ziele Sie damit verfolgen?
I started Xcellent Music after my first indie record label American Commission was dissolved. Xcellent music was always where I would work on my passion projects, so it was only fitting that my solo projects fall under this banner. The mission statement and motto behind it was to only put out amazing works of art, no filler, and no bullshit. All Xcellent records that can stand on their own! We only sign artists that we believed in 100% because my name is on it. I wanted to be a brand you can trust in music and entertainment like you trust Disney, to be the best. I want you to trust Xcellent music to give you the best every time you see the logo.
Wodurch hebt sich Ihr Unternehmen von anderen Unternehmen in Ihrer Branche ab?
We don’t follow trends, we set trends. Music is supposed to be the soundtrack of people’s lives and it is something to be taken seriously. We want people to have fun again to rejoice and turn up! We like the artist that wants to tell their story and add to the culture. we’re looking for Rockstars, artists that take the air out of the room.
Während der Pandemie verloren viele Menschen ihren Arbeitsplatz und ihren Lebensunterhalt. Wie hat sich Ihr Unternehmen in dieser Zeit angepasst und zu dem gemacht, was es heute ist?
The pandemic was a game-changer for everyone. Before the pandemic, we were a vibrant recording studio facility where artists could come and create freely. We were churning out hit records and had multiple producers and collaborators working on projects. We had created a real sound lab in the heart of Los Angeles, in the hills of Hollywood.
But when the pandemic hit everything stopped, there was no more music being created, no more collaborations so unfortunately, we had to close the recording studio. It really forced us to focus on the core artists and projects that we believed in. Also, it forced us to find new ways to promote and navigate in the post-Covid world where there were no clubs or shows and no tours to keep visible and to still be able to create and keep some semblance of a Fanbase.
Honestly, we’re still just now coming out of that hardship where we feel like it’s a perfect time to release music again and compete. Because for the last 12 months the opportunities have been few and far between for an independent artist. I would say the biggest thing we learned is that we could work remotely. We know now that Key People can work from anywhere to get certain aspects of the job done as long as they are motivated to do so and we can push forward and in the end thrive.
Wenn Sie zurückgehen und mit Ihrem jüngeren Ich sprechen könnten, was würden Sie ihm sagen und warum?
If I could say anything to my younger self it would be “Time is relative”.
Meaning I’d forgo many opportunities because it seemed like it would take too long.
I would tell my younger self to take them now because in the span of a lifetime 1 to 4 years is nothing. I personally have shuttered at possible great opportunities because the length of time, as I saw it, was something I couldn’t reconcile. In retrospect, I would’ve been fine.
Arbeiten Sie gerade an einem spannenden neuen Projekt?
I just put the finishing touches on my new Album “Summer Of Xcellence!” It’s been a long time, but I finally feel like Xcellent Season is about to begin for the world. We’ve all struggled through this pandemic. For me, I had to pivot. To be honest This would have been a completely different album had it not been for Covid-19. It allowed me to flex my wings and take my art further. I could really make this a double album, but I think I’ll drop “Summer of Xcellence!” and then ring everyone’s Bell again at the end of 2022! I feel like the Energizer Bunny right now because my hits keep flowing and flowing. Covid tried to turn us down, Xcellence! Wants to turn us UP!
Wohin soll sich Ihr Unternehmen im neuen Jahr und in der Zukunft entwickeln?
We are poised to have a very successful 2022 and hopefully, by the end of the year, we will be expanding, opening new studios, signing artists, and possibly partnering with a major label for future releases. I personally have multiple projects being mixed and mastered which will be ready for release throughout 2022 and can’t wait to share this incredible music with the fans!
Wie können unsere Leser über soziale Medien mit Ihnen in Kontakt treten?
TikTok @andrexcellence or @xcellentworld for Twitter and Twitch.
