Sony launches new experimental sublabel XXIM – we premiere Paddy Mulcahy’s ‘Runway’ video from debut release
New sublabel will feature a variety of leftfield sounds
Sony Music have announced the launch of a new experimental music sublabel, XXIM, which is to begin with a new EP by Limerick-based electronic musician and film composer Paddy Mulcahy, ‘Tidal Oscillations’.
Ahead of the announcement comes Mulcahy’s new EP single ‘Runway’, which is now premiered exclusively via Juno. ‘Runway’ is a melancholic, techy piano house track, reminiscent of music by Murcof or Jon Hopkins. The track tackles Mulcahy’s fear of flying, and references the music he would listen to to distract himself during take-off.
Mulcahy is a musician known for his work in ambient and electronic music, as well as his music for adverts, festivals and international companies, and live support for the likes of Nils Frahm and Lubomyr Melnyk. ‘Tidal Oscillations’ will be his first full release since 2019’s ‘How To Disappear’ album.
“Tidal Oscillations is a collection of works dedicated to and inspired by my love of and fascination with synthesizers; how delicate yet powerful they can be,” says Mulcahy. “A homage to my family of instruments that have served me so well, with every fader, knob, and cable inspiring a new approach and a new idea. The tracks on Tidal Oscillations are all based on music I hear inside my head at my darkest moments, yet somehow it turned into something inspiring and uplifting.” The EP is set for release in July, and sonically examines themes of consciousness, anxiety, and exploration.
XXIM Records is a new offshoot of Sony. Its self-stated mission is to promote innovative, progressive instrumental music, offering a home to artists whose work incorporates neo-classical, post-rock, electronic and ambient sounds.
The label begins its life with XXIM:EXPO, a series of EPs which sees them invite young artists from across the spectrum of progressive music, to curate and release one EP each. Those invited will create their own sonic world, unhindered by overarching rules, guidelines, or concepts.
Label head Alexander Buhr, who is also SVP International A&R at Sony Masterworks, explained: “With XXIM Records we want to create a strong home for post-genre instrumental music. It’s a label that allows for experimentation and collaboration while providing artists with a worldwide platform. As we are building up our family of artists, over the next year we will be moving into a variety of musical directions, with electronic music being one central thread. It’s great to have Paddy on the label, opening our XXIM:EXPO series introducing young, exciting artists one EP at the time. His mix of production skills, compositional sense and experimental approach is a perfect fit.”
‘Tidal Oscillations’ is scheduled for release on 16th July.