NEW ARTIST FINDS: X PRIEST X

Like many of you, I too am a total sucker for cute and catchy electropop songs, but they’re often forgettable and leave your head within 10 minutes of listening. But that’s where Florida’s Madeline Priest and David Kazyk come in— Working under the name X priest X (yes, you have to include the x’s,) these guys are creating some seriously dreamy pop songs that make them stand out from the growing electropop crowd. With well-crafted synth lines, drum machine beats, and sugary sweet vocals, you’ll find yourself humming along and imagining Ryan Gosling driving you around town in a spiffy racing jacket (or in other words, these guys totally would have fit in on the Drive soundtrack.) If you like Grimes, New Order, Charlie XCX, or pop in general, then x priest x will easily be your new fave.

X PRIEST X - SOPHIE K

“Sophie K” definitely puts the “shimmer” in the phrase, “shimmering synths.” It’s a beautifully dreamy pop song that starts off with magical electronic elements and Madeline’s candy-coated vocals. The rest of the track is packed with echoey, 80’s-sounding drums and synths that swell once the chorus hits, making for a totally epic and enchanting track that is sure to make you a fan.

X PRIEST X - ENEMY MIND

In the moody track “Enemy Mind,” a haunting vocal melody is laid over bass-y synths, skittering 808 beats, and sparkling keys that serve as the magical-sounding cherry on top. Things really kick off after the 1:35 mark when the emotion-packed chorus kicks in and pushes the track up to a whole other level.

X PRIEST X - SAMURAI (DEEBS REMIX)

Toronto-based producer Deebs gives the duo’s echoey, synth-filled track “Samurai” a total makeover with his trap-style remix. By adding a lot more bass and wobbly electronic elements, the track sheds its lo-fi, synth-pop style completely and takes on a energetic EDM vibe.

Since I think it’s pretty impossible not to like these guys, show them your support by liking their Facebook page and getting their new EP, Samurai. And if you need even more BitCandy-approved new music, then head on over here!

About Erin Crider

Erin Crider eats, breathes, and sleeps pop culture. If you have a question about a one-hit wonder from the ‘90s or need help remembering lines from a SNL skit, she’s your girl. When she isn’t lurking the internet, she's either going to a show or hanging out at Disneyland. Erin lives in Southern California and has a B.A. in Creative Writing from Cal State Long Beach.