Hailing from Caguas, Puerto Rico, singer-songwriter and Latinx alt-pop artist Xavier Bernazard releases their conceptual and uplifting debut EP, 'Anastasis.'
The non-binary recording artist was surrounded by Afro-Caribbean sounds as a child, as well as an intriguing fascination with the musical trends in the states. Influenced by names like My Chemical Romance, Paramore, The All American Rejects, Evanescence, Lady Gaga, Pink, and Adele, Xavier describes their music as "emotional and raw exploring themes of reflection, heartbreak, battles with depression, and general angst."
Recently releasing their debut EP, 'Anastasis,' Bernazard mentioned that the project toys with the idea of "resurrection and reinventing yourself after being brought down by circumstances in life."
The venture into the EP begins with the introductory track, "Pheonix," which opens with a wave of instrumentals that blend the sounds of alt-pop and cinematic contemporary. As Xavier Bernazard makes their warm and hearty vocal appearance, their powerful stylings instantly swoon our ears while singing of feeling ready to grow and broaden their horizons. We adore the contrast between the melancholy piano melodies and the crunchy electric guitars, as it sets the tone for the EP in a perfect and attention-commanding way. Not to mention Bernazard's conceptual and encouraging lyrical content; they leave us feeling excited to travel through the rest of the project.
Landing on track number two, "Tenebris," the track kicks off with a gloomy electric guitar melody and Bernazard's sole vocal stylings. As they sadly sing of feeling trapped in the darkness of their mind, the song's instrumentals begin to expand with an upbeat drum arrangement, warm piano melodies, and a plucky bassline. Listening to Xavier Bernazard's conceptual lyrics, they touch on the trials and tribulations of a troubled relationship and sinking into the reminiscent sensations that come with parting ways with someone special. They proceed to jump into a heated rap while broadening the atmosphere to be incredibly powerful.
Onto the project's midway point with "Sea Song (I'm Not Okay)," we graciously received the opportunity to feature this track in a recent publication. The song opens with a beautiful piano motif that paves the way for Xavier Bernazard's refreshing vocals. As they begin to serenade us, Bernazard starts to reflect on feeling an inner sense of pain while seeking every possible way to maintain motivation in order to keep going. This song has to be the most inspirational song on the EP, as Xavier Bernazard offers incredibly uplifting lyricism while summoning vast power alongside the striking punk-rock guitars.
The next track, "Breaky My Own Heart," takes off with a somber and delicate electric guitar melody that brings us into a heartfelt and reflective atmosphere. As the soft downtempo drums begin to jump through our speakers alongside Xavier Bernazard's vocals, they begin to enlighten us on how they've dried their tears time and time again after breaking their own heart while attempting to place it in someone else's hands. About halfway through the song, we're met with a soulful keyboard melody and Xavier Bernazard's layered vocals that pour incredible energy and passion. We also appreciate the jazzy hints within this single, as it perfectly showcases Xavier Bernazard's sonic versatility.
Reaching the EP's final and outro track, "Don't Runaway 9.3 Mix," the song begins with a soft keyboard melody and Xavier Bernazard's soulful vocal stylings. As they begin to dive into the song's lyrical concept, Bernazard delivers wildly inspirational words that encourage listeners to take a minute to ground themselves instead of running away from love in hopes of avoiding future heartbreak. We love the song's rock incorporation, as Xavier Bernazard drenches our speakers with incredible power through each in-depth and punchy instrumental that amplifies their motivational lyrical message.
Don't miss out on the uplifting experience of Xavier Bernazard's big debut EP, 'Anastasis,' available on all digital streaming platforms.
Congratulations on the release of your debut EP, 'Anastasis', Xavier, thank you for catching up with us at BuzzMusic. When did you begin feeling inspired to create this project? How long did it take to create?
Thank you so much! I decided to start this project around October last year. It took about 9-10 months to complete it and I’ve learned so much from it.
How would you describe the sonics and instrumentals within the EP 'Anastasis?' What genres did you want to tie into the project?
I knew I wanted to do a more alternative sound for my first EP. The tracks are very guitar-driven and are really one of the main features of the They are melancholic yet hard-hitting songs. A lot of the genres featured are pop-punk, alt-rock, and indie-pop.
What impact did you want to make on your audience after listening to the EP, 'Anastasis?'
I hope everyone that listens to this knows that it’s never too late. No matter how many times you may stumble, you can always start again and live a brand new life.
What was the most challenging aspect of creating your EP 'Anastasis?' Did you find it hard to open up and be so vulnerable with your lyrical content?
It was indeed challenging creating over this pandemic and at times there were a few moments where I thought it wasn’t going to happen. Luckily it all worked out! It’s definitely an emotionally charged record and it’s a little scary putting yourself out there like that. However, it’s also a very therapeutic process and I’m excited for everyone to hear it.
Which track off the EP 'Anastasis' is your favorite and why?
I truly love them all but I would have to say Don’t Runaway. The bridge in that song is one of my favorite moments of the entire record. Plus, it’s a good reminder to face your problems head-on.
