X Ambassadors
Article by Brittany Ormiston
Hosted by: 1824 - UMG’s creative solutions team
“There is a message on the record of owning up to the kid inside of you, and embracing that kid...and making sure that is always a part of your narrative moving forward.” X Ambassadors are a pop/rock/alternative multi-platinum trio who have turned over a new leaf with their fourth record Townie. Brothers Sam Nelson Harris (vocals, guitar, saxophone, bass) and Casey Harris (piano, keys), along with good friend Adam Levin (drums), took it upon themselves to create a body of work that is “dynamic, personal, and nostalgic.” Released in early April via Nyle/Virgin Music Group, the album centers around growing up in Ithaca, New York and depicts childhood experiences that have shaped them into who they are today.
The group was determined to find a place to feel inspired, and channel that inspiration for the sound and songwriting of Townie. What better place to create this album than their hometown itself. Half of the tracks were constructed in upstate New York with the group where they quarantined for two weeks in a cabin called The Outlier Inn. It took them back to the early days as a band, and certainly was a rewarding experience they will never forget. They learned a great deal about themselves personally, and as artists as they continued to hone in on their new sound. Every track was self-produced, and Adam shared they learned to “unmask themselves with all of the production.” The songwriting was more “concentrated” compared to previous work, and the words began to flow quickly once the band felt comfortable enough in a creative space. Over the years as a songwriter, Sam has realized the vitality of personal lyrics. “The more hyper specific I get, the more universal the message can become,” stated Sam.
The lyricism displayed throughout Townie takes listeners through the details of Sam and Casey’s childhood. However, when layers are pulled back it addresses thoughts and mindsets experienced in adulthood. ‘Women’s Jeans’ was inspired by Sam purchasing women’s jeans at American Eagle at the age of 14 because he wanted to be a hipster. In a sense he was wearing a costume, and he still feels this way to this day. Sam explains further, “I still feel like I am putting on a costume, and pretending like I am this responsible adult. And I still feel like a kid inside.” He struggles with the sense of accomplishment despite checking off several boxes. Many individuals can relate to this despite age or life stage. ‘(first dam)’ is a very short number where Sam tells the story of how he broke his nose after being hit by a rock. Everyone who was hanging out at the first dam rushed to check on him, and called the paramedics. He was a shy 14 year old kid, but those moments felt exhilarating with everyone’s eyes on him. He admitted to liking the attention when he was hurt, and channeled this when writing ‘(first dam).’ “As they put me in the back of that ambulance // I was a see-through boy // No more,” Sam sings during the chorus. Now as an adult, he feels he may use his artistry in the same way to never feel invisible.
Despite Sam feeling isolated and alone at times, especially as a kid, he knows he will always have his brother Casey. They have been through so much together, and Sam wanted to honor their relationship in a song, ‘Follow the Sound of My Voice.’ The track is specific to their brotherhood, but Casey added it “provides a universal message of people needing, loving, and being there for each other.” Holding onto family and this message is vital, even if you decide to move away from home and leave behind all you have ever known. X Ambassadors close out Townie with ‘No Strings,’ and express that your hometown should not hold you back from traveling and seeing the world. Going out of your comfort zone can help you determine your potential, and “decide where you end up, where you belong.”
Even if you move away, your hometown will leave an imprint on you in some shape or form. X Ambassadors know this now more than ever. When determining the cover art for Townie, they made the decision to include a picture of the Sunoco gas station that used to be their meet-up spot back in the day. “It [the gas station] became a symbol for that space, and it felt right for it to be the album cover,” said Sam. Ithaca, New York may feel “very transient” to many, but to Sam and Casey it means so much more than a place to pass through. X Ambassadors will continue to dominate the alternative scene, and tour the world with their hearts on their sleeves. Townie then, townie now, townie forever.
