X-Shai: “Dance” combines all of the essential elements!
Recording artist, songwriter and designer, Ernest Abitih AkA Sanda was born in Mamobi – Accra, GHANA. Apart from having 5 brothers and 5 sisters, Earnest, known by his artist name of X-Shai, also has a 5 year old daughter named Musharifa. Earnest migrated to the United States (Bronx, New York) without his family, when he was 16, to follow his dreams. He attended the Danas Academy where his focus was Visual Arts. While working his craft he maneuvered around the Bronx to figure out ways to earn money, as his priority was to support his daughter and family back home. X-Shai who currently resides in Atlanta, GA wrote and recorded his first song “Never Loose” in January 2017, which he quickly followed up with 3 more songs, gaining radio play on various stations across the USA. The month of May saw the release of X-Shai’s latest single, entitled “Dance”.
The new breed of EDM artists have taken the world of dance music and by storm, many of their songs are pegged as the quintessential festival anthems. Now new young gun X-Shai joins the movement with his latest deep house single, “Dance”. From open to close, this track hits everywhere it should. Incredibly appropriate deep intoxicating vocals that progress into a powerful hook, throbbing and energetic keys and a thumping bass line, it’s all there.
What truly stands out about this track are the intricacies. The added falling reverb, the breakdowns, the mid-tempo groove, the slowed down vocals during the verses; it all drives a nostalgic feeling that makes me yearn to hold my girl close, a sensation that is nearly irreplaceable.
And then it breaks into a high energy rhythm sprinkled with falsetto adlibs to add urgency to the energy, before breaking right down again…only to repeat the alluring cycle. It combines all of the essential elements – strong vocal components, a solid mix of electronics, and an impenetrable foundation of bass.
What perhaps is also remarkable about “Dance” is the way it affects the listener. X-Shai’s stunning vocals become even more arresting when laid over the simple synth and handclaps, challenging and inviting listeners to deconstruct exactly what makes X-Shai’s song work as well as it does. The track also questions music’s many genre distinctions by combining his unusual vocals and piano strains with both funky hard baselines and simple strings into something hypnotic.
No doubt X-Shai’s emotional take on a summer banger with a difference, is deep house at its finest, with powerful vocals and a euphoric drop. Contemplative, mature, uplifting, and at times slightly nostalgic, “Dance” proves that there can be thought-provoking and emotionally universal dance music.
Representing the real emotions inside the party, X-Shai manages to make his voice heard in a culture increasingly aware of EDM. X-Shai presents who he is, and what he feels through his music, and it’s a bold response!
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