Presented by SONY'S "Lost In Music" (SXSW Badges & Music Wristbands only)
Quinn XCII
Detroit singer/songwriter Quinn XCII is closing out 2016 as a breakout year for the newcomer. With his ability to seamlessly blur the lines between electronic pop, hip-hop, and soul music, he has quickly paved his own lane with his unique sound.
An early mixtape release turned heads, but it was his debut EP Change of Scenery, released in 2015, that put Quinn XCII on the map, connecting with the blogosphere and snaring millions of online streams. His next single "Stung" went to #1 on Hype Machine, and a follow-up EP release, Bloom, cemented his ability to meld styles and write about more varied subject matter. Next it was his featured vocals on “Kings of Summer”, a collaboration with longtime friend and producer ayokay (with whom he also exclusively worked with on his first two EPs), that started to bring him to the mainstream. The song became the sleeper summer hit of 2016, reaching #1 on Spotify’s Global Viral Charts, #1 on HypeMachine, accumulating over 40 million plays on Spotify, and getting regular spins at Top 40 radio around the country.
Quinn XCII’s breakthrough Spring and Fall tours have garnered the singer/songwriter raves for his versatile performing style. With over 70 shows across the country under his belt in 2016, including Billboard’s Hot 100 Festival in Long Island NY, he has become known by fans for his live show. His energy and personality translate naturally during his performance, making even the festival-sized crowds feel like intimate shows.
With his new single “Straightjacket” running high, other producer/artist collaborations in the pipeline (he’s been involved in writing sessions for a host of other artists, recently), and a debut album on the horizon for 2017, Quinn XCII’s rising star seems poised to elevate.
Programming descriptions are generated by participants and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of SXSW.