"It was a happy coincidence that I ended up working on this project," says Bjarnason, whose classical background and past work with artists like Sigur Rós make him well-positioned to straddle the many genres of 'Lux.' "I come from classical music, but I've worked in pop and electronic music and even jazz, so it's easy for me to move from one world to the next."
FKA twigs continues to chart her own course as one of music's most daring genre shapeshifters. Following the release of her acclaimed 2025 album EUSEXUA, the English singer, songwriter, and multidisciplinary artist is preparing to unveil its deluxe counterpart, Afterglow, on November 14. To build anticipation, she has shared a new single titled "Cheap Hotel," a track that perfectly encapsulates her talent for weaving disparate influences into something seamless, fresh, and emotionally resonant.
Onstage, Manchester four-piece Maruja conduct a series of distinct rituals. Like Moses commanding the Red Sea, sax player Joseph Carroll might gesture for the crowd to part down the middle, then join them to kick off the first song. Singer and guitarist Harry Wilkinson will peel off his shirt and pump through a few pushups at the top of "Break the Tension." Drummer Jacob Hayes and bassist Matt Buonaccorsi may wave their arms in slow motion, like mediums leading a seance.
Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso's Tiny Desk Concert has turned them into global sensations, racking up 36 million views and earning acclaim as the future of music.
XENIA's music reflects a unique sonic identity, merging genres that explore dreamlike states and everyday emotions, showcasing her evolution from underground composer to festival star.