X Ambassadors

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X Ambassadors
X Ambassadors performing in December 2015
X Ambassadors performing in December 2015
Background information
Also known as
  • Ambassadors
  • XA
OriginIthaca, New York, United States
Genres
Years active2009–present
Labels
Associated acts
Websitewww.xambassadors.com
Members
  • Sam Harris
  • Casey Harris
  • Adam Levin
Past membersNoah Feldshuh

X Ambassadors (also stylized XA) is an American rock band from Ithaca, New York. Its members currently include lead vocalist Sam Harris, keyboardist Casey Harris, and drummer Adam Levin. Their most notable songs include "Jungle", "Renegades", and "Unsteady". The band's debut full-length album, VHS, was released on June 30, 2015. Their second album Orion was released on June 14, 2019.

History[]

2009–12: Ambassadors and Litost[]

X Ambassadors began as a band titled Ambassadors, touring with artists such as LIGHTS. During this time, they self-released their debut EP, Ambassadors EP, creating a music video for its lead single, "Tropisms", shot and directed by Rodrigo Zedillo. Shortly after, the band self-released its debut LP, Litost, which included the song "Litost", which would later be used on the soundtrack for The Host. The band signed a music publishing deal in 2012 with SONGS Music Publishing.[1] The band started a Kickstarter account to shoot a video for the lead single, "Unconsolable", which would be re-recorded later.[2] The group was noticed by Imagine Dragons while frontman Dan Reynolds was sick in the hospital in Norfolk, Virginia. Reynolds heard an acoustic version of "Litost" on 96X WROX-FM and asked Interscope to sign the band as soon as possible.[3][4]

2013–14: Love Songs Drug Songs and The Reason[]

X Ambassadors released their debut major label EP, Love Songs Drug Songs in 2013. The EP included the track "Stranger" co-written by Dan Reynolds.[5] In promotion of the EP they toured supporting Imagine Dragons, Jimmy Eat World and The Mowglis. In 2014, the band released a second major label EP, The Reason. Two of the tracks from the EP, "Unsteady" and "Jungle" later appeared on their full-length album VHS released after a year. In promotion of the new EP, X Ambassadors supported Panic! at the Disco and Imagine Dragons on their respective tours. They also featured in The Knocks' single "Comfortable" from their second EP with the same name.

2015–16: VHS[]

In March 2015, they released the single "Renegades". That song later appeared in their debut LP. The album was released June 30, 2015 via digital download, vinyl record and CD. The album features 20 tracks, including 7 interludes and 3 previously released songs for a total of 10 new songs. The album features collaborations with Jamie N Commons and Imagine Dragons. A special edition titled VHS 2.0 was released on June 10, 2016, with five additional tracks and the interludes removed.

X Ambassadors appeared as a collaboration on their earlier title "Comfortable" with The Knocks', which was originally released back in 2013, as part of the duo's debut album, entitled 55, which was released in March 2016. However, later on in the year, X Ambassadors lead singer Sam Harris was reunited with the duo in their new collaboration, entitled "Heat", which was released in October 2016.

On June 20, 2016, the band announced that Feldshuh would be taking an indefinite hiatus from the band to deal with personal issues.[6] X Ambassadors later stated he would have to continue music as a trio.

2017: Single releases[]

X Ambassadors released four stand-alone singles in 2017: "Hoping" in March, "Torches" in April, "The Devil You Know" in June, and "Ahead of Myself" in July.[7] They also performed at the 2017 National Scout Jamboree. The band was featured in a song by Eminem titled "Bad Husband," off his album Revival. They also performed in a song titled "Home" on the soundtrack for the Netflix film Bright. The song includes pop singer Bebe Rexha and rapper Machine Gun Kelly.

2018–2020: Joyful (cancelled album), Orion, and Belong[]

X Ambassadors released their next single, "Joyful", on January 26, 2018, originally intended to be the title track of their second album.[8] Later that day they announced their second full-length album, Joyful, through their Instagram accounts, and pre-orders became available through their website.[9] The album was slated for an April 2018 release. On February 2, 2018, the band released another single off the album titled "Don't Stay".[10]

On January 24, 2019, X Ambassadors released their next single titled "Boom". Three months later, on April 19, 2019, over a year after the announcement of the album Joyful, it was announced that the band had cancelled it in favor of their new work for their new upcoming second studio album Orion. "Boom" became the first single off the new album. Lead singer Sam Harris stated that Joyful was the second iteration of their second album, and that they felt like the songs on it did not represent where they were at.[11] The singles released prior to the album's cancellation will continue to be available on streaming services. That same day, the band released another new song titled "Hey Child", as the second single off their new album. A third single from the album, titled "Hold You Down", was released on May 31, 2019.[12] The album was released on June 14, 2019.[11]

On April 19, 2019, American rapper and singer Lizzo released her album "Cuz I Love You", which featured the tracks "Cuz I Love You", "Jerome", and "Heaven Help Me", all produced by X Ambassadors.[13]

On August 16, 2019, the band was featured on a song titled "In Your Arms", off of Illenium's third studio album titled Ascend.[14]

On August 23, 2019, the band released a politically-charged stand-alone single titled "Optimistic." The song centers around gun violence in the United States.[15]

On February 7, 2020, the band released a single titled "Everything Sounds Like a Love Song".[16] It was released as the lead single of the band's upcoming EP. On February 21, 2020, the band released a single titled "Great Unknown" for the theatrical film The Call of the Wild.[17]

On March 6, 2020, the band released a three song EP titled Belong. It is the band's first EP since The Reason in January 2014. The EP includes the songs "Everything Sounds Like a Love Song", "Happy Home", and "Belong". Lead singer Sam Harris stated that the EP is a collection of songs that the band wrote that didn't quite fit on their upcoming third studio album, but they loved the songs and wanted to put them out.[18] On May 15, 2020, the band released another single, "Zen," featuring K.Flay and grandson. The song focuses on trying to find a way to stay calm and grounded during the COVID-19 Pandemic.

2021–present: (Eg) and The Beautiful Liar[]

On January 14, 2021, X Ambassadors released a single called "ultraviolet.tragedies," featuring Terrell Hines. It is the first single from an upcoming collaborations project "(Eg)." Sam Harris said that with this project he wanted to "give a voice to (several) incredible artists that people may not have heard yet, and really let their imagination be at the forefront of everything."[19]

On February 7, 2021, the band released a cover of "Blinding Lights" by The Weeknd.

On February 12, 2021, they released their next single from (Eg), "skip.that.party," featuring Jensen McRae.

On June 11, 2021, the band released a new song titled "My Own Monster", which was also announced to be the lead single off their upcoming third studio album The Beautiful Liar. The album is scheduled to be released on September 24, 2021, along with a tour beginning in October 2021.[20]

Musical style and influences[]

In an interview with Caitlin White, X Ambassadors declared themselves distinctly rock with few characteristics commonly associated with indie bands.[3] They referenced Incubus and the Red Hot Chili Peppers as heroes.[3]

Philanthropy[]

In January 2017, Sam Harris participated in the official Women's March on Washington after-party.[21][22] Harris was joined by The National, Ani DiFranco, Samantha Ronson, Sleater-Kinney, and many others.

In March 2017, X Ambassadors performed a special show to benefit Planned Parenthood on International Women's Day.[23]

Following the benefit show, X Ambassadors released the song "Hoping" on March 10.[24][25] All proceeds from the song for the six months following its release were donated to the ACLU.[25]

In June 2017, X Ambassadors announced that they would donate all the proceeds from their Mississippi Coast Coliseum Show to Unity Mississippi - an LGBT charitable organization,[26] following the announcement that the State of Mississippi signed HB 1523 - the "Protecting Freedom of Conscience from Government Discrimination Act" into law.[27]

Band members[]

Clockwise from top left: Sam Harris, Casey Harris, Adam Levin, Noah Feldshuh, performing in 2016
  • Sam Harris – lead vocals, guitar, saxophone, bass guitar, drums, percussion (2009–present)
  • Casey Harris – piano, keyboards, backing vocals (2009–present)
  • Adam Levin – drums, percussion (2009–present)

Former member[]

  • Noah Feldshuh – lead guitar, bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals (2009–2016; currently on hiatus)

Members information[]

  • Sam and Casey Harris are brothers; their father, Rob Harris, is a unit publicist in the film industry.[28] They have been friends with Feldshuh since kindergarten in Ithaca. Sam met Levin while attending the New School in New York City in 2006.[29][30]
  • Casey Harris has been blind since birth.[31][32]
  • Noah Feldshuh is the eldest son of playwright David Feldshuh and a nephew of the actress Tovah Feldshuh.[33]

Discography[]

Main article: X Ambassadors discography
  • Litost (2012)
  • VHS (2015)
  • Orion (2019)
  • The Beautiful Liar (2021)

Awards and nominations[]

Year Award Category Work Result Ref.
2015 Teen Choice Awards Choice Music: Rock Song "Renegades" Nominated [34]
2016 Hollywood Music in Media Awards Best Song – Sci-Fi/Fantasy Film "Sucker for Pain" Nominated [35]
iHeartRadio Music Awards Alternative Rock Artist of the Year X Ambassadors Nominated [36]
Alternative Rock Song of the Year "Renegades" Nominated
Billboard Music Awards Top Rock Artist X Ambassadors Nominated [37]
Top Rock Song "Renegades" Nominated
American Music Awards Favorite Artist - Alternative Rock X Ambassadors Nominated [38]
2017 Billboard Music Awards Top Rock Artist X Ambassadors Nominated [39]
Top Rock Song "Sucker for Pain" Nominated
"Unsteady" Nominated
Teen Choice Awards Choice Rock Artist X Ambassadors Nominated [40]

References[]

  1. ^ "SONGS Music Publishing". Songspub.com. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  2. ^ "Help Ambassadors Make Two Music Videos! by Jacob Albert — Kickstarter". Kickstarter.com. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  3. ^ Jump up to: a b c "Introducing: X Ambassadors, Brooklyn's Least "Indie" Rock Band | Pigeons & Planes". Pigeonsandplanes.com. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  4. ^ "X Ambassadors Interview - 92 WICB". YouTube. Retrieved April 29, 2016.
  5. ^ Matt Collar (May 7, 2013). "Love Songs Drug Songs - X Ambassadors | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved July 23, 2014.
  6. ^ "X Ambassadors' Noah Feldshuh on Indefinite Hiatus from Band". KROQ. June 17, 2016. Retrieved January 18, 2018.
  7. ^ iHeartRadio (July 26, 2017). "X Ambassadors Nervous About Second Album! - Exclusive Interview". YouTube. Retrieved December 25, 2017.
  8. ^ "X Ambassadors Explain Inspiration for 'Ahead of Myself' Video, Label Trump 'An Idiot' Over DACA". Billboard. Retrieved January 22, 2018.
  9. ^ BWW News Desk. "X Ambassadors Release Powerful New Single + Video 'Joyful'". Retrieved January 27, 2018.
  10. ^ "Don't Stay - Single by X Ambassadors on Apple Music". Apple Music. Retrieved February 2, 2018.
  11. ^ Jump up to: a b "X Ambassadors' Sam Harris Talks 'Hey Child' Single, 'Game of Thrones' Music & Rock's Urgent Need for Diversity". Billboard. Retrieved April 19, 2019.
  12. ^ X AMBASSADORS (@XAmbassadors) (May 30, 2019). "Tomorrow #HoldYouDown". Twitter.
  13. ^ Hampp, Andrew. "Songs for Screens: X Ambassadors' Sam Nelson Harris Talks 'Game of Thrones,' Playing Paul Stanley of Kiss". Variety. Variety. Retrieved December 6, 2019.
  14. ^ X AMBASSADORS (@XAmbassadors) (August 16, 2019). ".@ILLENIUMMUSIC "ASCEND" out NOW go listen, thank you for having us on "In Your Arms"". Twitter.
  15. ^ X AMBASSADORS (@XAmbassadors) (August 23, 2019). "We need to keep these conversations going. About gun violence prevention. The 24-hour news cycle is unrelenting, but it's important we stay vigilant and don't forget these injustices. Go to http://everytown.org/act to learn more. OPTIMISTIC Out Now: https://smarturl.it/OPTIMISTIC". Twitter. External link in |title= (help)
  16. ^ X AMBASSADORS (@XAmbassadors) (February 7, 2020). "EVERYTHING SOUNDS LIKE A LOVE SONG OUT NOW". Twitter.
  17. ^ X AMBASSADORS (@XAmbassadors) (February 17, 2020). "GREAT UNKNOWN. THIS FRIDAY. #CalloftheWild". Twitter.
  18. ^ Bocci, Maria. "X Ambassadors on belonging, brotherhood and musicianship". The Line of Best Fit. The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved March 5, 2020.
  19. ^ "X Ambassadors announce collaborative '(Eg)' project; listen to new single "ultraviolet.tragedies" now - Music News - ABC News Radio". abcnewsradioonline.com. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  20. ^ Vevo (@Vevo) (June 18, 2021). ".@XAmbassadors' fall tour is booked and their third album 'The Beautiful Liar' is on the way. Until then we got their eerie new video for "My Own Monster" on repeat. Watch here". Twitter.
  21. ^ "The National, Sleater-Kinney, Tig Notaro Join Planned Parenthood Benefit". Rolling Stone. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  22. ^ Polus, Sarah; Polus, Sarah (January 22, 2017). "An abundance of performers and pussyhats at Women's March after-party". The Washington Post. ISSN 0190-8286. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  23. ^ "X Ambassadors' Sam Harris on Supporting Planned Parenthood With Benefit Show: 'It's Such a Vital Organization'". Billboard. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  24. ^ Hoping - Single by X Ambassadors on Apple Music, March 10, 2017, retrieved September 6, 2017
  25. ^ Jump up to: a b "X Ambassadors Debut New Song 'Hoping,' Benefitting the ACLU: Listen". Billboard. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  26. ^ Frometa, R. J. (June 30, 2016). "X Ambassadors Donate Proceeds From Mississippi Coast Coliseum Crawfish Festival Show to Unity Mississippi". Vents Magazine. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  27. ^ "X Ambassadors Donate Proceeds From Local Gig To LGBT Organization Unity Mississippi". All Access. Retrieved September 6, 2017.
  28. ^ Lanham, Tom (December 10, 2015). "X Ambassadors tell cinematic stories in song". The San Francisco Examiner.
  29. ^ Weston, Liana (August 2013). "Meet X Ambassadors, the Brooklyn Indie Rockers Who Are About to Be Everywhere". Teen Vogue. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  30. ^ Treves, Robert (May 10, 2013). "X Ambassadors Love Songs Drug Songs Review". Indiecurrent. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  31. ^ Min, Lilian (April 7, 2014). "X Ambassadors: Sam Harris On Headlining Tours And Living The Major Label Dream". Neon Tommy. Retrieved June 24, 2015.
  32. ^ Varga, George (November 11, 2015). "X Ambassadors keyboardist has musical vision". The San Diego Union-Tribune.
  33. ^ Warshof, Jason (May 18, 2016). "X Ithacans: Ambassadors rock the State". Ithaca Times.
  34. ^ Variety Staff (August 17, 2015). "Teen Choice Awards 2015 Winners: Full List". Variety. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  35. ^ Glasgow, Scott. "2016 Hollywood Music in Media Awards Nominations Announced | Film Music Reporter". filmmusicreporter.com. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  36. ^ "iHeartRadio Music Awards 2016: See the Full Winners List". Billboard. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  37. ^ "Billboard Music Awards 2016: Complete Winners List". Billboard. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  38. ^ "AMAs 2016: See the Full List of Winners". Billboard. Retrieved November 21, 2016.
  39. ^ "Drake, The Chainsmokers Lead Nominees for the 2017 Billboard Music Awards". Billboard. Retrieved April 11, 2017.
  40. ^ Ceron, Ella. "The Pretty Little Liars Were ALL Nominated for the Same EXACT Award". Teen Vogue. Retrieved June 21, 2017.

External links[]

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