Camille Schmidt’s latest single, “XOXO,” is an immersive dive into the future of pop. From her forthcoming debut album Nude #9 (January 10th), the Brooklyn-based queer singer-songwriter delivers a track that plays with the boundaries of digital and organic, all while channelling a mesmerising narrative of personal rebirth.
The song begins with a minimalistic drum machine beat and ethereal synths that craft an almost weightless introduction that feels like suspended animation. Then, Camille’s voice enters, layered with bold digital effects that warp and bend her vocals into something simultaneously vulnerable and unbreakable. The vocal processing doesn’t dilute her emotion; instead, it amplifies the haunting power of her words, transforming her voice into an instrument of both confession and defiance.
“XOXO” paints a vivid picture of Camille’s emotional battles and revelations, from contemplating non-traditional family structures to wrestling with inner demons. There’s a turning point in the song where the production intensifies, mirroring the act of shedding an old self as the instrumentation bends and twists, mirroring Camille’s transformation, turning her into a modern-day siren.
With its ability to blend complex, futuristic soundscapes with unguarded storytelling, “XOXO” is a powerful reminder of how music can simultaneously shield and reveal and Camille’s voice, encased in armour-like layers of production, allows her to dismantle the ghosts of the past in an explosive crescendo. It offers one an exhilarating and reflective experience.
