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Xinobi’s New Album ‘Balsame’ is Out Now.

Stream and buy it everywhere here, including on Vinyl in two different colour variants.

We have been waiting a long time to say that and we couldn’t be prouder and happier to have it out in the world. ‘Balsame’ features incredible features from Meta_, Margarida Encarnação, Alem-i Adastra and Arâm.

Whereas previous album ‘On the Quiet’ was oriented towards a more personal and introspective experience with an inner questioning of his own position in the world, through his life experience and social conscience growth, ‘Balsame’ instead represents something grander for Xinobi, this time approaching it from more of a collective and all-encompassing community perspective. It introduces the idea of something to soothe a global discomfort. Something Xinobi elaborates on:

“I see it almost as something like a balm, to sweeten the daily scars and social struggle out there. Not in an introspective way, but through action, movement, and collective questioning. The constant search for solace, to appease our sorrows will only be possible to satisfy through action, through active and proactive questioning, on the street or at home, in the most collective way possible. It’s a cliche but: Unity is strength. And people have proved through time that together they are better, question things better, act better and collectively heal better.”

If that endless search for happiness seems unattainable, Xinobi reasons, then the search for something that helps us in this specific moment is a more than reasonable compromise. Promoting a message of being proactive rather than reactive - defying yourself to look forward the future with an open mind.

Deficiency is a common thread of Xinobi’s work, something which first manifests itself on track opener and first single taken from the album - ‘La Tormenta’ – a track about the strength and power of women, who always end up emerging from the darkness. Whether it be in medieval times or more modern times, there are generations of women who always manage to get back on their feet after complicated times. It gets this message across with spiritual and esoteric references like the moon, sacred fires and the tempest in which she (as a woman) is the survivor.

Another process Xinobi considers to be “revolutionary”, is the process of simply healing. He adds: “Healing is a disruptive thing in a world that tends to shatter life. Imagine a universal invigorating as a path to a freedom.”

The “think local, act global” classic phrase has become one that never lost its contemporary status at any historical moment as we tend keep connecting ourselves to personal desires, regardless of the consequences. Again, Xinobi proposes and reminds us, that we at least need to try to work together, as much and as often as possible.

In keeping with the collaborative vein that runs through the album, he adds to his illustrious list of guests. One of the features on the record is Meta_ (on ‘La Tormenta’ and ‘Mujer’) - artistic name of Mariana Bragada, who constantly explores the essence of the voice. A hybrid between nature and technology with Portuguese and universal languages dancing in between. She is a singer songwriter inspired by nature, love, and freedom. A weaver of melodies that invites you to connect with your own essence by being present and expressing truth freely. Elsewhere on the album Turkish artist Alem-i Adastra (AKA Asli Kose) provides a star turn on the stunning ‘Başa Bela’, soprano singer Margarida Encarnação adds her soul searching vocal to ‘Amor Cego’, an immensely powerful track. Another vital presence on the album is that of mysterious new artist, Arâm, who here contributes to three tracks - Phénix, La Vie and title track Balsame. Hers being such an imposing, arresting voice that you can’t help but hear her as a focal voice and messenger of this album.

All of the above tracks are of course amongst the more staple dance floor oriented pieces that Xinobi has become synonymous with. Interweaving and complementing each other, it’s feels like such a complete record, one that can be consumed whole or in its individual parts, hitting home at every turn and providing moments both to relate to, and dance to. Hypnotically beautiful, with ‘Balsame’ Xinobi will look to build on his incredible current momentum, channeling some of his best ever work into an album that upon hearing it, many will agree, is yet another definitive statement from a producer that continues to create exceptional art.

The album artwork was created from scratch by none other than lauded designer Bráulio Amado who here provides a visual feast that tied in intrinsically to the feel of the record.