PREMIERE: ANTXNXO – BURNING (2026)
Emerging as one of the most intriguing and compelling voices in the UK alternative music scene, London-based ANTXNXO binds elements of R&B, hip-hop, soul and a bit of alt-pop. Capturing the essence of vintage styles, but with a strong contemporary flavour, his music can drag you to the 1990s/2000s yet remain strongly in 2026. Not only does ANTXNXO embrace the timelessness of genres, but he delves into universal, timeless themes in his music; a glance, or rather a dive, into existential issues of connection, identity and self-discovery. The single ‘BURNING’ has a look at transformation and rebirth – and it is this track that begins our ANTXNXO music journey.
“The single captures the visceral concept of metamorphosis… The idea of shedding old skin and it burning away and starting a new life as somebody new.” – ANTXNXO on ‘BURNING’
Taken from ANTXNXO’s debut album ONLY THE DARKNESS CAN SAVE ME NOW, ‘BURNING’ is a rather short song at just under two minutes, but it is by no means less impactful than the other, lengthier songs. Produced with Erim Ahmet, ‘BURNING’ offers the intensity of hip-hop, but with the silkiness of old-school soul. On one side, smooth and gentle, like setting adrift on a glistening sonic river. However, the bounce and toe-tapping beat is expressed as tumultuous swirls tempting to escape beneath the river’s surface. A hint of gentle confidence while vulnerability lingers in the background.
Part of ANTXNXO’s debut release, I was entirely unsure what to expect. ANTXNXO is new, fresh, and an interesting new face (or rather voice) to our and everyone else’s ears. Yet, just as the duality between fragility and self-assurance, there is a feeling of familiarity to calm your soul while still embracing something entirely new.
Sincere, sentimental and empowering, and let’s not forget the honey-drenched vocals, ‘BURNING’ is an excellent introduction to an artist I know will turn heads very soon. Highly recommended!
In addition to the single, ANTXNXO released an official music video for ‘BURNING’. You can view the video below and/or on his YouTube channel. Please note that this video uses lighting effects that can trigger seizures in people with photosensitive epilepsy. Viewer discretion is advised.
VIEWER DISCRETIONI IS ADVISED
Find out more about ANTXNXO on his Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
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