Austin dreampop outfit XANIMAL collaborate with Nagavalli on new single “The Awakening”

April 24, 2026

Electronic collective XANIMAL presents 'The Awakening', a high vibration track that reflects our shifting consciousness, weaving dreampop atmospherics and trip-hop rhythms with evocative world music elements across a downtempo landscape. This is a call to awareness, a reminder that we are all part of something greater and that, as the world evolves, so do we. The video was created by Fumihito Sugawara for Fumanstudios, who also designed the cover artwork.

Based in Austin, XANIMAL is made up of Claude McCan (Claude9, 35MM, Supercreeps), Noëlle Hampton (The Belle Sounds) and Ken Christensen (Love Athletics, East Coast Boogiemen). But on this single, East and West co-mingle harmoniously thanks to a collaboration with fellow Austin musician Nagavalli that infuses this track with meditative tranquility. An Indian-American artist, her brand of “Eastern Soul” blends pop, rock and trance with east-Indian overtones and melodies.

'The Awakening' is XANIMAL's second single, here lush atmospheric synths and hypnotic tablas unfold into funky breakbeats, creating a dynamic sonic landscape. Vocalist Noëlle Hampton delivers a haunting narrative of disillusionment and loss, reflecting the uncertainty and shadows of the modern world. In contrast, Nagavalli's ethereal vocalizations elevate the track, infusing it with a sense of hope and transcendence.

"We decided early on that XANIMAL was going to be a collaborative project and we knew we wanted to join forces with our friend Nagavalli at some point. She is truly magical and brings so much emotion and expression with her singing. I asked Claude if he could create something with a trance like world vibe, and he absolutely delivered. With Nagavalli’s vocals, our vision was complete," says Noëlle Hampton.

"We are having a massive awakening right now. Some of us are realizing our complicity through the inaction that led us here. Some are waking up from being in a gigantic cult of misinformation, misogyny, racism and fear. And some remain there, unfortunately. It certainly feels like we are right up against something massive in our consciousness, something that will hopefully lead to a better world. We will need to make our way through a dark time for a while but I believe a better life will prevail."

Not confined to a single genre, sound, or perspective, XANIMAL's music is a journey across sonic worlds -- ever-changing and ever-exploring. For instance, their debut single 'Love Axis', was remarkably different, a dance track that is more rooted in the bright pulse of 80s synth-pop. Hampton shares, "Our first release leaned into the dance track genre, lighter in mood and sexy. The world has changed a lot since then and I thought it would be appropriate to create something that mirrored the emotional turmoil we are all facing right now as our second track."

XANIMAL's creative vision grows from the understanding that their music doesn’t have to live within predictable confines, but instead should push genre boundaries and exist in its own space. Anchored by Hampton’s ethereal yet soulful vocals, they are emerging as a trio open to collaboration with other artists of a similar mind -- at home or around the globe.

"When we began working on new music after our first single, we initially built a groovy disco track and laid down some vocals. But then the presidential election happened, and suddenly that disco energy didn’t feel right. It no longer matched what we needed to express. I’ve always been drawn to darker, trip-hop–influenced grooves, so when Noëlle suggested shifting in that direction, it felt like the perfect move," says Claude McCan.

"When Noëlle delivered the lyrics and vocals, everything clicked—they fit the music so naturally. I knew we had something special. This track pulls together so much of my musical history while reflecting the emotional weight of the world right now. We wanted to reach beyond ourselves and connect with our Austin community. Nagavalli was someone we’d long hoped to collaborate with, and bringing her into the project opened the door to a more global sound. Her Eastern Soul vocals completely blew us away."

Released via New Human Music, 'The Awakening' is available from fine digital platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music and Bandcamp.

Austin downtempo artist Claude9 debuts chilled 'Chords of Love' album, plus video for title track

March 29, 2025

Austin-based electronic artist Claude9 (a.k.a. Claude McCan) presents his debut album 'Chords of Love', released via indie imprint New Human Music, as well as a new chilled video for the title track, produced by Manny Dojo. This album offers a unique and largely relaxing sound, with light fractals of Enigma, Jean-Michel Jarre, Boards of Canada, Tangerine Dream, Air and Kruder & Dorfmeister. Two tracks also feature the unmistakable talent of Jorja Chalmers (Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry, Italians Do It Better), whose saxophone brings intensity and emotional resonance.

Ahead of this release, Claude9 shared the singles 'Clouds So Low', a soulful track with chilled feel-good vibes, tastefully blends Eno-esque ambient music and downtempo trip-hop, and 'The Shadow', a slice of futuristic wonderment that showcases this relaxing nine-track record.

Weaving together ambient and downtempo electronica, 'Chords of Love' offers a seamless listening experience with six extended tracks and three shorter interlude pieces that flow effortlessly into one another, creating the feeling of one continuous work. This diverse sonic palette brings in everything from cicada field recordings to lush pads, drones, and a mix of real and synthesized vocals.

With the simple yet profound mantra of “Slow down, relax, and listen”, this is a gateway to a relaxed and healing journey. At the same time, it doesn’t shy away from moments of tension or layers of social commentary, adding depth to its soothing exterior.

“This album was inspired by a Brian Eno documentary that explored his collaborations with the German ambient artists Cluster. A specific sequence about two albums they worked on together caught my attention, so I bought one and was amazed by its sound—so distinct from Eno’s solo work. The biggest takeaway for me was the idea of giving myself complete freedom in terms of sound, arrangements, and genres, allowing the creative process to unfold without limits. Shortly after I started working on the album, the COVID lockdown hit, which gave me the rare luxury of time to fully immerse myself in experimentation,” explains Claude 9.

“My studio is something of a mad scientist’s playground, and I was able to make the most of that, diving deep into sounds and textures I hadn’t previously explored. I set out to create music that felt fresh and original—something not heard before—but still accessible and engaging to listen to. I think I achieved that balance. The lyrics are sparse, carrying themes of human unity that I wanted to convey. “Chords of Love” and “The Shadow” are both love songs, but their focus differs: the former is universal, while the latter is more personal. The Black Lives Matter movement protests happened the summer I was creating this album, inspiring the closing track “Enough is Enough,” a reflection on those events and my experience in Austin.”

Imbued with dreamy, rhythmic energy, the ‘Chords of Love’ album blends ambient and downtempo electronica, offering with six extended tracks and three shorter interlude pieces, creating the feeling of one continuous work that makes use of cicada field recordings, lush pads, drones, and a mix of real and synthesized vocals.

Claude McCan has been involved in the Austin music scene for several decades, both as a live performer and recording artist. As a keyboard player and singer, he has worked with Reggae acts Pressure, the Killer Bees, and Raggamassive, cutting his teeth to become a sought-after keyboard player. From there, he joined forces with hiphop-funk act Afrofreque, Supercreeps and Hail Marley.

Emerging in the late 90s as one of Austin's first electronic producers, Claude was involved in several well-received House music collaborations in the early 2000s. His background as a live musician brought authenticity to the dub and funk elements in his electronic compositions and, more recently, to his
collaboration with Noëlle Hampton (the Belle Sounds) and Ken Christensen (East Coast Boogiemen) in synth pop band XANIMAL.

As a producer at Claude9 Studios, Claude continues to produce and record internationally recognized music in the House and Downtempo genres, while still pushing limits and being an influential member of the ever changing Austin music community.

As of March 28, the 'Chords of Love' album is available from fine music platforms, including Apple Music, Spotify and Bandcamp.

Austin electronic artist Claude9 shares Jarre-esque 'The Shadow', previewing debut album

March 13, 2025

Austin-based electronic artist Claude9 will soon be releasing his debut album 'Chords of Love' album, out March 28 via indie imprint New Human Music. As part of this synth-based journey, he now shares another gem - 'The Shadow', a Jean-Michel Jarre-eque slice of futuristic wonderment that showcases this relaxing nine-track record.

This new offering arrives on the heels of 'Clouds So Low', a soulful track with chilled feel-good vibes, tastefully blends Enoesque ambient music and downtempo trip-hop. Encapsulating the dreamy, rhythmic energy that defines much of the album Claude9 also offers a sneak-peek of the full album via a mini-live set, shared on video.

Weaving together ambient and downtempo electronica, 'Chords of Love' offers a seamless listening experience with six extended tracks and three shorter interlude pieces that flow effortlessly into one another, creating the feeling of one continuous work. This diverse sonic palette brings in everything from cicada field recordings to lush pads, drones, and a mix of real and synthesized vocals.

With the simple yet profound mantra of “Slow down, relax, and listen”, this is a gateway to a relaxed and healing journey. At the same time, it doesn’t shy away from moments of tension or layers of social commentary, adding depth to its soothing exterior. Two tracks are also graced by the unmistakable talent of Jorja Chalmers (Roxy Music, Bryan Ferry, Italians Do It Better), whose saxophone elevates the intensity and emotional resonance of this project.

Claude9 has been involved in the Austin music scene for several decades, both as a live performer and recording artist. As a keyboard player and singer, he has worked with Reggae acts Pressure, the Killer Bees, and Raggamassive, cutting his teeth to become a sought-after keyboard player. From there, he joined forces with hiphop-funk act Afrofreque, Supercreeps and Hail Marley.

Emerging in the late 90s as one of Austin's first electronic producers, Claude9 was involved in several well-received House music collaborations in the early 2000s. His background as a live musician brought authenticity to the dub and funk elements in his electronic compositions and, more recently, to his
collaboration with Noëlle Hampton (the Belle Sounds) and Ken Christensen (East Coast Boogiemen) in synth pop band XANIMAL.

As a producer at Claude9 Studios, Claude continues to produce and record internationally recognized music in the House and Downtempo genres, while still pushing limits and being an influential member of the ever changing Austin music community.

'The Shadow' is available exclusively via Bandcamp, where 'Clouds So Low' can also be found - it is also available from fine music platforms, including Apple Music and Spotify. Out March 28, the 'Chords of Love' album is now available for pre-order - it will be released digitally and on vinyl. That same evening, Claude9 will hold his record release party at Stargazer Bar in Austin.